A pastor from Kansas City, Missouri apologized after he berated his congregation for being too "poor, broke, busted" to buy him a Movado watch.
On August 7, Pastor Carlton Funderburke of the Church at The Well in Kansas City was delivering a sermon about "honoring God’s shepherds” when he scolded churchgoers–his "cheap sons and daughters"–for not honoring him with the expensive timepiece.
In a viral TikTok video capturing his fiery rant, Funderburke was heard exclaiming:
“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–who founded the church with his wife–continued:
"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.”
“I’m not worth your McDonald’s money? I’m not worth your Red Lobster money? I ain’t worth your St. John’s knit?"
"Y’all can’t afford it no-how."
Surprisingly, some members of the congregation responded with encouragement, which left TikTokers flabbergasted.
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The Evangelical Christian pastor continued reprimanding his congregation for failing to understand how to treat those who deliver God's message.
“I ain’t worth your Louis Vuitton? I ain’t worth your Prada? I’m not worth your Gucci?"
He then bemoaned the fact he has yet to receive a Movado watch.
The luxury brand ranges in price from roughly $300 to well over $2,000. It is known to be expensive due to several models containing gold and diamonds.
Funderburke griped:
‘”Ooh, you can buy a Movado at Sam’s [Club] and you know I asked for one last year."
"And here it is all the way in August and I still ain’t got it."
His tantrum ruined the churchgoing experience for several people.
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After much backlash from the viral video, Funderburke apologized by reading a statement in a Facebook video, saying:
“Though there is context behind the content of the clip, no context will suffice to explain the hurt and anguish caused by my words.”
“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.”
Funderburke claimed:
"The video clip does not reflect my heart or my sentiment towards God's people. Yet, that's not discernable in the clip."
"Therefore, I offer you my sincere apology to you today. No context could erase the words I used."
"I apologized to all who have been hurt, angered, or in any way damaged by my words. The zeal of any presentation must be tempered with love and respect and that was not displayed."
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