Renowned relationship coach and Senior Pastor of David Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has responded to public criticism over a tattoo on his arm, describing it as a creative tool for spreading the Gospel rather than an act of defiance against scripture.
The tattoo, which features John 3:16 written in Roman numerals (III: XVI), was unveiled in a video shared on his official Instagram page on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday celebration.
The clip opened with a voice-over of the popular Bible verse, widely regarded as central to the Christian faith.
The revelation sparked widespread debate online, with opinions divided over the appropriateness of a pastor having a tattoo.
Addressing the backlash in a Facebook post on Sunday, Okonkwo argued that critics missed the bigger picture.
“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 pastor maintained that the message of the Gospel, rather than personal appearance, should be the focus, adding that the widespread circulation of the scripture demonstrated the impact of the gesture.
While some social media users cited biblical teachings against body markings and questioned the example set by a church leader, others offered more balanced views, expressing respect for Okonkwo while debating whether the act was edifying.
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Many followers, however, praised the tattoo as bold and innovative, describing it as a relatable expression of faith that sparked meaningful conversations about Christianity.
Known for his contemporary, youth-friendly approach to ministry and relationship teachings, Okonkwo continued to share moments from his birthday celebrations, urging calm amid the debate.
He assured followers that he would address the issue in greater detail after the weekend, reiterating that the tattoo was intended as an unconventional but effective means of evangelism.