Founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has triggered widespread reactions on social media after cautioning members against chewing gum, drinking water, and using mobile phones during church services.
The cleric made the remarks while addressing his congregation during a recent service, stressing the importance of maintaining reverence and discipline in the house of God.
In a video circulated online on Tuesday by X user #dammiedammie35, Ibiyeomie warned worshippers against behaviours he described as inappropriate during worship sessions.
According to him, members should avoid chewing gum in church, insisting that such conduct shows a lack of respect for the sacred environment.
He also advised congregants not to drink water inside the auditorium during services, saying anyone who needed water should step outside before returning.
The pastor further discouraged the use of mobile phones during worship, adding that certain practices commonly seen in some churches should not be encouraged.
Ibiyeomie referenced respected Christian leaders including Enoch Adeboye and David Oyedepo, noting that they do not drink water while ministering on the altar.
He described such actions as indecent and inconsistent with the level of honour expected in places of worship.
The comments quickly generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users supporting the pastor’s call for order and reverence during church services, while others questioned the practicality of the directives.
One user argued that while discouraging gum chewing may be understandable, banning water and phones could pose challenges for people with medical conditions such as dehydration or diabetes, as well as worshippers who rely on digital Bible applications or note-taking tools during sermons.
Salvation Ministries, headquartered in Port Harcourt, remains one of Nigeria’s prominent Pentecostal churches with a large following across the country and beyond.
