Who is Marvin Winans? Detroit Bishop faces backlash over rejected church donation

Bishop Marvin Winans, one of gospel music’s most recognizable voices and senior pastor of Detroit’s Perfecting Church, is at the center of national outrage after a viral video showed him rejecting a $1,235 donation during a church fundraising event.

The 40-second clip, captured on October 19, shows Winans publicly rebuking a congregation member, Roberta McCoy, after she offered “$1,000 plus $235” instead of the requested “$1,000 plus $1,000”.
Winans’ sharp response, “You’re not listening to what I’m saying”, drew visible discomfort from the crowd and immediate backlash online.

The moment, recorded during Perfecting Church’s “Day of Giving” service, reignited old questions about church fundraising, pastoral authority, and compassion in leadership.

Inside the Incident: A Fundraiser Gone Wrong

According to News Ghana, the service was intended to raise funds for Perfecting Church’s new sanctuary project on 7 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, a development that began back in 2002 but remains unfinished after years of delays and legal battles with the City of Detroit.

When McCoy, joined by her young son, pledged less than the expected $2,000, Winans publicly corrected her, saying she misunderstood his request. Witnesses said the exchange left the room uneasy as McCoy stood silently before the congregation.

Although the footage was later removed from the church’s YouTube livestream, it had already gone viral across Instagram, Threads, and X, drawing tens of thousands of views and overwhelming criticism.

One commenter summarized the public sentiment:

“There are layoffs everywhere and people struggling to survive, but this is the attitude of too many pastors today.”

The incident, many say, exposed the widening gap between modern congregations and traditional church leadership.

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Who Is Marvin Winans? The Man Behind the Pulpit

To understand the reaction, you need to know who Marvin Winans is, a man whose name carries deep weight in gospel circles.

Born on March 5, 1958, in Detroit, Winans hails from the legendary Winans family, known for reshaping gospel music through soulful harmonies and chart-topping albums. Alongside his brothers Carvin, Michael, BeBe and CeCe, Marvin helped define the contemporary gospel sound of the 1980s.

In 1989, he founded Perfecting Church from a small home Bible study with just 13 people. Within a decade, it had grown into one of Detroit’s most influential congregations, attracting thousands every Sunday. His sermons, often direct and uncompromising, earned him both admiration and criticism.

Faith, Fame, and Firm Leadership

Winans is known for blending spiritual intensity with musical excellence. He’s a Grammy-winning artist whose voice can move crowds, yet his pastoral tone is famously strict.

Supporters describe him as “old-school and unfiltered”; critics call him “harsh and performative.”

His leadership style reflects a generation of pastors who believe correction is love, even when it stings. But in the age of social media, such moments no longer stay within the church walls, they ignite global conversations about what compassion in ministry should look like.

A History of Ambition, and Controversy

Perfecting Church’s multi-million-dollar campus project has long been a sore spot for Winans. Construction began more than 20 years ago, yet the site remains incomplete. In 2023, the City of Detroit sued the church for property neglect and code violations before a settlement allowed building to resume.

The fundraising service that triggered this controversy was part of a renewed push to finish that project. But rather than rallying support, the viral exchange has drawn negative attention to the very campaign meant to inspire generosity.

Public Reaction: “Giving Should Come from the Heart”

Across social media, reactions were overwhelmingly critical.
Many cited 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver”, reminding pastors that giving must be voluntary, not forced.

One viewer commented:

“She gave what she could. That’s all God ever asked of us.”

Others defended Winans, arguing that his frustration came from years of financial strain tied to the unfinished building project.

Still, the backlash highlights the tension between spiritual expectation and economic reality in modern megachurch culture.

A Legacy Tested by Modern Eyes

Despite controversy, Marvin Winans remains a towering figure in gospel music and ministry. His Perfecting Church continues to operate community programs, youth initiatives, and choir projects that have nurtured countless Detroit artists.

But this viral moment shows how even respected leaders are re-examined in real time, where public image and pastoral integrity are judged by millions beyond the pews.

Observers expect Winans to address the situation directly in an upcoming sermon. Whether he defends or apologizes may shape how this moment is remembered, as a misunderstanding, or a turning point.

FAQ

Q: Who is Bishop Marvin Winans?

A: Marvin Winans is an American gospel singer, pastor, and founder of Perfecting Church in Detroit. He’s a Grammy winner and member of the famous Winans family.

Q: What happened at Perfecting Church’s fundraiser?

A: During a “Day of Giving” service, Winans publicly scolded a member who donated $1,235 instead of the $2,000 he requested. The exchange went viral after being posted online.

Q: Why is the video controversial?

A: Many viewers saw it as humiliating and unchristlike, criticizing Winans for prioritizing money over compassion. Others defended him as misunderstood.

Q: What is Perfecting Church known for?

A: It’s a Detroit megachurch founded in 1989, famous for its gospel music ministry and large, unfinished campus project on 7 Mile Road.

Q: Has Marvin Winans responded to the backlash?

A: As of now, he hasn’t issued a formal statement. Observers expect him to address it in a future sermon.

Q: What is the status of Perfecting Church’s building project?

A: Construction began in 2002 and was delayed by legal issues. After a 2023 settlement with the City of Detroit, work is resuming.

Q: Why is Marvin Winans influential in gospel music?

A: His work with The Winans helped modernize gospel sound, and his solo albums and church choirs have inspired countless musicians worldwide.