Prominent Pastor of perfecting Church, Bishop Marvin Winans, is facing widespread condemnation after a video showed him publicly criticising a woman and her young son for donating $1,200 during a fundraiser, rather than the $2,000 he had requested, sparking a firestorm over pastoral conduct and the ethics of church fundraising.
The incident occurred during the church’s “Day of Giving” service, where Winans had called on congregants to contribute “$1,000 plus one.”
Video footage from the event shows church member Roberta McCoy approaching the front of the church with her son to present a donation of $1,235.
As McCoy offered the money “in faith,” Bishop Winans interrupted her, stating, “That’s only $1,200.” When McCoy attempted to clarify that she intended to give the remaining amount at a later time, Winans responded sharply, “That’s not what I asked you to do,” correcting her in front of the entire congregation.
The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, including X, Threads, and Instagram, igniting intense criticism from users and observers alike. Many accused the gospel artist and religious leader of public shaming and spiritual manipulation.
The backlash has centered on the pastor’s tone and the decision to correct a congregant and her child during a moment of public contribution.
Critics argue the act was demeaning and shows problematic pressures surrounding financial giving within some faith communities