Marvin Sapp

Many say Marvin Sapp's voice is instantly recognizable. Characteristically raspy ringing with power and authority as he masterfully illustrates with excellence the Word of God. Not only is his delivery exemplary, Marvin Sapp's knowledge of the historical text brings to life the message of hope and healing. Not a singer that happens to preach but a Preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.

Singing since age four Marvin Sapp he has shared the stage with many gospel notables and his gift is celebrated across musical genres. While he has enjoyed a decorated music ministry receiving Stellar Awards, Gospel Music Excellence Award as well as Grammy, Soul Train Music and Dove Award Nominations, Marvin Sapp has also been honored in his hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan. Recognized for his professional and philanthropic efforts Marvin Sapp has received the city's highest African American honor, a Giants Award , as well as the Frederick Douglas award from the National Association of Negro and Professional Women's Club.

Recruited for the legendary gospel group Commissioned while still a relative unknown, Marvin Sapp recorded with the group until its dissolution in 1995. After the break-up of Commissioned, Marvin Sapp decided to establish himself as a contemporary gospel solo artist and has recorded seven albums. Recently, Sapp has achieved crossover fame with the release of "Never Would Have Made It" from the album Thirsty. It has peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and also at #1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. Thirsty debuted at #28 on the U.S. Billboard 200, #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and also #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Gospel Albums. Thirsty has been certified Gold by the RIAA due to the album selling over 500,000 copies, making it Marvin Sapp's best selling album of his solo career and the top selling gospel album of 2008. In 2009, Sapp won every Gospel Stellar Award that he was nominated for. Marvin Sapp's follow-up to Thirsty, entitled Here I Am, expected to be released in March, 2010

Currently as Founder and Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Western Michigan, Marvin Sapp is innovative in his approach to winning the lost and edifying the believer. As a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan Pastor Marvin is committed to his community and enjoys taking the message to the masses. In his inaugural year, the ministry has initiated a Full Life approach with an emphasis of addressing the spiritual, physical and mental needs of the body.

By no means is Marvin Sapp and the Lighthouse family resting on laurels or taking credit for the well rounded and effective ministry approach. In fact, with humility, they acknowledge they have found the formula for a successful ministry in the word of God cultivated with a relationship with God.

Marvin Sappis united in covenant to First Lady MaLinda Sapp, a gifted speaker, local college professor and Limited Licensed Psychologist, who also serves as Administrative Pastor. They have three wonderful children; Marvin II, Mikaila and Madisson.