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Pastor Keion Henderson of The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas, has faced significant criticism after a resurfaced clip from a 2023 sermon in which he appeared to downplay the importance of giving to the poor. In the clip, Henderson suggests that blessings and wealth come not from charitable giving but from tithing to the church. He stated that helping the poor provides no personal gain beyond what is given and emphasized that only tithing leads to multiplication of blessings.
When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Henderson’s church explained that the message had been taken out of context. The spokesperson clarified that Henderson did not intend to discourage charitable giving but to highlight that tithing should not be replaced entirely by giving to individuals. According to the spokesperson, Henderson was emphasizing that God is the source of abundance and multiplication when Christians tithe.
Despite this clarification, the sermon sparked strong backlash from many Christians, with some accusing Henderson of manipulating his followers for financial gain. Critics, including pastors and members of the public, pointed to biblical teachings that encourage helping the poor and criticized Henderson for misinterpreting Scripture. Some cited passages like Acts 20:35 and Proverbs 19:17, which emphasize the blessings that come from generosity towards those in need.
In response to these criticisms, Henderson’s church highlighted its extensive charitable efforts, including providing financial assistance to those in need and offering scholarships to students. However, some critics remained unconvinced, suggesting that Henderson’s teachings were more focused on financial contributions to the church rather than genuine compassion for the less fortunate.
The controversy comes at a time when Henderson is leading a campaign to raise $4.4 million to rebuild his church campuses after storm damage. Critics have questioned the timing of his message, especially given the widespread need for support in communities affected by natural disasters across the country.