General News of Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Source: www.mynigeria.com

You’re not a goat, stop chewing gum in Church — Pastor Ibiyeomie warns members

Pastor Ibiyeomie Pastor Ibiyeomie

Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has cautioned members against chewing gum, drinking water, and using phones during church services, describing the acts as improper and disrespectful.

Speaking during a church service, the cleric told members of Salvation Ministries that chewing gum in church is untidy and indecent, especially when worshippers dispose of the gum carelessly.

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.”

The pastor added, “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.”

Addressing those who claim chewing gum helps keep their breath fresh, Ibiyeomie advised them to use mouthwash instead.

According to him, “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 also condemned the habit of sticking gum on church chairs and other surfaces, saying, “We see nonsense here. And gum it on that chair. How responsible is that?”

The preacher further instructed members not to drink water during service, arguing that it is inappropriate within the church auditorium.

He said, “Don’t drink water in church. Please, all those things are not good. Don’t carry water.”

Comparing Pentecostal and Catholic practices, the cleric stated, “You don’t see a Catholic priest drinking water on the altar.”

Ibiyeomie also discouraged frequent interruptions during sermons to drink water, saying members who need to do so should step outside the auditorium.

He concluded by urging worshippers to avoid phone use during service, stressing that such behaviors should stop in church.