Pastor Keion Henderson, founder of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries in Houston, Texas, has come under fire following the resurfacing of a controversial clip from one of his 2023 sermons. In it, he suggested that congregants would not receive blessings or wealth from God by giving to the poor. Instead, he emphasized that blessings would come only through tithing to the church. This statement has sparked widespread criticism among Bible-believing Christians and pastors, who argue that his message contradicts biblical teachings.

The clip, taken from Henderson’s November 5, 2023, sermon titled “It’s All About The Benjamins,” shows him questioning the church’s tendency to give money to those in need, stating that while helping the poor is good, it does not result in personal blessings or multiplication of wealth. “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,” Henderson said. He further added that charity alone does not bring wealth, a claim that has stirred a significant backlash.

In response to the criticism, Brian Smith, a spokesperson for The Lighthouse Church & Ministries, issued a statement clarifying that the sermon clip was taken out of context. He emphasized that Henderson’s message was not meant to discourage individual charitable acts but to highlight the importance of tithing in addition to giving to those in need. Smith explained that tithing, as instructed in Malachi 3:10, is essential for receiving God’s blessings and that the church has a history of charitable giving, having donated over $451,000 to various causes in 2023 alone.

Despite this defense, Henderson’s comments have continued to draw sharp criticism. Clarence Hill Jr., a Dallas Cowboys beat writer, expressed on social media that Henderson’s sermon was “blasphemy” and accused the pastor of focusing more on money than saving souls. Pastor John Wesley of Truth Unveiling Ministries also condemned Henderson’s message, arguing that it was inconsistent with Scripture, particularly Acts 20:35, which emphasizes the importance of helping the weak and reminds Christians that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Wesley also took issue with a separate instance in which Henderson claimed that God told him his followers would give him $4.4 million in three weeks to repair damage caused by Hurricane Beryl to three of his church’s four campuses. Henderson had called on 2,100 people to donate $2,100 each over 21 days as part of a fundraising campaign. When asked if the church had reached its $4.4 million goal, Smith stated only that they had received a “generous outpouring” of support.

Critics have accused Henderson of being more concerned with financial gain than with following Christ’s teachings. Wesley argued that Henderson’s message is particularly inappropriate at a time when many are suffering from storm damage and need assistance. He pointed out that Jesus himself ministered to the poor and that Scripture is clear about the blessings that come from helping those in need.

Wesley and others have cited several Bible verses to refute Henderson’s message, including Proverbs 19:17, which states, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Pastor Sydney Hart of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Florida echoed Wesley’s sentiments, adding that Henderson’s comments do not align with the Word of God. Hart highlighted that giving to the poor is viewed in Scripture as an act of lending to God and is accompanied by a promise of blessing, even if it is not always material.

Both Wesley and Hart urged Christians to study the Bible for themselves to discern the truth. They pointed to Proverbs 28:27, which warns that neglecting the poor can bring curses. “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,” the Scripture says. But those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”