Relationship coach says John 3:16 tattoo sparked global evangelism, not controversy
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder of the David Christian Centre and widely respected relationship coach, has defended his recently unveiled Bible-inspired tattoo, describing it as a tool for evangelism rather than a fashion statement.
The tattoo, revealed in a video posted on his official Instagram page to mark his 50th birthday, bears the inscription “III: XVI” in Roman numerals—symbolizing John 3:16, one of the most quoted and foundational verses of the Christian faith. The short clip, which opened with a voice-over reciting the scripture, quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.
While some Christians questioned the appropriateness of a pastor having a tattoo, others applauded the bold and unconventional approach to spreading the gospel.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Pastor Okonkwo responded to the mixed reactions, emphasizing that critics had missed the bigger picture. According to him, the tattoo’s message had reached millions of people within 24 hours through blogs, shares, and online discussions—an impact he described as mass evangelism in record time.
“It preached to millions in less than 24 hours,” he wrote, highlighting how the scripture itself became the focus of conversation rather than the tattoo.
Pastor Okonkwo further noted that he would address the matter in detail during an upcoming church programme. He also extended an invitation to the public for a praise and thanksgiving service at the David Christian Centre in Lagos, promising a time of worship, joy, and fellowship.
This incident underscores the evolving methods of evangelism in today’s digital age, where even unconventional gestures can amplify the timeless message of the gospel.
