Juanita Bynum Sparks Firestorm After Calling Out Church Members Over Donations

Gospel icon and evangelist Juanita Bynum is once again at the center of heated controversy following a viral moment during one of her recent sermons. Now 62, the outspoken preacher stunned both her congregation and online viewers by directly confronting individuals in the audience about their financial giving—or lack thereof.

The incident unfolded during a high-energy service, where Bynum, clad in her trademark white robe, took a sudden turn from praise to pointed accountability. As the music died down, she began reading names aloud from a list, acknowledging those who had given financial support to her ministry, then questioning those who hadn’t. Her blunt remarks—“I see you gave” and “I don’t see your name”—left many visibly unsettled.

Clips of the moment rapidly gained traction across platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube Shorts, with critics accusing Bynum of public shaming, spiritual manipulation, and turning ministry into a performance. Supporters, however, defended her as bold and transparent, saying she was simply highlighting the financial realities of sustaining a ministry.

Bynum is no stranger to polarizing attention. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with her raw, emotional sermon “No More Sheets,” addressing intimate struggles that many considered taboo in church circles. Since then, she has built an empire of books, music, conferences, and spiritual programs—often criticized for blending commercialism with ministry. Her $133 prayer kit and $1,499 prayer institute, in particular, have drawn scrutiny.

Insiders speculate that her direct approach during this latest service may stem from mounting financial pressure, though others view it as another example of modern ministry’s shift toward branding and showmanship over authenticity.

While older generations remain fiercely loyal to Bynum’s message of survival and transformation, younger audiences increasingly see such tactics as outdated and transactional. The divide underscores a larger cultural debate: is the church evolving or losing its way?

Regardless of which side you’re on, Bynum’s actions have reignited urgent discussions around integrity, accountability, and what leadership in the pulpit should truly look like.