A recent incident at Detroit’s Perfecting Church, where Bishop Marvin Winans publicly corrected a congregant over a donation amount, has ignited a fervent online debate about megachurch fundraising, financial transparency, and the delicate balance between spiritual giving and financial obligations. This definitive guide delves into the viral moment, the ambitious $23 million megachurch project it aimed to fund, and the complex reactions from both inside and outside the congregation.
On October 19, 2025, during Perfecting Church’s “Day of Giving” event, Bishop Marvin Winans found himself at the center of a social media storm. A viral clip captured him appearing to scold a congregant over a donation that fell short of his requested amount. The incident quickly sparked heated discussions across various platforms, raising questions about modern church fundraising practices and the pressures placed on parishioners.
The Viral Moment: “That Ain’t What I Asked You to Do”
During the “Day of Giving,” Bishop Marvin Winans sought contributions described as “$1,000 plus $1,000,” which many interpreted as a request for $2,000. Donor after donor approached the stage, reading from prepared scripts to affirm their commitment and unity with the church’s vision. The atmosphere shifted, however, when congregant Roberta McCoy stepped forward with a donation of $1,235.
“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 to all that participate,” McCoy stated, smiling.
Bishop Winans quickly interjected, correcting her with, “That’s only $1,200.” When she acknowledged the amount, he pressed further, “You’re not listening to what I’m saying. If you have $1,000 plus $1,000…”. Despite McCoy assuring him she would work on the remaining $800, the Bishop’s reply, “Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do,” was met with murmurs from the congregation and quickly went viral online.
The Purpose Behind the Plea: Funding a Long-Delayed Vision
The donations collected during the “Day of Giving” were intended to support the “success” and “longevity” of Perfecting Church. Bishop Winans emphasized the importance of tithing and offerings as crucial to the church’s stability, stating, “A lot of churches get in trouble because they wait on the government to give them programs to offset their budgets. And then when those candidates are out of office, they don’t have anything.”
The Ambitious Detroit Megachurch Project
The core of the fundraising efforts is a highly ambitious, yet persistently delayed, megachurch project located at 19150 Woodward Avenue near 7 Mile in Detroit. Under Bishop Marvin Winans’ leadership, Perfecting Church began raising funds for this edifice decades ago. The original plan, approved in 2004, envisioned a massive 158,550-square-foot sanctuary capable of seating over 4,200 people, along with a chapel and fellowship hall.
However, the project has faced numerous setbacks:
- 2002: Construction for the new building began.
- 2004: Original plans for the megachurch, including a 158,550-square-foot sanctuary, were approved.
- 2008: Construction was severely derailed by the economic recession, leaving the structure unfinished.
- 2023: The city of Detroit filed a lawsuit, declaring the abandoned site a public nuisance.
- Late 2023: A settlement was reached, establishing new construction deadlines.
- August 2024: Construction resumed with a revised design for a 164,800-square-foot building featuring 3,365 seats and 659 parking spaces.
- Spring 2025 / June 2026: The project is now expected to reach substantial completion by Spring 2025, with other reports indicating a June 2026 opening, as Winans himself noted to ABC7 Detroit.
The estimated cost of this monumental undertaking is approximately $23 million.
Public Outcry and Nuanced Defenses
The viral clip sparked significant public outrage online, with many users criticizing the Bishop’s demeanor and the perceived greed within some megachurches. Comments flooded social media, describing the incident as “religious pimping” and the phrasing “$1,000 plus $1,000” as “manipulative and unclear.” Critics also pointed out the perceived insensitivity of demanding large sums amidst ongoing layoffs and business closures in the economy.
Roberta McCoy’s Perspective
Amidst the backlash, Roberta McCoy, the congregant involved, stepped forward to clarify the situation, taking responsibility for the mix-up. In an interview with ABC7 Detroit, McCoy stated, “He absolutely did not rebuke me. Now there’s a difference. There was a correction because let me clearly state that Pastor gave instruction on the lines to get into.” She explained that she had given “out of order,” leading to the Bishop’s correction.
McCoy also revealed that Bishop Winans personally apologized to her after the service. A loyal member since 2013, she affirmed her commitment to the church and stated she would continue to give.
Bishop Winans’ Explanation
Bishop Winans also offered his perspective to ABC7 Detroit, explaining that he was calling congregants by donation increments to ensure an orderly flow during the “Day of Giving.” He stated, “I was calling because the whole church was giving, and it was our day of giving, and the whole church was coming, and 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 order, and I corrected it, and I told everybody to listen and come when you call, and that’s all that was.”
The Broader Implications: Megachurches and Financial Transparency
This incident at Perfecting Church has reignited wider conversations about fundraising tactics within megachurches and the implications of the “prosperity gospel,” which often ties financial giving to spiritual blessings. Critics frequently question the transparency of church finances and the ethical boundaries of pastors making specific financial demands on their congregations. The backlash highlights a growing public scrutiny of large religious institutions and their relationship with congregants’ contributions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Perfecting Church’s Vision
Despite the recent controversy, the construction of the Perfecting Church Cathedral resumed in August 2024, with a revised design and new deadlines. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious leaders in balancing ambitious visions with public expectations and the sensitivities of their congregants. As Bishop Winans and Perfecting Church move forward, they will navigate not only the completion of their long-awaited edifice but also the ongoing dialogue about faith, finance, and community trust.
