At 66, Marvin Winans Reveals the Sad Reason He’s Saying Goodbye

Bishop Marvin Winans, the legendary gospel singer and pastor, recently faced a health scare that has left his congregation and fans deeply concerned and reflective.

Several months after joyfully announcing he was cancer-free, Winans suddenly collapsed while delivering a sermon at his Perfecting Church in suburban Los Angeles—a moment that was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking widespread alarm and an outpouring of prayers from around the world.

Winans, a pillar of both gospel music and Christian ministry, is known for his powerful voice and heartfelt leadership. His recent collapse came as a shock, especially since he had only just triumphed over bladder cancer earlier in the year.

The incident unfolded during a Wednesday Bible study session as Winans, dressed sharply and delivering his message with conviction, began to show signs of distress—slumped shoulders, labored breathing, and a weakened stance.

Despite his visible struggle, he pressed on with his sermon, reminding his congregation of God’s faithfulness even in difficult times. But as he spoke, his health visibly deteriorated, and he eventually lost consciousness, prompting church staff and members to rush to his aid.

The video of the collapse quickly made its way across social media, prompting thousands of messages of support and concern. The hashtag #PrayersForBishopWinans began trending, uniting believers and gospel fans in collective hope for his swift recovery.

Many shared personal stories of how Winans’ music and ministry had touched their lives, and the incident reignited conversations about the pressures faced by spiritual leaders—who often prioritize their congregations’ needs above their own health.

In the days following the incident, Winans addressed his congregation via livestream to reassure everyone. With his signature calm and gratitude, he explained that the collapse was due to overexertion and fatigue, not a recurrence of cancer.

He thanked everyone for their prayers and support, emphasizing the importance of self-care—even for pastors—and assuring his followers that he was on the mend.

Winans’ recent health scare is especially poignant given his battle with cancer. Diagnosed in 2022, he underwent a series of treatments, including immunotherapy, and in July 2024, he celebrated being declared cancer-free—a victory that was met with joy and relief by his church and the broader faith community.

His testimony of healing became a source of inspiration, underscoring his message of faith and resilience.

Now, as he recovers, Winans’ experience serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for balance, even for those who seem strongest.

His openness about his struggles has sparked important conversations about the well-being of spiritual leaders and the significance of rest and self-care in ministry.

As prayers and support continue to pour in, Marvin Winans remains a beacon of faith and perseverance. His journey—from gospel icon to cancer survivor to a pastor who openly shares his vulnerabilities—reminds us all of the power of faith and community.

While he may be stepping back to prioritize his health, his legacy of hope, music, and ministry will endure.