Marvin Winans faces criticism after scolding church member for donation amount during service
Photo: Billboard
Pastor Marvin Winans has drawn widespread criticism after a video surfaced showing him reprimanding a church member during a fundraising event at Detroit’s Perfecting Church.
The incident occurred during the congregation’s “Day of Giving” service, where Winans encouraged members to donate what he described as “$1,000 plus 1.”
The confusion began when several attendees interpreted the phrase as an instruction to give two separate $1,000 donations, while others understood it differently.
One woman came forward with a contribution of $1,235, saying, “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.”
Winans immediately corrected her, stating, “That’s only $1,200.” When the woman acknowledged that she had fallen short of the full amount, Winans continued, “You’re not listening to what I’m saying. If you have $1,000 plus $1,000…” The woman promised to bring the remaining $800 later, but Winans replied, “Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do.”
Pastor Marvin Winans gets upset at a church member for only donating $1200 when he asked for $2000 👀 pic.twitter.com/A2o0zWa1Uv
The exchange quickly spread online, prompting widespread backlash across social media platforms. Many users expressed frustration over the pastor’s tone and the handling of the moment.
“Today at Perfecting Church of Detroit, Bishop Marvin Winans scolded a member for giving $1,200 instead of $2,000,” one person wrote on Threads, noting that the fundraiser was for a new building project that has been in development for over two decades.
Another user commented, “‘One thousand PLUS one thousand.’ Just say $2,000 then and people wouldn’t have an opportunity to mishear.”
Neither Winans nor representatives from Perfecting Church have publicly responded to the criticism.