Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred widespread reactions online after warning church members against chewing gum, drinking water, or using mobile phones during worship services.
The popular televangelist delivered the directive during a church service, insisting that worshippers must maintain discipline and reverence while in the presence of God. A video clip of his remarks later surfaced on X, where it quickly triggered heated debate across social media platforms.
In the viral footage, Ibiyeomie criticised behaviours he described as distracting and inappropriate during worship.
“Don’t chew gum when you’re in church, you’re not a goat. Don’t drink water in church; if you want to drink water, go outside,” he said.
The cleric also frowned at the use of mobile phones during church programmes, arguing that such practices undermine the sanctity of worship services.
“Don’t use phone at all in church. This is not a Pentecostal church; only Pentecostal churches allow water inside church,” he stated.
To support his position, Ibiyeomie referenced respected Christian leaders including Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo, saying they do not drink water while ministering on the altar.
“You won’t see Adeboye drink water on the altar, you won’t see Oyedepo drink water on the altar. Those things are not decent,” he added.
The comments immediately generated mixed reactions online, with supporters praising the call for discipline and reverence during worship, while critics questioned whether the restrictions were practical for all church members.
Some social media users argued that certain worshippers may need water for health reasons, including dehydration, diabetes, or medical conditions that cause dry mouth during lengthy services.
Others also pointed out that many Christians now rely on mobile phones for Bible applications, digital note-taking, and following sermons during services.
One X user, identified as #Whyiize1, wrote: “What if there’s a member who is dehydrated or diabetic or having dry mouth? What if a member wants to take notes with his phone or use a Bible App?”
However, another user, #eserosyy, defended the pastor’s comments, arguing that many people would not behave similarly in the presence of political leaders or dignitaries.
“Some things people do in church are annoying. They won’t do these things in front of the president or governor, so why do it in God’s presence?” the user wrote.
Pastor Ibiyeomie’s remarks have once again ignited broader conversations about church culture, modern worship practices, and the balance between reverence, convenience, and changing technology in Nigerian churches.
Salvation Ministries, headquartered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, remains one of the country’s largest evangelical ministries with a strong national and international following.
