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."
@kansascitydiscover A KC Pastor at “Church of the well” is under fire for calling his members “broke, busted and disgusting due to them not meeting his needs. Many took to Facebook calling him out: “I usually don't do this but I feel very compelled to do so. A pastor from Kansas City, MO literally thought it was okay to stand in front of his congregation, and preach this in a "sermon" to his members last Sunday! & from what I know, THIS is how he REGULARLY preaches and talks to them! Throwing temper tantrums and ALL! So they're "broke, busted, and disgusted" because they didn't get you a Movado watch ?! Smh. This is NOT okay & is ONE of the MAIN REASONS why my generation has strayed away from the church! Feel free to SHARE! This NEEDS to go viral! God did NOT say this!”#pastor #Sad#omg
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.
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
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.
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
@kansascitydiscover/TikTok
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."