Relationship coach and lead pastor of David Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended the tattoo on his arm, describing it as a tool for evangelism rather than a source of controversy.
Okonkwo revealed the tattoo in a video shared on his official Instagram page on Saturday as part of activities marking his 50th birthday. The tattoo bears John 3:16, written in Roman numerals as “III: XVI,” and the video opens with a voice-over of the scripture.
Following widespread reactions online, the pastor addressed the criticism in a Facebook post on Sunday, suggesting that many missed the central message.
“My religious brothers and sisters were busy judging over tattoo; they didn’t notice that the gospel (John 3:16) was preached to millions in 24hrs by almost all blogs,” he wrote.
The development sparked debate on social media, with critics questioning whether tattoos align with biblical teachings and expectations of a Christian pastor. Some referenced Leviticus 19:28, which cautions against marking the body, while others argued that faith is rooted in belief and conduct rather than physical appearance.
Responding to the ongoing discussion, Okonkwo urged calm and said the issue could be addressed later.
“Those who want to hear about tattoos, drink water and relax. We will talk on Monday after the parties this weekend,” he wrote.
He continued to share images from his birthday celebrations, captioning one post, “Still celebrating the big Five 0.”
Okonkwo, who is widely known for his teachings on marriage, relationships and family life, has built a large following both within and outside the church.
The conversation around his tattoo has continued online, touching on broader themes of personal expression, biblical interpretation and modern pastoral identity.
