Why Not Pastor Marvin Sapp!
Written by: Kathy Curry
If I walk into my 14 yr old niece’s bedroom, first thing in the morning while she is still lying in bed, and she is listening to her favorite CD, why not Thirsty? If a song is destined to remain on the charts week after week after week, why not be a spirit lifting, help me make it through, encouraging gospel powerhouse Never Would Have Made It? If a singer of epic proportions is going to delight the airwaves and be one of the most played gospel artists of 2008, why not Pastor Marvin Sapp!
Marvin Sapp was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and began singing in church at age four. He spent his teenage years singing with a number of Gospel groups and ensembles before being invited by Gospel singer Fred Hammond to sing with Commissioned. Sapp debuted with Commissioned in the early ’90s after Keith Staten left for solo work. He recorded the Commissioned albums Number 7 and Matters of the Heart with members Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Mike Williams and Karl Reid. After Hammond and Williams left as well, Sapp recorded the group’s final album, 1996′s Irreplaceable Love. By that time Sapp had signed a solo contract too, and March 1996 saw the release of his self-titled debut on Word Records. The album reunited him with former Commissioned mate Fred Hammond (who produced the LP), and featured the gospel hits “Calling Me” and “In His Presence.” Sapp’s sophomore effort, Grace & Mercy, appeared in May 1997, followed two years later by Nothing Else Matters. After a short absence from the music scene, he reappeared under contract at Versity Records and released the song “I Believe” on the Wow Gospel 2002 album. ~ John Bush, All Music
Marvin Sapp is Founder and Senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to marvinsapp.com, as senior pastor and leader, Pastor Sapp is a passionate orator and biblical teacher, whose desire is to be a living epistle glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ both in word and in deed. Many say his voice is instantly recognizable. Characteristically raspy ringing with power and authority as he masterfully illustrates with excellence the word of God. Not only is his delivery exemplary, his knowledge of the historical text brings to life the message of hope and healing. Pastor Sapp has been described as: Not a singer that happens to preach but a Preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.
Pastor Sapp has shared the stage with many gospel notables and his gift is celebrated across music genres. While he has enjoyed a decorated music ministry receiving Stellar Awards, Gospel Music Excellence Award, as well as Grammy, Soul Train Music and Dove Award nominations, he has also been honored in his hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan.
Recognized for his professional and philanthropic efforts, he has received the city’s highest African American honor, a Giants Award, as well as the Frederick Douglas award from the National Association of Negro and Professional Women’s Club.
Not complacent, yet pressing towards the mark, Sapp pastors one of the fastest growing churches in Western Michigan: Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. He is innovative in his approach to winning the lost and edifying the believer. As a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pastor Marvin is committed to his community and enjoys taking the message to the masses. In his inaugural year, the ministry has initiated a Full Life approach with an emphasis of addressing the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of the body.
Sapp is married to Malinda Sapp, a local college professor, psychologist, and who serves as the Administrative Pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. They have three children: Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson.
Pastor Sapp’s solo albums include:
• 1996: Marvin Sapp
• 1997: Grace and Mercy
• 1999: Nothing Else Matter
• 2001: I Believe
• 2003: Diary of Psalmist
• 2005: Be Exalted
• 2007: Thirsty
Sapp has recorded seven albums. Recently, Sapp has achieved crossover fame with the release of “Never Would Have Made It” from the album Thirsty. It has peaked at #14 on the on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
I don’t know about you, but I feel blessed every time I hear so many of Pastor Sapp’s songs. Although I have only heard him deliver brief words of encourage and testimony, I have heard his preaching is as awesome as his singing! I must admit, until Thirsty, I haven’t been as addicted to Pastor Sapp as others I know. My sisters are avid Marvin Sapp junkies. I think they own every album he has recorded. As I close, I implore you, if you don’t own any of Pastor Sapp’s CDs, please run quick and at least buy Thirsty. My favorites songs are (in this order): Never Would Have Made It, Thirsty, Rivers Flow, Worshipper In Me, Place of Worship, Praise Him in Advance. Shoot! I love ‘em all! Tell me your favorites and what you think about Pastor Marvin Sapp!
Tags: awards, billboard, gospel, Hip-Hop, hits, Marvin Sapp, pastor, song
August 24th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Well, I have lots to say but will try to keep it brief. I am one of the ones guilty of being a Marvin Sapp junkie, but with good reason. I do have all but I think 1 CD or I either have them all and there are powerful songs on them all but they just didn’t get as much play because it wasn’t their season to shine, OH BUT NOW THERE’S THIRSTY!!! Not only have I listened to it repeatedly, but a friend let me borrow her DVD and I’ve watched it multiple times. IT ministers to a place that only God and Marvin Sapp can reach for me at this time. I’ve also gone online and read about his accomplishments as pastor and it’s tremendous what he has done and plans to do. The amazing thing is that he is young and is doing all this. I know from watching the DVD that the song “Never would have made it” came at a time in his life when his father, musical mentor, and pastor all died within 90 days and look how that song has both blessed us and changed history. They play it everywhere, gospel and secular stations and it’s more folks ring tone that any other song I have EVER heard. Let’s thank the Lord for giving us Marvin Sapp to bless this world!!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Amen Sister!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I don’t listen to a lot of Gospel music. I like jazz, blues, old school R&B, and soft rock. There are a few gospel musicians I have grown really fond of, such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, and Helen Baylor. You will have to turn me on to some of Pastor Sapp music If I like it I will download his CD to my i pod. I’m already curious, based on your rave review!
I consider myself to be a Christan, but I don’t belong to a church. Not because I don’t like fellowship; quite the contrary, I do. I have not fond a church I like and was well received at.
If I go a couple times and the members are acting funny style or the pastor look at me in a ungodly way, I will not go back. Lets just say, I have not met a congregation of like minds.
I admit it, I’m still looking for perfection in mankind, keeping in mind that I’m not perfect. God is still working on me and I believe he is working a good work in me–in my mind, I’m favored and highly blessed.
Perhaps, one day I will wake up and decide that being saved has a different meaning then the convictions I now hold dear to my heart regarding what saved folks should act like, Jesus dieing for our sins our not.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Marvin Sapp is definitely a favorite of mine and Thirsty quickly overtook Never Would Have Made It as MY favorite song on his newest album. Man that song right there! If you ever need peace, just listen to Thirsty! I guarantee, you will not be disappointed.
Kim Sawyers last blog post..Why Not Pastor Marvin Sapp!
August 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
As Christians, we are definitely held to higher standards aren’t we? I guess that’s why Christians are sometimes perceived as hypocritical by non-Christians. Think about it. Some Christians can be downright mean, rude, gossipy (is that a word?), etc. However, what I continue to find out daily is that I cannot let how another ‘Christian’ act impact the way I act. Does that make sense? I say this in response to your comment about “still looking for perfection in mankind, keeping in mind that I’m not perfect.”
In regards to Marvin Sapp, definitely check him out. You will like him. I like old school R&B too. If Marvin Sapp were to ever sing secular music, I think he’d fall into that category.
Kim Sawyers last blog post..Why Not Pastor Marvin Sapp!
August 24th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
i must admit, i’m not a big marvin sapp fan. i’ve never given him a chance though. i saw him in person one time and he talked about fred alot. he said that fred was his idle and he wanted to sing like him and what not. then one day fred called him and he couldnt believe he was actually talking to thee fred hammond. most of yall know the rest of the story, he became a member of commissioned and got to sing along side fred for a while. fred is my favorite and anyone trying to be fred, aint fred. i know marvin has done much good and now that he’s doin’ he own thing it’s all good. maybe i’ll go out and buy my first marvin sapp cd, unless fred has a new one out.
alright, i gotta go. i didn’t mean to be hatin’ on marvin.
pray my strength in the lord.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Sorry, I am not a fan.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
corrections
idol
his
pray for my spelling.
August 24th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Yes, it makes all the sense in world. I like to play by the beat of my own drum, so to speak–I personally believe leading comes from example; examples are the best learning tools. For now I lean to my own understanding of God’s word and the things he reveal to my through everyday life–I’m not saying this is a good way to be; I’ll be the first to admit my knowledge of God’s word doesn’t come from years of formal learning–more than less, common sense: Wright vs wrong.
When I know better, I “try” to act on what I know is right and not react, based on my weaknesses or lower desires…I’m not perfect, as I stated before, I fall short (more times than I care to admit) of doing the right thing. But on the other hand I re-frame from a lot of foolishness. For I don’t want to get caught-up begging for forgiveness when I know the act was wrong in the first place. How many times can we say God please forgive me, I was weak? In most case we can’t say, I didn’t know any better–for God knows our hearts…
Can someone please explain Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 to me?
August 24th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
You mean Thirsty doesn’t speak to your spirit??? Wow. We are all entitled to our own opinion, just never thought I’d ever hear someone say that! To me in saying you don’t like Marvin Sapp in “gospeldom”, is like saying you don’t like Whitney’s singing or Luther ‘s singing in the secular realm. It is just almost unbelievable! Again I say, wow…
August 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I’m praying your strength as I implore you to give Marvin a chance! Just buy Thirsty and hover around songs 5 -13 . I PROMISE you won’t be disappointed!!! I love all the ones that are getting play, but put on Worshipper In Me and let it simmer there for a few minuites.. Then go to Place Of Worship and throw your hands up through the entire song and you might as well leave them up for In The Garden. Never Would Have Made It is next so… Then I dare you to go to the end and pep up your step with Rivers Flow. Please get back with us and let us know how your first “openminded” Marvin Sapp experience went!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Shoot! Y’all done got me revved up! I’m gonna let some Rivers Flow right now!
August 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Carol, I will bring it for you to hear.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Okay, I look forward to the experience…
August 24th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
you need to take some fred to carol.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
You know what……I had typed all this stuff about how much I love Marvin (I’m the other junkie) but decided not to say all that and simply say Never Would Have Made It is the BOMB. That’s obvious. The proof is the records he’s broken BUT he has made so many other songs that will minister to your spirit it ain’t even funny. I can run down a list of songs that have ministered to me. Just a few of them are, Not the Time or The Place, Like a Rose, More & More, Grace and Mercy, Nothing Else Matters, In Everything Give Thanks, Lord We Need You. I could go on and on.
For those of you who don’t have any of his CDs, go and get one. It really doesn’t matter which one you get and it doesn’t matter what year it was made. It will minister to you.
The song Nothing Else Matters will have your hands in the air and tears in your eyes. No lie. Let me leave you with a few lines from that song :0)
So many pressures in life and so many reasons to throw in the towel
But when I feel like I’m loosing this fight, consolation from heaven comes clearly to me
To remind me that Nothing Else Matters than seeing You Jesus
Seeking the master, the one who reins over my life,
Nothing else matters than seeing You Jesus,
Just to sit at Your feet, hear Your voice clearly speak lifts me out of defeat
For in You I’m complete it reminds me that NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!
Can the church say AMEN!!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Among other things, good and maybe bad, I’m a Commissioned junkie. There was one more studio album after irreplaceable love – Time and Seasons. I don’t have it though because they were never the same after Fred left.
Speaking of Fred, when Marvin Sapp first joined Commissioned he was trying to sing/sound just like Fred. I’m not sure if it was on his own or if someone told him to do it, but listen to his first album with the group and you will see what I mean. Now his sound is all his own.
Hmm, haven’t we heard enough of this song as far as a song that is constantly played on the radio? I’m not saying the message isn’t something the world needs, but it has been played a lot. There are also a few people who have it as their ring tones that need a change!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Something else. The song Thirsty is one of the best on the album simply because of the powerful message it delivers. This is a song that any believer can listen to and it will sink in. I would think it safe to say we all have things that reach us on and emotional and spiritual (not necessarily talking about church y’all) level. If music is one of those things for you, certain songs almost become tools to motivate, sooth, calm or energize at a given time. Thirsty is one such tool. I would (gasp) almost say it is two steps below songs like “No Weapon.”
August 25th, 2008 at 6:29 am
I agree with you Tom. I lLOVE Marv but I’m so tired of driving down the street and hearing (loudly seems like) NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT!! They play it so much here that for a minute you don’t know if they’re going to play the whole song or if it’s another commercial. Yes, it’s played as part of a commercial all the time too.
I love Thirsty too (I forgot to add that to my list of songs earlier). I need thee, Oh I need thee!! That’s ol school right there. Ya’ll remember back at the Tabernacle. Dr. Rev. Bishop Sawyer(s) singing that from his heart. He probably still is :0)
Korbyn will play that song on rewind forever. She had her girlfriends over spending the night and had my Marv CD playing Thirsty, singing at the top of her voice. After awhile the girlfriends joined in too (did they have a choice, no).
LOVE IT!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Uh Rumma…….how did Vicki’s pic get with Tori’s comment?
August 25th, 2008 at 6:33 am
The Uh Rumma is ol school too. From MarthAnn.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Holla! Ain’t nothing like old school. I have to admit, I am like you Karen and Tom. Too much of anything can slightly work your nerves. I will always love Never but as I said to Clyde, some of those others are just so soul stirring. I’m telling you. Put on Place of Worship and In The Garden, stand still, and slip those hands in the air, and I promise, you will be met!!! Thirsty is by far my husband’s favorite. If our cd wears thin and starts skipping it will be at Thirsty because he will just sit and repeat it over and over. Now as far as a up tempo a little, Worshipper In Me does it for me too and Praise Him In Advance meets you at the time of discouragement and problems. Talks to you about blessing the Lord at all times!
I’m sorry, but I have to question folks spirits that can’t be blessed by Pastor Sapp!
P.S. – EVERYBODY famous singers, preachers, comedians, actors, etc, , copied somebody in the beginning, promise. Even in our jobs, when we see somebody do something, when we first start out, until we find our own way, we mimic the way they do it. Expecially if we think of it as a sucessful way to do it. I’ve heard it said, (for those of you who know them) back in the day, people claimed Norman Wagner copied Bishop Tyson’s preaching. Why? Because, he was his pastor and mentor. He found his own way, wouldn’t you say?
I’d say in sales and popularity, at this moment and time, Fred and Marvin are neck and neck.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Ok, I’ll bring her some Fred and you buy some Marvin!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I just finished my workout and YES…..Kathy……Worshipper is a soul-stirrer too. I had to pause in my workout, throw the dirty hands up, close my eyes, and let the words flow from the belly. We were CREATED to praise and worship Him and if we don’t do this……..that’s like hanging a chair on the wall. That’s crazy ain’t it. The chair was created to sit on, not put on the wall. Do what you were created to do……worship.
Amen and Amen
August 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Not the chair… That’ll preach!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:03 am
kc, you’re walkin’ crooked, you need to straighten up. you know good and well that fred is head and shoulders above marvin. fred didnt copy anybody, fred was fred, and commissioned was a fresh new thing when they hit the scene. kirk franklin didnt copy anybody, and just look at your boy tye tribbett and all the other copy cats taking kirks style. come on now.
vicTORIa
alright then, i’m thru, ya’ll know what to do.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
ok
August 25th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I have a question about the giving someone’s resume and saying what they have been to and all that. I’m here to tell you that when someone does all of that, sometimes those are the people you DON’T want to listen to. Mentioning the PAW (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World) doesn’t mean all that much to me. If I had a church that was giving enough of an “offering” at that convention I could be a Bishop! It might at well stand for Pay and All are Welcome. But I digress.
If you remember back when Commissioned first came out their sound was fresh/different. When they added Sapp he was a Fred clone. I’m just of the opinion that he should have stood on his own two from day one. I don’t hold that against him now, but I also don’t think his crossover success can really be compared to someone like Fred who has produced more of a quality product without crossover success.
Tom Sawyers last blog post..Silly American Reverence To Historical Tragedies
August 25th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I listened to a little of the CD, he has a nice voice and the songs are motivational. The music is upbeat, something I can work-out to and give praise to God at the same time.
Thanks for sharing.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Well,
Can the church just go ahead and agree that BOTH Freddie AND Marvin can sing? It just seems that Marvin and this song are getting a lot of play right now but at the same time they continue to play back in the day songs of Freddie’s that still ROCK and have lasted thru the years, that says a lot BUT also come on y’all this song is setting records so there is something to be said about it, even if it is geting on our nerves from being played everywhere all the time!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Tom, on the first part of the first paragraph, yea, and vice versa…
August 26th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Any model should try to be like Tyra, but not on the same stage. Copying someone is not a problem, but when you are in the same group and copy them AND it really isn’t your sound then that is a problem to me. He should have stood on his own two from the beginning.
Tom Sawyers last blog post..RAM It Up
August 26th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Not on the same stage? Are you serious? They do it every week on a show called, America’s Next Top Model!!! And if they don’t, they are stupid! If I am Tyra Banks, the judge, apparently a famous model who has made it, and am basically “the teacher”, the goal is to get you to do it my way because #1. that flatters me and #2. it says you want to succeed! First and foremost, do it the way I did it to become famous and because this is what I’m telling you to do!
Had his own two got him anywhere yet? Man…
Why on earth didn’t Fred kick him out and black ball him from the music industry the minute he opened his mouth! Fred probably saw the bigger picture. I have never heard Fred say anything but good things about Marvin. Bigger man I guess. (no pun intended)
September 15th, 2008 at 4:14 am
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October 8th, 2008 at 8:57 am
WELL Y AREN`T U A FAN HE IS 1 OF THE GREAT GOSPEL SINGER THERE IS
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