Lagos Pastor’s John 3:16 Tattoo Sparks Controversy, Cleric Says ‘It’s Evangelism, Not Fashion’

Popular relationship coach and Senior Pastor of David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has set social media ablaze after unveiling a Bible-inspired tattoo on his arm to mark his 50th birthday.

The cleric shared a short video of the tattoo process on his official Instagram page, opening with a solemn voice-over of John 3:16 _ one of Christianity’s most revered scriptures. Moments later, the camera revealed the tattoo itself: the verse etched in Roman numerals, “III: XVI.”

The celebration quickly snowballed into a heated online debate, drawing reactions from Christians, clergy, and social media commentators across Nigeria and beyond. While some praised the pastor’s bold expression of faith, others questioned the appropriateness of tattoos for a Christian leader.

As the controversy raged, Pastor Okonkwo broke his silence, firmly defending his decision and reframing the narrative.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the pastor described the tattoo as a tool for evangelism rather than a fashion statement.

“My religious brothers and sisters were busy judging over a tattoo; they didn’t notice that the Gospel (John 3:16) was preached to millions in 24 hours by almost all blogs,” he wrote.

According to Okonkwo, the widespread attention generated by the tattoo  and the debates that followed , amplified the message of the Gospel far beyond the walls of the church.