DETROIT — Bishop Marvin Winans, senior pastor of Perfecting Church in Detroit, is facing widespread criticism after a video surfaced showing him publicly reprimanding a woman who donated $1,235 instead of the $2,000 amount he reportedly requested during a recent fundraising service.
The moment, captured during the church’s annual “Day of Giving,” quickly went viral over the weekend, sparking heated debate about church transparency, leadership tone, and the pressures of financial giving within faith communities.
The Incident
According to footage shared across social media, Winans called for members to give a “seed of $1,000 plus one,” which some congregants interpreted as either $1,001 or $2,000.
One woman, identified by churchgoers as Roberta McCoy, stepped forward and contributed $1,235, explaining that she was giving in faith.
Winans, however, corrected her publicly, saying:
“That’s only $1,200. If you have $1,000 plus $1,000…”
When McCoy responded that she would “work on the rest,” Winans replied,
“Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do.”
The exchange drew audible murmurs from the congregation and has since circulated widely online, with many viewers expressing shock and disappointment at the tone of the interaction.
Public Reaction
The clip has generated thousands of comments across platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Many users criticized the bishop’s handling of the situation, arguing that the woman’s contribution should have been received with gratitude rather than correction.
One viral comment read:
“There are people struggling to make ends meet, yet she gave over $1,200 out of faith — and still got embarrassed in front of everyone. That’s not ministry.”
Others defended Winans, claiming that his expectations had been clearly communicated and that the incident reflected a misunderstanding rather than insensitivity.
Background and Context
Bishop Winans, a member of the renowned Winans gospel family, founded Perfecting Church in 1989. The church has long been fundraising for the completion of its new sanctuary campus on Detroit’s east side, a multimillion-dollar project that has spanned several years.
While large fundraising initiatives are common among megachurches, this incident has reignited discussion about the ethics and optics of public giving. Critics argue that calling out individual donation amounts can pressure congregants into giving beyond their means, while others say such transparency ensures accountability.
Calls for Reflection
Faith leaders and community members have since weighed in on the controversy, calling for greater compassion and understanding in how churches handle financial appeals.
Religious commentator Dr. Alicia Peterson told Detroit Faith Today,
“The heart of giving should be voluntary and joyful. Publicly challenging a member’s offering shifts the focus from faith to performance.”
As of Monday, Bishop Winans and Perfecting Church have not released an official statement addressing the viral clip.
The incident has nonetheless become a flashpoint for conversation about stewardship, leadership, and the balance between faith-based fundraising and empathy.
