Black Pastor Being Called Shady For Asking Church Members to Donate $2.1K Each

Nationwide — Pastor Keion Henderson of The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas, has called on his congregation and supporters to help raise $4 million to not only repair the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl but also to build a larger place of worship. The hurricane severely damaged the church’s north campus, leaving it unusable. In a heartfelt message delivered on Sunday, August 11, Pastor Keion urged 2,100 people to contribute $2,100 each within 21 days, aligning with what he described as a divine vision.

According to Atlanta Black Star, the fundraising campaign, titled “Out of the Harbor,” symbolizes a ship venturing out of a safe harbor into the unknown to fulfill its purpose. The Lighthouse Church, which serves over 20,000 members across four campuses in different regions of Houston, has been struggling with overcrowding and parking issues, especially at its north campus. Pastor Keion shared that up to 600 people were being turned away each week due to the limited capacity. He expressed his belief that God intended for the church to grow, saying, “I want to double the size of our sanctuary so that no one is turned away because we don’t have a seat.”

In the wake of the hurricane damage, Pastor Keion reached out to his mentor, Pastor Joel Osteen, for assistance. As a result, Lighthouse’s services are being temporarily hosted at Lakewood Church, with Pastor Osteen’s support. However, the details of this arrangement are still being finalized. Despite the uncertainty, Pastor Keion emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that they cannot wait for insurance companies to step in. He appealed directly to those who have been touched by his ministry to contribute to ensure that the church community is not displaced for an extended period.

The north campus of The Lighthouse Church sustained significant damage during Hurricane Beryl, which included a collapsed roof and severe electrical and water issues. Pastor Keion shared images of the destruction and warned his congregation to be wary of potential scams soliciting donations. Despite his earnest plea, some critics have accused him of using the disaster as a means to extract money from his followers, especially in light of his and his wife Shaunie Henderson’s public profiles.

Shaunie Henderson, known for her role in the VH1 reality series Basketball Wives and her previous marriage to NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, has also faced scrutiny. Her memoir, Undefeated, released earlier this year, sparked controversy with revelations about her past relationship with O’Neal. Critics have questioned why she and Pastor Keion do not fund the church’s rebuilding efforts themselves, given their combined wealth.

The backlash has intensified with comments on social media, where skeptics have suggested that Pastor Keion and Shaunie should use their personal finances to cover the costs. Reports estimate Keion’s net worth at $8 million and Shaunie’s at $35 million, leading some to argue that the fundraising efforts are unnecessary. The situation has sparked a broader debate about the ethics of religious fundraising, especially when the leaders involved are perceived to be financially well-off.