Houston pastor Keion Henderson came under scrutiny after a controversial clip from one of his 2023 sermons resurfaced. In the clip, he implied that giving to the poor would not result in blessings or wealth from God, stating that blessings would only come through tithing to the church.
He claimed in his November 5, 2023 sermon called "It's All About The Benjamins",
“Multiplication is segregated for tithes and offering. When you give to the poor, the only thing you do is help them, but you don’t help yourself.”
This statement reportedly drew widespread backlash from the community, who argued that Keion Henderson’s message contradicted biblical teachings. Not only that but netizens have also reacted to it. One X user wrote:
“That is horrible. We should never give to expect anything in return.”
Other social media users have pointed out what Keion Henderson said was incorrect while a few X users claimed that there was self-centredness in his speech.
“If you give to receive in return, you're doing it wrong,” a person wrote on X.
“All i heard was ‘me, me, me, self, self, self,’” a netizen commented.
“Support my extravagant life style, says the corrupted preacher. Being a pastor of a group of people they cobbled together is a scam. It's been going on for centuries, but those of past years cannot hold a candle to today's scam artists,” another social media user posted.
Netizens recommended reading the Bible, highlighting that tithing has never been a source of wealth.
“This guy...Read YOUR Bible. Tithe doesn't bring wealth, and God's blessings aren't limited to physical finances,” an X user commented.
“He will be judged extra harshly for this selfishness,” a person reacted.
“So, it is not about loving others but self-interest. “Very Christ-center” Mark 7:7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules,” a netizen wrote.
Brian Smith said Keion Henderson’s sermon was taken out of context
Brian Smith, spokesperson for The Lighthouse Church & Ministries, released a statement, in response to the criticism, clarifying that Keion Henderson’s sermon clip had been misinterpreted.
He stressed that Henderson’s message was not intended to undermine personal charitable acts but to emphasize the significance of tithing alongside helping those in need.
Smith further explained that tithing, as outlined in Malachi 3:10, is essential for receiving God’s blessings and noted that the church has a strong tradition of charitable giving, donating over $451,000 to various causes in 2023 alone.
This was not the first time that Keion Henderson came under controversy. He apologized for asking a choir member to "stop it" and "hush" during a live-streamed service in May 2024.
Footage of Keion Henderson publicly expressing remorse to the person he silenced began circulating online on September 10, 2024. In the video, the pastor asked the emotional woman to come forward and then embraced her in a long hug, causing her to cry out and scream.
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Henderson addressed the congregation during the service, explaining that the woman before them was involved in the viral "hush" incident.
He acknowledged the pain his actions had caused her, expressing deep regret in front of the entire congregation, saying he had no idea the impact it would have. As he apologized, the woman became even more emotional.
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