Key Highlights
- Bishop Marvin Winans and church member Roberta McCoy clarify a viral video about an incident during a fundraising event.
- The incident involved a congregation member coming to the front with less than $2,000, leading to widespread misunderstanding on social media.
- Winans explains his actions were meant to maintain order and ensure elderly members wouldn’t have to stand for extended periods.
- McCoy states she was not rebuked by Pastor Winans but was corrected during the event.
Fundraising Event Sparks Controversy in Detroit
Bishop Marvin Winans, pastor of Perfecting Church in Detroit, has clarified a viral social media video that caused widespread misunderstanding about an incident at their fundraising event. The video posted on October 19, 2025, showed a congregation member named Roberta McCoy coming to the front with less than $2,000, leading many to believe she was rebuked by Pastor Winans.
Incident and Clarification
Winans hosted a “Day of Giving” on Sunday, October 19, 2025, encouraging members to donate $1,000 and raise another $1,000. He instructed those giving $2,000 or more to come to the front first, with others following from the largest donations to as little as $1.62.
Roberta McCoy stated that she has been a faithful member of Perfecting Church since 2013 and has given generously over the years. She emphasized that Pastor Winans did not rebuke her during the event but corrected her for coming to the front without reaching the minimum donation amount.
Pastor’s Explanation
“I was calling because the whole church was giving, and it was our day of giving, and the whole church was coming,” Pastor Winans explained. “We didn’t want people standing, the mothers and all that, so I was calling them by increments. And we had someone that had given out of before, and I corrected it, and I told everybody to listen and come when you call, and that’s all that was.”
Winans further clarified his actions were intended to maintain order during the event, particularly for elderly members who might not want to stand for extended periods. He also stated that he personally apologized to McCoy following the incident.
Response from Congregation Member
Roberta McCoy expressed her gratitude for the apology and emphasized her long-standing commitment to the church. “He absolutely did not rebuke me,” McCoy said. “Now there’s a difference. There was a correction because let me clearly state that pastor gave instruction on the lines to get into.”
Mccoy stated that she will continue to support Perfecting Church and its community programs, highlighting her faithfulness as a member since 2013.
Community Reaction and Implications
The viral video has sparked significant backlash against Bishop Winans on social media. However, his clarification of the incident aims to restore understanding within the congregation and the wider community. Perfecting Church continues to work towards its goal of fundraising $2,000 per person for a new sanctuary in Detroit.
