Beyond the Offering Plate: The Importance of Investing in What Matters

Marvin Sapp addresses the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Baltimore, rallying support to achieve a $40,000 fundraising goal.

The other day, I posted a question: “What was Marvin Sapp trying to pay for?” This question stemmed from a viral video that has been circulating the internet. In the video, Pastor Marvin Sapp passionately urged the ushers at congregation at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention to “close the door” as he worked to raise $40K. While it was a direct and bold approach, it sparked a flood of conversation and raised a critical point about the dynamics of fundraising in faith-based and community circles.

Here's that video. You can start at 3:28:00 for Pastor Sapp's commentary and fundraising.

Full video of the109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Baltimore, MD.

Let me be clear: when I asked this question, it came from a place of genuine curiosity. I didn't know. However, I’ve always cringed a bit during moments when preachers or pastors attempt to "inspire" the congregation to “dig a little deeper.” I can’t recall a moment where, my dad, Pastor George M. Patterson, Sr. did anything quite like this at Pleasant View Missonary Baptist Church in Trinity Gardens, Mobile, Alabama. Maybe my memory is fuzzy, but I never remember being pushed to dig deeper in such a direct, transactional way. Maybe that’s why this clip hit differently for me.

After watching Pastor Sapp’s explanation and the original video, I began to understand what he was trying to do and why he did it. It was one of those “dig a little deeper” moments that he was facilitating for the organization (church) that helped him get to where he is today—something he felt compelled to do to give back and support the work of his faith community. It made sense when you see the broader picture of support and giving.

Watch Pastor Marvin Sapp's explanation here.

In a comment response to my original post, I made the statement: "We (event organizers) can’t plan to pay people out of the offering or the door. And people should not be coerced into giving." I stand by that position because I believe that giving should be intentional, voluntary, and from a place of true generosity—not forced or driven by pressure.

As I reflected on this, though, I also thought about the power of strategic giving. We are all called to give—whether that’s through our time, talent, or treasure. And it’s not just about giving during services, in offerings, or at fundraising events. True giving happens when we invest our resources in ways that have lasting impact.

Pastor Marvin Sapp, from what I gathered, is a person who gives cheerfully of his time, talent, and treasure. That’s something we can all aspire to. But the deeper question for all of us is: Where are you investing your time, talent, and treasure? Are you investing in your church? Your HBCU? A local Black-owned business? Community-based initiatives?

In this era where resources are limited, it’s crucial to be strategic with our investments. This means thinking about where our time, talent, and treasure can create the most impact. Supporting Black-owned businesses, for instance, is not just about buying a product—it’s about helping to circulate wealth within our community, providing jobs, and creating generational change.

If you think about it, the way you invest your resources can help to uplift the very pillars that will support future generations. This goes beyond the offering plate—it’s about contributing to institutions, causes, and communities that are aligned with your values and that serve the greater good.

So I challenge you to ask yourself: Where are you putting your money, time, and talent? Are your investments in alignment with the future you want to build? The people, organizations, and movements you support today will shape the future for tomorrow.

Let’s not just give—let’s give strategically, with purpose and intent.

Where will you direct your resources to create lasting change?

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About the Author:

George "Chuck" Patterson is the founder of MS Black Pages and the MS Black Business Expo. Chuck is also a Fall 2000 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through the Rho Epsilon Chapter at Tougaloo College. He remains an active member through the Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter in Moss Point, MS. A business strategist, media producer, and community advocate, he is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and building a better Mississippi.