Church member defends pastor after donation rebuke
A controversy erupted over a church fundraising event after a viral video appeared to show Bishop Marvin Winans chastising a female congregant, Roberta McCoy, for donating US $1,235 when $2,000 had been requested. Critics accused the pastor of public shaming and spiritual bullying. But McCoy has now defended him, insisting he “did not rebuke” her and that the viral narrative misrepresented what happened.
Roberta McCoy, a member of Perfecting Church since 2013, said the pastor only made a correction related to the logistics of the fundraiser—not a personal attack. She explained that Winans had instructed all high donors to come to the front line first, a direction she inadvertently ignored. She emphasised that his tone was not reproachful and that he later apologised to her privately.
Bishop Winans, in his response, said the event was large and that his correction was meant to maintain order, asking people to follow procedures and come when called. He also clarified that his intention was not to humiliate but to keep the fundraising process orderly.
The incident continues to fuel debate over expectations around giving in religious settings, congregational pressure, dignity, and how pastors should handle fundraising. Some argue that religious leaders must strike a balance—encouraging generosity without coercion or public shaming—while others contend that structure and order are necessary in large church events.
