Bishop Marvin L. Sapp announced to his congregation on June 2 that he is retiring as senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sapp said that he has accepted the personal request of Bishop Richard E. Young to assume the role of senior pastor of Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. Bishop Young is a close family friend who is like an uncle to Sapp.
Young has been the pastor of Chosen Vessel since 1985. In April, he announced that he will retire to emeritus status effective September 14.
“When I began considering retirement, it was the Spirit of the Lord that prompted me to call Marvin,” said Young. “Not only is there a relationship rooted in mutual respect, but Marvin has proven himself to be extremely loyal. This ministry is one that I have spent the majority of my life building, and I want it to go to the next level. I know that Bishop Marvin Sapp will be committed and will lead Chosen Vessel to new levels, and that is why I asked him to be my successor.”
Sapp’s last day as senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center will be September 1. He will remain as chairman of the Board of Directors at Lighthouse Full Life Center and will continue to provide spiritual oversight. Sapp will preach his first sermon as senior pastor of Chosen Vessel on September 15. The date of his installation will be announced in the near future.
Sapp is the metropolitan bishop within the Global United Fellowship, under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Neil C. Ellis, where he oversees more than 100 churches in 19 states. In addition to being a gifted preacher, he is an author, radio show host and internationally renowned singer who has enjoyed a decorated 30-year music career.
He has earned 24 Stellar Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two BET Awards, two Dove Awards and eight BMI Songwriter’s Awards for sales, along with many other accolades and honors from national, regional and local institutions. He is a multiple Grammy and Billboard Award nominee and in 2015, was named Billboard’s Top Male Gospel Artist.