Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has strongly warned church members, condemning habits such as chewing gum, drinking water, and using mobile phones during service, describing them as disrespectful and unbecoming of worship.
Speaking during a recent church service, the cleric emphasised that such behaviours are not only improper but also create disorder and discomfort within the auditorium.
He said, “Members of Salvation Message, nobody comes to Salvation Messages during service and chewing gum. People chew gum and drop on the floor, and most of the people make mistakes to match it. It’s not neat, it’s not ethical, it’s not decent.”
He further intensified his warning, stressing discipline in worship settings:
“You’re not a goat. Stop chewing gum in church. If you want to chew gum, chew at home. Or when you leave the church, chew.”
Addressing those who justify the habit for oral freshness, Ibiyeomie advised the use of proper hygiene alternatives.
“Don’t say, I like to keep my mouth fresh. Please use mouthwash and freshen your mouth. It’s not gum to make it,” he added.
The cleric also condemned the practice of disposing chewing gum improperly within the church environment.
“We see nonsense here. And gum it on that chair. How responsible is that?” he queried.
In addition, he cautioned against drinking water during service, insisting that it is inappropriate within the worship atmosphere.
He said, “Don’t drink water in church. Please, all those things are not good. Don’t carry water.”
Drawing a comparison with other Christian traditions, he stated, “You don’t see a Catholic priest drinking water on the altar.”
Ibiyeomie also advised worshippers who must drink water during service to step outside the auditorium, rather than disrupt proceedings.
He further discouraged the use of mobile phones during service, urging members to maintain focus and decorum throughout worship.
