“The church I…” — Lady shares her experience in UK church
A Nigerian lady living in the United Kingdom (UK) has sparked widespread debate online after sharing her experience of attending a church service that sharply contrasts with what many are used to back home.
In a post that has since gone viral, the lady described a calm and structured service that left her both surprised and unsure of what to make of the experience.
According to her, the service followed a strict schedule and avoided many of the energetic elements commonly seen in Nigerian churches.
A Different Worship Experience
“The church I attend here in the UK: Service starts at 10AM. Ends at 11AM. Exactly.
No offertory. Not even once. If you wish to give, do so secretly after service. The pastor speaks like he is having a conversation with you.
I sat there the first time genuinely waiting for the part where things pick up…like speaking in tongues, dancing during praise, loud clapping to break chains etc.
The pastor even prayed for people individually. Nobody fell. I’m still not sure if I’ve been delivered or if I’m missing something.”
Her account quickly drew attention, especially among Nigerians familiar with more expressive styles of worship often associated with Pentecostal churches.
Mixed Reactions Online
The post triggered a wave of reactions, with many social media users sharing contrasting opinions about what a “proper” church service should look like.
Oluwasegun wrote: “The problem is us, stop with comparism the church in Antioch isn’t the church in Philadelphia even in biblical accounts it differs, in UK this, in the US that… Enough said already.”
John wrote: “No that’s the way services should be. A church service should be ‘Word’ heavy, your mind elevated, exhorted and edified with simple understandable scripture music. God is not in confusion and bedlam
Many churches today unfortunately of the Pentecostal persuasion have perverted the spiritual gifts into tests of fellowship and tests of conversion. Which explains the theatrics you’ve witnessed.”
VeilBreaker wrote: “Normal church that actually respects your time and skips the circus. No fake tongues, no falling out, no guilt-tripping collection. That’s not missing something, that’s winning. Most Nigerian churches would call this “dead” because it doesn’t scam or entertain. Stay there.”
Omonigho wrote: “No offertory? Service ends at 11AM sharp? Pastor no dey shout? Nobody fell? My sister, that is not church o. That is a book club with communion.
I am not sure if you have been delivered or you have been bored into righteousness. But the peace must be nice. No drama. No “somebody shout hallelujah” every 2 minutes. You are not missing anything. You are just experiencing a different stream of Christianity. Both can be valid.”