Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has issued a firm advisory to members of his congregation, warning them against certain habits he considers improper and disrespectful during church services. In a recent sermon that has since gone viral on social media, the Port Harcourt‑based cleric specifically called out the practices of chewing gum, drinking water, and using mobile phones inside the church auditorium. He described these actions as indecent, unethical, and distracting to the solemn atmosphere expected in a place of worship.
Speaking passionately during a Sunday service, Ibiyeomie expressed his displeasure at seeing worshippers chew gum while seated in the church. “Nobody comes to Salvation Ministries 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 said. The pastor went further to declare that chewing gum in church is not only unhygienic but also strips the worshipper of dignity. “Stop chewing gum in church. You are not a goat. If you want to chew gum, chew at home. Or when you leave the church, chew,” he added, drawing a sharp analogy that has since sparked widespread debate online.
Ibiyeomie also addressed those who argue that chewing gum helps keep their breath fresh. He offered a simple alternative, advising members to use mouthwash instead. “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 said. He also condemned the habit of sticking used gum under chairs or on other surfaces within the church premises. “We see nonsense here. And gum it on that chair. How responsible is that?” the pastor queried, emphasising that such behaviour reflects a lack of responsibility and respect for the church environment.
Beyond the issue of chewing gum, Ibiyeomie extended his admonition to the consumption of water during service. He instructed members not to drink water while seated in the auditorium, arguing that it is inappropriate within the context of worship. “Don’t drink water in church. Please, all those things are not good. Don’t carry water,” he said. To drive home his point, he drew a comparison with Catholic practices, stating, “You don’t see a Catholic priest drinking water on the altar.” He acknowledged that some members might feel thirsty, but suggested that anyone who needs to drink water should step outside the auditorium to do so rather than interrupting the flow of the service.
The pastor also took aim at the widespread use of mobile phones during church services. He urged worshippers to put away their devices and focus on the sermon, stressing that such distractions should stop entirely. While he did not elaborate on specific penalties for those who violate these guidelines, his tone made it clear that adherence to these rules is expected of all members of Salvation Ministries.
Ibiyeomie’s remarks have generated a flurry of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians sharing clips of the sermon and debating the appropriateness of his stance. Some applauded the pastor for promoting order and cleanliness in the church, agreeing that chewing gum and drinking water during service can be distracting and unhygienic. Others, however, felt that his comparison of gum‑chewers to goats was overly harsh and could alienate some members. A few commentators also noted that while maintaining decorum is important, the church should be a place of grace rather than rigid rules.
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is a well‑known televangelist and the founder of Salvation Ministries International, headquartered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The church has branches across Nigeria and a growing international presence. Ibiyeomie is known for his direct teaching style and occasional controversial statements, which have often placed him at the centre of public discourse. His latest admonitions are consistent with his emphasis on holiness, decency, and reverence in worship.
In his concluding remarks on the subject, the pastor urged members to reflect on their behaviour and to treat the church auditorium as sacred space. “All those things are not good,” he reiterated, calling for a collectively more disciplined approach to worship. While no official church policy has been issued, many members have taken to social media to pledge their compliance, while others have playfully mocked the instructions. Regardless of the varied reactions, the conversation has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between contemporary habits and traditional expectations of decorum in Nigerian Pentecostal churches.
As Salvation Ministries continues to grow, Pastor Ibiyeomie’s words serve as a reminder that for him, the sanctity of the church environment is non‑negotiable. Whether his congregation will fully embrace the ban on gum, water, and phones remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next service at Salvation Ministries is likely to be quieter, cleaner, and perhaps a little thirstier.
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