A viral video from ‘Perfecting Church’ in Detroit has social media buzzing, after Bishop Marvin Winans was seen questioning a church member’s donation during a recent “Day of Giving” service.

The clip quickly made its way across TikTok, X, and Instagram, appearing to show Winans publicly challenging a congregant, Roberta McCoy, about her offering amount. Many viewers interpreted the moment as a rebuke, prompting strong reactions online about the culture in the church.

Pastor Marvin Winans’ Viral Video Sparks Online Debate

During the Oct. 19 service, McCoy stepped forward to give $1,235 toward Perfecting Church’s building fund. As she spoke into the mic, Bishop Winans interjected, clarifying that the giving line was reserved for those donating $2,000 or more.

In the clip, Winans can be heard saying,

“That’s only $1,200. Y’all not listening to what I’m saying. If you have a thousand plus a thousand…”

Member then responded that she would “work on the other $800,” to which Winans replied, “That ain’t what I asked you to do.”

The exchange was brief yet livestreamed, clipped, and quickly went viral, leading to headlines and heavy criticism toward the Detroit pastor.

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Pastor Marvin Winans and Roberta McCoy Speak Out

After the backlash, both Winans and McCoy spoke publicly to clear the air. McCoy, who has been a member of Perfecting Church since 2013, told WXYZ Detroit that she was neither embarrassed nor rebuked.

“He absolutely did not rebuke me,” she said. “It was a correction because pastor had given instruction on the lines.”

She added that Winans later apologized to her personally, and she continues to support his ministry and the church’s building campaign.

Winans also issued a statement explaining that the clip was taken out of context. He said his goal was to keep order during a large giving event, not to humiliate a member.

“I was calling people by increments,” he explained. “We didn’t want everyone standing all at once. That’s why we asked those giving $2,000 or more to come first.”

The Bigger Picture Perfecting Church’s “Day of Giving” was part of a long-term effort to complete its long-delayed new sanctuary and fund community outreach programs. Congregants were encouraged to give $1,000 and raise an additional $1,000, completing a total of $2,000. While Winans says the instructions were logistical, critics say the optics still matter, especially when conversations about wealth, faith, and generosity are already tense in the modern church.

Social media users debated whether the pastor’s tone was appropriate, with some defending him and others questioning whether public donation tiers create unnecessary pressure in worship spaces.

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