Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has become a trending topic online after a viral video showed him issuing strict conduct rules to his congregation during a church service. The video, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), captures the clergyman warning worshippers against chewing gum, drinking water, or using mobile phones inside the church auditorium.
Chewing Gum Compared to Animal Behavior
In the clip, Pastor Ibiyeomie passionately condemns chewing gum during service, stating that it is a sign of disrespect to the sacredness of the altar. He compared members who chew gum to animals, saying, "Don't chew gum when you're in church; you're not a goat." The statement has drawn both support and criticism from social media users.
Water and Phone Restrictions
The pastor also instructed members not to drink water during the service, insisting that anyone needing water should step outside the auditorium. He further warned against the use of mobile phones, emphasizing that members should avoid distractions and focus on spiritual activities. "Don't use your phone at all in church," he added.
Comparison with Other Pentecostal Churches
Pastor Ibiyeomie distanced his church's conduct from other Pentecostal denominations, criticizing the laxity often seen in contemporary gatherings. He remarked that some Pentecostal churches are more relaxed about allowing water inside auditoriums, but his church maintains strict decorum.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The video has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some users defended the pastor's stance, emphasizing the need for reverence in church, while others criticized the restrictions as excessive. User @chijioke6883 commented that not everyone chews gum for fun; some may have medical conditions like stroke or paralysis that require it. @official_tivick noted that the quote was misleading, as the pastor did not explicitly say only Pentecostal churches allow water. @vsoghec remarked that using a phone as a notepad is acceptable, but surfing the net during service is inappropriate. @MondayCaroline questioned the water ban, saying, "We shouldn't drink water in the church ke! Ah! God no send una all this one o."
Background on Pastor David Ibiyeomie
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is the founder of Salvation Ministries, a prominent Pentecostal church in Nigeria. He is known for his strict teachings on discipline and reverence in worship. In a related testimony, he recounted how he gave out his entire N5,000 salary in 1997 after receiving divine instruction, and later received a financial blessing of N25,000 and food items from a church member.
