An American pastor who said his congregation was ‘poor, broke, broke and disgusted’ for not buying him the luxury watch he wanted has issued an apology.
Carlton Funderburke, the senior pastor of Church at the Well in Kansas City, Missouri, issued an apology for his “inexcusable” remarks.
A video clip of his Aug. 7 sermon in which he berated his church members for not “honouring” him with a Movado watch has gone viral on TikTok.
“That’s how I know you’re still poor, broke, broke and disgusted, because of the way you honor me,” he says.
“I’m not worth your McDonald’s money? I’m not worth your Red Lobster money? I’m not worth your St John Knits – you can’t afford it. I’m not worth Louis Vuitton?
“I’m not worth your Prada? I’m not worth your Gucci?” he raged through the nearly one-minute clip.
“And you all know I asked for one last year. Here it is until August and I still haven’t got it,” he said.
“You didn’t say anything. Let me kick down the door and talk to my cheap sons and daughters.”
Many people in the comments condemned Mr. Funderburke for preaching about material objects.
“That would have been my last day in his church,” wrote one commenter.
“I would have gone so fast and so hard, oh no sir,” said another.
Another wrote: “Missed the writing on the Movado watch.”
In his apology, the pastor said: “While there is context behind the content of the clip, no context will suffice to explain the pain and anguish caused by my words.
“I have spoken to those to whom I am responsible and have received their correction and instructions,” he said.
“I have also privately apologized to our church, which has given me their love and support.”
