– David Ibiyeomie Prohibits Drinking Water During Church Service
Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has sparked reactions online after reportedly prohibiting church members from chewing gum and drinking water during services.
The popular preacher made the announcement during a recent church gathering, stressing the need for reverence, discipline, and attentiveness while in the presence of God.
According to him, activities such as chewing gum or drinking water during sermons can be distracting and show a lack of respect for the sanctity of worship.
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A video clip from the service has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians sharing mixed opinions about the directive.
While some church members and supporters defended the pastor’s stance as a way to maintain order and seriousness during worship, others criticized the rule as being too strict and unnecessary.
Pastor Ibiyeomie reportedly warned ushers and church workers to ensure compliance among congregants, emphasizing that church services should be conducted with focus and discipline.
The development has triggered conversations online about church culture, personal freedom during worship, and the increasing emphasis on orderliness in modern Pentecostal churches.
David Ibiyeomie Prohibits Drinking Water
Some social media users argued that people may need water during long services for health reasons, while others insisted that avoiding distractions during worship is a reasonable expectation in church settings.
Despite the controversy, supporters of the clergyman maintained that every church has its own guidelines and traditions, adding that members who attend are expected to respect the rules established by church leadership.