Renowned relationship coach and senior pastor of David Christian Centre (DCC), Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended the Bible-inspired tattoo on his arm, saying it is a creative way to spread the Gospel.
The pastor made the clarification following mixed reactions that trailed the unveiling of the tattoo during the celebration of his 50th birthday.
The tattoo, which bears the Bible verse John 3:16 written in Roman numerals as “III: XVI,” was revealed in a short video posted on Okonkwo’s official Instagram page on Saturday. The clip opened with a voice-over reading the popular scripture, which speaks about God’s love for humanity and the promise of salvation.
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible and is often described by Christians as the heart of the Gospel message.
The video, which quickly gained attention online, showed the pastor calmly displaying the tattoo while the scripture played in the background. The post immediately sparked conversations across social media platforms, with many Nigerians sharing their views.
While some followers praised the pastor for thinking outside the box, others questioned whether it was appropriate for a Christian leader to have a tattoo, especially one in a country where tattoos are still viewed with suspicion in some religious circles.
Reacting to the controversy, Okonkwo took to his Facebook page on Sunday to address the criticism.
“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.
He suggested that the attention drawn by the tattoo helped spread the message of the Bible verse to a much wider audience than a regular sermon might have reached.
The pastor also used the opportunity to invite members of his church and the public to his thanksgiving service and praise party.
“Anyway, we will share in details on Monday night. For now, please come to my praise party/thanksgiving service this Sunday @dcclagos on mainland & island. There will be food, fun and praise,” he added.
Despite the criticism, Okonkwo continued to share photos and videos from his birthday celebrations. In one of his posts, he captioned a photo, “Still celebrating the big Five 0,” showing that he remained cheerful amid the debate.
As discussions continued online, the pastor advised his followers to remain calm and not rush to conclusions.
“Those who want to hear about tattoos, drink water and relax. We will talk on Monday after the parties this weekend,” he said in another post.
The debate around Pastor Okonkwo’s tattoo reflects a wider conversation within Nigerian Christianity about tradition, modern expression and changing methods of evangelism.
In many churches, tattoos have long been discouraged and sometimes linked to negative stereotypes. Some Christians believe the body should not be marked, often referring to Old Testament scriptures to support their views.
However, others argue that Christianity is about the message of Christ and not outward appearance. They believe modern tools, including social media, fashion and even body art, can be used to reach people who may not listen to traditional preaching.
Supporters of Okonkwo’s action say the tattoo does not contradict the Christian faith, especially since it carries a Bible verse and was done with the intention of sharing the Gospel.
They also point out that the New Testament places more emphasis on inner faith and love than external rules.
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo is known for his modern and practical approach to Christian teaching, especially on relationships, marriage and personal growth. Alongside his wife, Pastor Mildred Okonkwo, he has built a strong following among young Nigerians, both in church and on social media.
David Christian Centre, with branches on the mainland and island areas of Lagos, is popular for its youth-friendly services and open discussions on real-life issues.
Over the years, Okonkwo has encouraged Christians to engage culture thoughtfully rather than withdraw from it. His teachings often focus on balance, wisdom and relevance in today’s world.
The tattoo controversy has once again placed him at the centre of national conversation, similar to past debates involving pastors and modern expressions of faith.
Religious analysts say such discussions are likely to continue as younger generations challenge long-held beliefs and seek new ways to express their spirituality.
They note that while some Christians may feel uncomfortable with unconventional methods, the growing influence of social media has changed how religious messages are shared.
In recent years, many Nigerian pastors have embraced digital platforms, podcasts and online videos to reach wider audiences beyond church walls.
Okonkwo’s explanation suggests that his tattoo falls within this trend of creative evangelism, using visibility and conversation to point people to scripture.
As reactions continue to pour in, the pastor has promised to explain his decision in more detail during a later church session.
For now, the tattoo has achieved one thing many religious leaders aim for: drawing attention to a Bible verse and sparking conversations about faith, purpose and how the Gospel can be shared in a changing world.
Whether praised or criticised, Pastor Okonkwo’s action has highlighted the ongoing shift in how Christianity is expressed and discussed in modern Nigerian society.
