Bishop Marvin Winans has sparked an online storm after a viral video captured him confronting a church member over her offering of Sh154,980 ($1,200) during a service at his Detroit-based Perfecting Church.
In the now widely circulated clip, the congregant, identified as Roberta McQueen, is seen stepping forward with her young son to present two white envelopes containing her donations.
“I, Roberta McQueen, give in faith and outstanding unity for the vision of Perfecting Church, sowing this seed of Sh129,200 ($1,000) plus Sh30,232 ($234) to receive the blessings to come,” she declared.
However, Bishop Winans appeared unimpressed, correcting her in front of the congregation. “But this is $1,200 (Sh154,980). You are not listening to what am saying. I said if you have a thousand and another thousand,” he remarked.
The woman, seemingly caught off guard, quickly assured the Bishop that she would bring the remaining $800 (Sh103,360) the next time. But Winans pressed on, saying, “Well, that isn’t what I asked you to do.”
The exchange reportedly took place during the church’s Day of Giving service, part of a long-running fundraising effort for a new building that has been in development for more than two decades, according to The Tribune.
The video has since ignited fierce debate across social media platforms, with many expressing shock over the Bishop’s approach.
JJ Smith wrote on Instagram, “This breaks my heart. That is not the Spirit of the Lord, Sir. Can anyone tag her here so I can send her her money back in Jesus’ name.”
Another user, Savy, commented, “God has never asked anyone for $2,000. If the people are giving in humility, then you must receive with humility.”
Shanae added, “This what makes people stop going to church,” while Blaquifonte argued, “I guarantee that lady does not view herself as a victim or see anything wrong with what Marvin Winans did. BRAINWASHED.”
Despite the growing backlash, Bishop Winans and his representatives at Perfecting Church have remained silent on the controversy.
Marvin Winans, a well-known evangelist and the brother of Grammy Award-winning gospel artist CeCe Winans, has long been a respected figure in the gospel community.
However, the viral incident has now placed his ministry under scrutiny, reigniting conversations around money, faith, and accountability in modern-day churches.