On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, a moment of shock and concern filled the sanctuary of Perfecting Church in Toledo, Ohio, when Bishop Marvin Winans, the prominent gospel singer, pastor, and founder of the Perfecting Church, collapsed during his sermon. The 66-year-old bishop, known for his powerful preaching and decades-long influence in gospel music, slumped unexpectedly while addressing his congregation, prompting an immediate response from church members and medical personnel. The incident, which was captured on video, quickly went viral, leading to an outpouring of prayers and concern from the church community, the gospel music world, and supporters nationwide.
As one of the most respected figures in gospel music and ministry, Bishop Winans’ collapse was a deeply emotional event for those present and watching online. His decades of service as a preacher, gospel singer, and leader have endeared him to millions, and the sight of him appearing physically vulnerable left many worried about his health and future.
The Collapse: A Sudden and Alarming Incident
The incident occurred during a mid-week service at Perfecting Church in Toledo, a congregation that is part of the broader Perfecting Church network that Bishop Winans founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1989. The church was packed with attendees, and as usual, Bishop Winans was delivering an impassioned sermon that reflected the wisdom, energy, and conviction he has been known for throughout his career. But, as he reached a critical point in his message, witnesses described seeing the bishop slow down, stumble, and eventually collapse onto his pulpit.
The video of the moment shows Bishop Winans faltering, trying to steady himself, before falling onto the pulpit and eventually sliding down onto the floor. Church members immediately rushed to his aid, surrounding him as they called for medical assistance. The congregation fell into a stunned silence, with some breaking into prayer, while others looked on in disbelief.
EMS services were called, and paramedics arrived swiftly, assessing the bishop’s condition and transporting him to a nearby hospital. Reports indicated that Bishop Winans was responsive by the time he was taken to the hospital, though visibly weak. The news of his collapse spread quickly across social media, with concerned fans and church members flooding platforms like Twitter and Facebook with messages of support, prayers, and calls for updates on his condition.
Immediate Medical Attention and Recovery
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors determined that Bishop Winans had suffered from dehydration, which was the likely cause of his collapse. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and fatigue, all of which may explain the suddenness of the episode. Dehydration can be particularly dangerous for older individuals, as the body’s ability to regulate fluid levels decreases with age. In some cases, it can also be a sign of other underlying health issues, though in Bishop Winans’ case, his medical team quickly assured that his heart and lungs were functioning well, and no further complications were expected.
After several hours of rest and observation, Bishop Winans was discharged from the hospital, and doctors advised him to stay hydrated and take a brief period of rest before resuming his regular activities. While the incident was certainly alarming, the quick response from medical personnel and the bishop’s positive prognosis helped to alleviate the fears of his congregation and followers.
Bishop Winans’ Reassuring Message to His Followers
On Friday, October 18, just two days after his collapse, Bishop Marvin Winans released a video statement in which he addressed the concerns of his supporters and provided an update on his health. In the video, which was shared across social media platforms and the official channels of Perfecting Church, Bishop Winans appeared in good spirits, smiling as he thanked the community for their prayers and well wishes.
“Thank you all for your concern following the unexplained episode,” he said. “The doctor thinks I suffered dehydration. My heart and lungs are good. I want you to know that I AM FINE, I FEEL GREAT, AND I AM EXCITED,” he added, emphasizing his determination to return to his pastoral duties with renewed energy.
The bishop’s message was met with relief and gratitude from his followers, many of whom had spent the previous days anxiously awaiting updates. His openness and transparency about the situation further endeared him to his congregation, as it showed not only his humility but also his deep respect for the people who look up to him.
A Gospel Legend: The Life and Influence of Bishop Marvin Winans
Bishop Marvin Winans’ collapse and subsequent recovery have reignited discussions about his extraordinary career, which spans decades in both ministry and gospel music. Born on March 5, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, Winans is part of the legendary Winans family, often referred to as “the first family of gospel music.” Alongside his siblings—Carvin, Michael, and Ronald—he helped form The Winans, a gospel quartet that achieved widespread fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Their music was marked by a distinctive blend of contemporary gospel sounds with traditional Christian messages, appealing to both churchgoers and mainstream audiences alike.
Bishop Winans’ influence extended beyond music. In 1989, he founded Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan, with a vision to create a ministry that emphasized spiritual growth, community service, and outreach to the poor and marginalized. What began as a small congregation has since grown into a multi-campus church, with locations in Detroit, Toledo, and other cities. The Perfecting Church movement is known for its commitment to “perfecting the saints” through a focus on Christian discipleship and personal transformation.
In addition to his pastoral and musical achievements, Bishop Winans is also widely respected for his leadership within the African-American Christian community. His sermons often touch on themes of justice, faith, and the power of the gospel to bring about social change. He is also an advocate for education and frequently speaks about the importance of uplifting future generations through both spiritual and academic means.
Bishop Winans became even more widely known in 2012 when he was chosen to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of pop superstar Whitney Houston. His moving and powerful sermon, delivered at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, was broadcast live to millions of viewers around the world. The eulogy cemented his reputation as a pastor capable of blending the spiritual and the personal, offering words of comfort and hope in the face of deep loss.
A Family of Faith and Music
Bishop Winans’ life is deeply intertwined with both faith and music, and this connection runs through his entire family. He is the father of two sons, Marvin Jr. and Josiah Winans, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps by pursuing careers in music. Marvin Jr., affectionately known as “Coconut,” is a solo musician and producer, and he serves as the pastor of Perfecting Home Church. He was previously a member of Winans Phase 2, a group that aimed to continue the legacy of The Winans with a fresh, contemporary sound.
Josiah Winans, like his father and brother, is also a producer and has worked closely with Marvin Jr. on several musical projects. Together, they have continued to carry on the Winans family tradition of excellence in gospel music, while also exploring new genres and sounds that appeal to younger audiences.
Bishop Winans also has a stepson, Mario “Skeeter” Winans, who is a prominent figure in the R&B and hip-hop world. Mario is a producer, singer, and songwriter known for his work with artists like Puff Daddy, The Notorious B.I.G., and Beyoncé. Despite his success in the secular music industry, Mario has maintained a close relationship with his family’s gospel roots, often collaborating with his relatives on faith-based projects.
In 2022, Bishop Winans married Dr. Deneen Carter, a well-respected educator and community leader. Their marriage was celebrated by both their families and their congregations, as it marked a new chapter in Bishop Winans’ life following his previous marriage to gospel singer Vickie Winans. The couple has continued to lead and serve their communities together, with Dr. Deneen often playing a significant role in Perfecting Church’s educational and outreach programs.
The Physical and Emotional Demands of Ministry
Bishop Winans’ collapse has sparked broader conversations about the physical and emotional demands placed on pastors and leaders within the church. Ministry is a calling that requires not only spiritual strength but also a great deal of physical stamina and mental resilience. Pastors like Bishop Winans are often responsible for the well-being of entire congregations, and this can lead to significant stress and burnout if not properly managed.
Many pastors are called upon to deliver multiple sermons each week, lead Bible studies, counsel members of their congregation, oversee church operations, and engage in community outreach. For those who are also public figures, like Bishop Winans, the demands are even greater, as they must balance their pastoral duties with their responsibilities as public speakers, authors, and, in some cases, musicians.
The pressure to constantly be “on” can take a toll on even the most seasoned pastors. It’s not uncommon for church leaders to neglect their own health in the service of others, pushing through fatigue, stress, or illness because they feel a deep sense of responsibility to their congregation. For Bishop Winans, who has spent decades in the spotlight as both a preacher and a musician, the physical demands of his ministry may have finally caught up with him during the Toledo service.
The Importance of Self-Care in Ministry
In the wake of Bishop Winans’ collapse, there has been a renewed focus on the importance of self-care within the clergy. While pastors
