Photo: Perfecting Church
Detroit pastor Marvin Winans is facing widespread backlash after he scolded a church member for not giving the full donation amount he requested during a “Day of Giving” service at Perfecting Church.
The incident occurred when Winans asked congregants to give “$1,000 plus 1,” which many interpreted to mean two $1,000 donations, totaling $2,000. One woman, however, approached with a gift of $1,235.
“I’m giving in faith and standing in unity with the vision of Perfecting Church, sowing this seed of $1,000 plus $235 and receiving the blessings to come,” the woman said.
Winans interjected, saying, “That’s only $1,200.”
The pastor went on to chastise her in front of the congregation.
“You’re not listening to what I’m saying. If you have $1,000 plus $1,000…” he said, emphasizing the total he expected.
When the woman promised to bring the remaining $800 later, Winans replied, “Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do.”
Video of the exchange was circulated online and sparked widespread outrage from viewers.
“Just say $2,000 then and people wouldn’t have an opportunity to mishear!!!” one user wrote on Threads, calling the phrasing “manipulative and unclear.”
Another post criticized Winans' approach to church fundraising.
“Today at Perfecting Church of Detroit, Bishop Marvin Winans scolded a member for giving $1,200 instead of $2,000. This was a fundraising service for a new building on 7 Mile and Woodward that has been under construction since 2002. There are layoffs and businesses closing weekly, but this is the attitude of so many pastors.”
Winans, a prominent gospel singer and longtime pastor, has not publicly commented on the backlash.
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