Victoria Orenze urges worshippers to stop filming during church services

Nigerian gospel singer Victoria Orenze has expressed strong disapproval of congregants who prioritize recording videos on their mobile phones over spiritual engagement during church services. The singer, known for her intense and passionate ministrations, confronted worshippers during a recent event, urging them to focus on the presence of God rather than capturing content for social media. Orenze’s critique addresses a growing trend in modern worship where the use of technology is often seen as a barrier to authentic spiritual connection.

During a ministration that has since gained significant attention, Orenze was seen directly addressing members of the congregation who had their phones aimed at her. In a moment of visible frustration, she suggested that those more interested in recording than in participating in the worship experience should take such habits to secular venues like nightclubs. She questioned the spiritual value of focusing on a screen during sacred moments, emphasizing that the primary goal of the gathering is to encounter the divine.

The singer further argued that the act of filming creates significant distractions, not only for the person holding the device but also for the surrounding worshippers and the ministers themselves. By focusing on capturing the perfect shot or video clip, Orenze believes congregants lose the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the ministration. Her intervention highlights the tension between the desire to document and share religious experiences and the need to maintain the sanctity and focus required for traditional worship.

Orenze’s comments have sparked a broader debate regarding the "social mediafication" of church services and the appropriate use of technology in sacred spaces. While some proponents of digital ministry argue that recording allows for the gospel to reach a wider audience online, Orenze’s stance reinforces the view that some experiences are meant to be lived in the moment. Her critique serves as a call for worshippers to reconsider their priorities and return to a practice of focused, undistracted devotion during religious gatherings.