Pastor Marvin Sapp has left netizens in shock after asking his congregation to contribute Ksh 5,176,000 ($40,000) as a seed offering in church.

In a now-viral video, the American preacher began by instructing the ushers to close the doors of the church.

Pastor Marvin then pointed out that with 1,000 people in attendance and another 1,000 watching online, raising the amount would be simple if each one contributed Ksh 2,584 ($20).

“Ushers, close the doors. You are not going anywhere but to a restaurant,” he declared.

He went on to highlight the value of $20, reminiscing about how he once used it for a date with his late wife.

“I am challenging each one of you all to give a twenty-dollar seed. Actually, twenty dollars is a lot of money. When my late wife was alive, I used to take her out on a date. I could take her to the movies, buy a box of popcorn, a drink, and two straws. I ain’t cheap, but at least I could look her in the eye,” he stated.

However, preachers were given a different target, instead of Ksh 2,584 ($20), they were asked to offer Ksh 12,920 ($100).

“There is a thousand in church today and a thousand more watching online. If I could get all of you to plant a small seed of Ksh 2,584, we would bless the church with Ksh 5,176,000,” he said.

As the offering moment unfolded, Pastor Marvin instructed that all tithe baskets be brought to the front and insisted that every congregant should come forward to ensure everyone had contributed.

For those giving electronically, he had a special directive, “Even if you are giving electronically, come and stick your phone into the basket,” he said.

His remarks sparked a heated debate on social media, with some criticising the approach.

@kxngarthxr commented, “This is how people fall out of love with the church smh.”

@doctorbobby wrote, “Doors closed or open, pressuring people isn’t the spirit. People are struggling and can barely pay their bills.”

@dr.disabilityscholar questioned, “Where in the Bible did it say they closed the doors and made people tithe?”

Quoting scripture, @elevatewitheleanor referenced 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, stating, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. If you have to force people to give, it’s the wrong heart posture on both ends. That’s why people turn away from Christianity. Now in the words of God through Moses, open the doors and ‘LET MY PEOPLE GO!’”