A Nigerian pastor has allegedly ordered church members who arrived late to kneel at the church entrance as punishment for not being punctual to service. This incident has sparked widespread debate and mixed reactions online, as many question the appropriateness of such disciplinary action within a place of worship.
This claim surfaced in a viral post on X, formerly known as Twitter, and has since been generating significant engagement across social media platforms. The video accompanying the post has fueled discussions among netizens, with many sharing their opinions on the pastor’s disciplinary approach.
In the video, a few individuals can be seen kneeling outside what appears to be a church building. The setting and the actions depicted in the footage have led to divided opinions, with some supporting the pastor’s decision, citing the need for discipline, while others criticize the act as excessive and unnecessary.
The caption on the post provides context to the unfolding situation, reading: “I saw these people kneeling at their church entrance because they were late for church.” The statement suggests that the individuals were required to kneel as a form of correction or punishment for their tardiness.
As the footage spread rapidly across social media, many users took to the comment section to express their thoughts and reactions. Some argued that punctuality is essential in all aspects of life, including religious gatherings, while others condemned the act as an extreme and humiliating measure.
See some reactions below:
@chababy81: “Some of you left by 5 AM to work because of one thing or the other, but when it comes to church, you want to do anyhow.”
@Mhajid93: “Pastor wey go tell me to kneel gats be Anthony Joshua!”
@chababy81: “Those people that think their ideology is bigger than others will come for me, but I’m super active.”
@Evequadri: “God just blow this trumpet already.”
@musty_harun: “That’s good. Why will they come late to service? Some even choose the time they want to come to God’s service.”
@chababy81: “If they can kneel down in school when they’re late, why not in church? You guys fear humans more than God.”
@belloayodamope1: “Just look at them, look at the church, and look at everything there in general.”
@aprokodriver: “Na like this one pastor started flogging his members until he poured fuel on one of them and lit matches. Make una dey play.”
@Iamowolabi01: “This can’t be true. What sort of rubbish is this? Kneel down for coming late to church? This can never be true.”
The video has since ignited discussions on the role of discipline in religious settings, with some defending the act as a necessary measure to instill punctuality and respect, while others argue that such actions may drive people away from the church rather than bring them closer.
While some social media users see the practice as an acceptable way to encourage discipline and commitment to religious activities, others believe it goes against the spirit of compassion and love that should define a place of worship. Many have pointed out that faith should be about encouragement and not punishment.
At the time of this report, the identity of the pastor and the church involved remains undisclosed. It is also unclear whether the kneeling punishment was a longstanding practice within the church or a one-time occurrence.
As the conversation around the viral video continues, it remains to be seen whether the church leadership will respond to the criticism or provide further clarification on the matter.
WATCH VIDEO:
Sheybi una dey see 😭🧎🏻♂️➡️ pic.twitter.com/azFQmIdZbU
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) February 16, 2025