No Phones, No Water, No Gum: Pastor David Ibiyeomie Issues Strict Conduct Rules for Worshippers

Founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has sparked conversations online after cautioning church members against chewing gum, drinking water, and using mobile phones during worship services.

The cleric made the remarks during a church service, emphasizing the importance of maintaining reverence, discipline, and proper conduct inside the worship environment.

In a video that surfaced on X on Tuesday, Pastor Ibiyeomie addressed congregants directly, stating that certain habits commonly seen during services do not align with the level of decorum expected in church. According to him, members should avoid chewing gum while inside the church auditorium, stressing that the worship space should be treated with seriousness and respect.

He also discouraged worshippers from drinking water during service sessions, advising anyone who needs to do so to briefly step outside before returning.

Speaking candidly, the pastor said church is a place of focus and spiritual engagement, and as such, behaviors that could cause distraction or reduce the solemnity of worship should be avoided.

In addition to his comments on food and drinks, Ibiyeomie also instructed members not to use their phones during church services. He maintained that mobile devices can easily distract both users and those seated nearby, reducing concentration during prayers, teachings, and other spiritual activities.

The pastor further contrasted his church’s practices with what he described as more relaxed standards in some Pentecostal congregations, noting that Salvation Ministries maintains stricter guidelines regarding conduct during services.

His comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with some users agreeing that churches should uphold discipline and minimize distractions during worship, while others argued that access to water and mobile devices can sometimes be necessary, especially during lengthy services.

Despite the debate, Ibiyeomie’s remarks have once again drawn attention to broader conversations around church etiquette, personal comfort, and the expectations placed on worshippers in different denominations.

As discussions continue online, the statement highlights how issues of decorum and tradition remain important topics within modern Christian worship spaces in Nigeria and beyond.