Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has cautioned members of his congregation against chewing gum, drinking water, and using mobile phones during church services, describing the practices as inappropriate and disrespectful in a worship environment.
Speaking during a church service, the cleric said chewing gum in church was unhygienic and indecent, particularly when worshippers dispose of used gum carelessly by sticking it on chairs or dropping it on the floor.
He advised members to avoid chewing gum during services and suggested that those who wished to do so should wait until they were outside the church premises.
Responding to claims that chewing gum helps maintain fresh breath, Ibiyeomie recommended the use of mouthwash instead, insisting that gum was not suitable within the church auditorium.
The pastor also criticised the habit of drinking water during church services, describing it as inappropriate conduct during worship.
Drawing a comparison with Catholic worship practices, he noted that Catholic priests do not drink water while at the altar.
According to him, worshippers who feel the need to drink water during service should excuse themselves and step outside the auditorium rather than doing so during sermons.
Ibiyeomie further urged members to keep their phones away during services, stressing that phone use during worship creates distractions and reflects a lack of proper reverence in church.