A Kansas City pastor has apologized after going viral for scolding people at his church for not showering him with gifts in a video that has since gone viral on TikTok. Carlton Funderburke, who is a senior pastor at the Church at The Well, can be heard going after churchgoers, who he called “cheap sons and daughters” after they failed to honor their pastor by presenting him with a new Movado watch.
“I don’t want to hear no more excuses about what you can’t afford. You can’t afford it because you don’t see the value here,” Funderburke said while talking to the churchgoers from his stage. “Y’all hear from y’all pastor and father, I’m over y’all. I’m over your cheap expressions. See that’s how I know you’re still poor, broke, busted, and disgusted because of how you’ve been honoring me.” He then asked the audience whether he was not worth their Gucci and other expensive possessions.
Well, it appears that the TikTok video ended up attracting so much attention to it that Funderburke felt inclined to apologize for the way he spoke in his church, insisting that though the clip was partially taken out of context, he understood why people were furious with him about his choice of words in a place of worship. “Though there is context behind the content of the clip, no context will suffice to explain the hurt and anguish caused by my words,” he expressed.
“I apologize to every preacher and pastor who must stand up under the controversy that I have caused. To those who know and love me, thank you for your support. To those who now know me because of this video clip, I regret that your first impression of me is one of anger, hate and resentment.
“I’ve spoken to those I am accountable to and have received their correction and instruction. I have also privately apologized to our church, who has extended their love and support to me.”
Kansas City pastor Carlton Funderburke berates ‘cheap’ congregation for not honoring him with a new watch.
“I’m not worth your McDonald’s money? I’m not worth your Red Lobster money?” pic.twitter.com/pvLowplz4p
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 17, 2022
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In the comment section of the original TikTok video, people were sickened by Funderburke’s comments, with one person writing that no pastor should ever have such power over someone to make them feel guilty for not gifting him with pricey gifts. “I would have been saying, ’No Pastor! I ain’t got it! While clutching my Coach purse leaving!!” one TikTok user wrote.
Another added, “Instead of cheering, they should be leaving!!!”