Renowned relationship coach and founder of the David Christian Centre (DCC), Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his decision to get a tattoo of John 3:16 on his arm, describing it as a deliberate effort to spread the Christian message in a modern and unconventional way.
The tattoo, which features the Bible verse written in Roman numerals as “III: XVI,” was unveiled in a video shared on Okonkwo’s official Instagram page on Saturday. The reveal coincided with his 50th birthday celebration.
Since the video was posted, the tattoo has generated widespread reactions on social media, drawing both praise and criticism. While some followers applauded the gesture as innovative, others questioned whether body art was appropriate for a pastor.
Responding to the controversy in a statement issued on Sunday, Okonkwo said the focus should be on the impact of the message rather than the method used to deliver it. He argued that the tattoo had unintentionally amplified the reach of the Gospel across digital platforms.
According to him, debates surrounding the tattoo resulted in John 3:16 being shared extensively by blogs and social media users within 24 hours, effectively exposing millions to the scripture.
He added that further clarification would be provided during a church programme, while also inviting followers to attend his praise party and thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday at DCC Lagos, on both the mainland and island.
As discussions continued online, the pastor urged critics and supporters alike to remain calm, noting that a more detailed conversation on the subject would take place after the weekend celebrations.
Okonkwo is widely known in Nigeria for his teachings on relationships, leadership and Christian living, and often engages audiences using contemporary communication styles to address faith-related issues.
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