Pastor Carlton Funderburke has now issued an apology video after a clip of him calling his congregation “broke” went viral.
The Senior Pastor of Church at the Well in Kansas City blasted his congregation for not honoring him with a new Movado watch that he has been requesting. In his sermon, he told members, “See that’s how I know you’re still poor, broke, busted, and disgusted because of how you’ve been honoring me.” He continued, “I’m not worth your McDonald’s money? I’m not worth your Red Lobster money? I’m not worth your St. John Knits? Ya’ll can’t afford it anyhow.”
While he belittled the congregants for not giving more so he can get more, some people are heard encouraging him.
Two days after a clip from the sermon went viral on social media, Funderburke issued an apology on video. “Though there is context behind the content of the clip, no context would suffice to explain the hurt and anguish caused by my words,” he said in a video shared Tuesday. “I have 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.”
Similarly, gospel singer Kim Burrell recently faced backlash after calling parishioners at Kingdom City Church “broke” and “ugly.” She said it was a “joke” and subsequently apologized too.
Although Funderburke may still believe he deserves luxury gifts as a pastor, he offered what he called a sincere apology to his congregants. “Therefore I offer this sincere apology to you today,” he added. “No context could erase the words I used. I apologize to all who have been hurt, angered, or in any way damaged by my words.”