Pastor Keion Henderson is addressing his viral church service that has left the internet divided.
The Houston-based spiritual leader joined “The Tamron Hall Show” Tuesday alongside his wife, Shaunie O’Neal. During their chat, he addressed the moment where he demanded “silence in the name of Jesus” as a parishioner was loudly weeping while Henderson was preaching and attempting to sing before his congregation. While some believed his actions were rude, the Lighthouse Church pastor defended his actions. According to him, the woman had been talked to about her behavior in the past by him and church staffers. However, Henderson says the loud antics continued for months, disrupting the service and prompting him to finally address her publicly.
“As a pastor, I know the difference between disturbance and worship,” Henderson explained to Hall. “What people have to understand is that every time you hear a noise in church, it isn’t worship..there has to be order.”
Henderson stated that he would do it all again if need be, seemingly unphased by the backlash. The woman has not yet been identified, though several social media users familiar with the church have backed claims that her outbursts were a regular occurrence. However, others believe that Henderson should not have told someone immersed in the holy spirit to be quiet. O’Neal supported her spouse, adding that he motivates her to be a better person.
