Stop the “Nonsense”: Ibiyeomie Bans Gum,Water, and Phones in Church

Tuesday— Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, has issued a stern directive to his congregation, banning the consumption of water, chewing of gum, and the use of mobile devices during church services. Labeling these habits as “indecent” and “unethical,” the cleric emphasized that such behaviors undermine the sanctity of the sanctuary.

​During a recent sermon at the ministry’s headquarters, Ibiyeomie specifically targeted the habit of chewing gum, describing it as a practice beneath the dignity of worshippers. “Stop chewing gum in church. You are not a goat,” the cleric remarked, noting that careless disposal of gum on floors and under chairs has become a recurring maintenance nightmare for the church. He suggested that those concerned with breath hygiene should opt for mouthwash before arriving at the service rather than using gum as a remedy.

​The directive extends to the consumption of water within the auditorium. Ibiyeomie argued that the practice is a modern distraction not found in more traditional settings. According to validviewnetwork, the clergyman drew a sharp comparison with the Catholic priesthood, noting that one would never see a priest drinking water on the altar during Mass.

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​Further addressing the issue of decorum, Ibiyeomie insisted that if a member’s need for water is urgent, they must exit the auditorium to drink rather than disrupt the flow of the service. Validviewnetwork also highlight that the pastor’s stance on mobile phone usage is equally firm, as he categorized digital distractions as a sign of spiritual irresponsibility. The cleric concluded by urging members to “recalibrate” their behavior to reflect true reverence for the house of God.