A Michigan pastor is facing intense criticism after a video clip showed him appearing to rebuke a church member over the amount of her financial pledge.
Bishop Marvin Winans, who leads Perfecting Church in Detroit, ignited public outrage after footage from the church’s livestream was circulated online. The incident took place during a Sunday morning fundraising service.
The Controversial Exchange
The exchange involved Roberta McCoy, a long-time member of the congregation. Ms McCoy approached the front of the church with her young son.
The service was part of the church’s annual "Day of Giving". The funds were being collected to help complete a long-running construction project for a new sanctuary.
This project has reportedly been under construction since 2002.Bishop Winans had asked congregation members to contribute "$1,000 plus $1,000", atotal of Ksh 258,680.
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Ms McCoy stood before the congregation and announced her pledge:
“I, Roberta McCoy, give in faith and stand in unity with Perfecting Church of sowing this seed of $1,000 plus $235.”
Her offering totalled $1,235 [Ksh 159,735]. The bishop responded by questioning the amount, implying it was insufficient based on the requested sum.
“That’s only $1,200. Y’all are not listening to what I’m saying. If you have a thousand plus a thousand.”
Ms McCoy agreed to work on raising the remaining $800 needed to meet the implicit $2,000 target. However, the Bishop dismissed her promise.
“Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do.”
Online Backlash
Footage of the moment quickly drew widespread online condemnation. Many viewers argued that the bishop publicly humiliated Ms McCoy.
People circulating the clip accused Bishop Winans of treating faith like a business. Some critics stated that the behaviour mirrored historical controversies.
One viewer remarked that this kind of financial shaming was similar to what originally "sparked the Reformation". Another social media user suggested the bishop should resign and apologise publicly to the woman and her son.
Defence from the Pulpit and Pews
Bishop Winans later spoke out to clarify the event. He argued that his comments were not focused on the dollar amount of the donation.
He clarified that he was calling givers to the front of the church based on the size of their contribution, moving from the largest to the smallest.
Ms McCoy, who has attended the church since 2013, defended the bishop. She confirmed that Bishop Winans offered a personal apology to her regarding the incident.
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“He absolutely did not rebuke me.”
She claimed that he was merely correcting her for approaching the front before it was her designated turn. Ms McCoy intends to remain a member and continue giving.
Organisational Background
Bishop Winans, who founded Perfecting Church in 1989, is also known for his musical career. He is a member of The Winans, a gospel group from the 1980s and 1990s. The group has won 5 Grammy awards.
The Detroit church has previously been involved in public disputes. In 2023, the city of Detroit filed a lawsuit against the church over the construction project.
The city alleged the construction had become a 'public nuisance'. The lawsuit was eventually dropped after the church and the city reached an agreement.
Additionally, a former church housekeeper alleged in 2018 that she was fired after she refused to donate 10 per cent of her income (tithe) and refused to give all her money for supervisor gifts.
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