Relationship coach and lead pastor of David Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has intensified his defence of the Bible-themed tattoo he unveiled during his 50th birthday celebration, saying comments from some ministers left him feeling insulted.
The cleric sparked debate in January after posting a video of the tattoo process on Instagram, accompanied by a voice-over of John 3:16. The ink reads “III: XVI,” a Roman numeral reference to the Bible verse.
“That Is Stupid Talk — I Am Insulted”
Addressing the controversy during a sermon on Sunday, Okonkwo criticised fellow ministers who questioned his decision.
“On my tattoo issue, only one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough to understand it. Most of them are just religious people,” he said.
“They said, ‘Tattoo is not a sin, but is it expedient? Why did you post it? Why must you do it?’ That is stupid talk, and I am insulted.”
He argued that differences in spiritual maturity and calling mean not every minister is qualified to critique another.
“There is ranking in the spirit. My junior cannot talk when I am talking. There are people you cannot correct. The scope of what they are handling, you cannot grasp it.”
Citing Global Christian Leaders
Okonkwo referenced international Christian figures to support his position, mentioning Joyce Meyer and Max Lucado, both of whom have publicly acknowledged having tattoos.
“Am I higher than Joyce Meyer? She had a tattoo at eight years old. Am I higher than Max Lucado? He got his tattoo at 70,” he said.
“There’s No Scripture Against It”
In a previous interview with News Central, Okonkwo maintained that opposition to Christian tattoos stems from tradition rather than biblical instruction.
“There’s no scripture that says a child of God cannot have tattoo. People are doing personal preference or what their church prefers and want to impose it on others.”
He challenged critics to provide scriptural or scientific proof that tattoos are inherently sinful and rejected the suggestion that body markings determine moral standing.
Tattoo as Evangelism
The pastor explained that going public with the tattoo was deliberate and aligned with his ministry approach.
“I posted it because my own position, my own calling, my own constituency requires that. Even Peter said he could not understand Paul. In Christianity, there are different flavours.”
According to him, the inscription referencing John 3:16 has generated conversations online and served as a form of evangelism.
Ongoing Debate
The controversy continues to stir discussions among Nigerian Christians, raising broader questions about biblical interpretation, church tradition, and personal expression within modern Christianity.
While supporters see the tattoo as harmless and symbolic, critics argue that spiritual leaders should avoid actions that may cause confusion among followers.
For Okonkwo, however, the stance remains firm — his conviction outweighs public backlash.
