Popular Nigerian pastor, relationship coach, and founder of David Christian Centre (DCC), Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has become a major topic of discussion online following the revelation of a new tattoo he recently got to mark his 50th birthday. The development, which surfaced on social media, has generated widespread reactions from Christians, religious leaders, and the general public.
The pastor shared a video on his official social media pages showing the moment he got the tattoo done. The inscription, written in Roman numerals as “III: XVI,” represents John 3:16, one of the most well-known Bible verses in Christianity, which speaks about God’s love for humanity and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. According to Pastor Okonkwo, the tattoo was not for fashion or trend purposes but a deliberate expression of faith and a tool for evangelism.
Soon after the video went viral, reactions poured in from different quarters. While some social media users applauded the pastor for using unconventional means to spread the gospel, others expressed discomfort, questioning whether getting a tattoo aligns with Christian values, especially for a clergyman. Critics cited traditional interpretations of scripture and long-held church beliefs that discourage body markings, arguing that pastors should uphold conservative standards.
In response to the backlash, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo addressed the controversy directly. He stated that there is no clear biblical scripture that forbids Christians from getting tattoos, noting that many objections are rooted more in religious culture and personal convictions than in doctrinal truth. He emphasized that spirituality is not determined by physical appearance and that faith should be measured by one’s relationship with God and the fruit of their life.
The pastor also revealed that the attention surrounding the tattoo led to millions of people engaging with the Bible verse within a short period, something he described as a positive outcome.
According to him, if a tattoo bearing a scripture can spark conversations about Christ and salvation, then it has served a meaningful purpose. Several Christian leaders and gospel personalities have since weighed in on the issue, offering varied perspectives. Some supported Okonkwo’s stance, explaining that tattoos do not inherently defile the body and that Christian freedom allows believers to make personal choices guided by conviction. Others maintained a more cautious position, urging moderation and sensitivity to differing beliefs within the faith community.
The incident has since evolved beyond a personal decision into a broader discussion about modern Christianity, expression of faith, and the balance between tradition and contemporary culture. Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo’s tattoo has not only marked a personal milestone but has also ignited an ongoing national conversation about how faith is practiced and expressed in today’s world.
