Why I Stopped Going To Church — Carter Efe Speaks On Distrust Of Some Pastors

Popular skit maker and singer Carter Efe has opened up about his reasons for no longer attending church, citing concerns about financial expectations from some religious leaders.

The entertainer, who is from Nigeria, shared his views in a viral video circulating on social media, where he explained that his experiences and observations have made him cautious about forming close relationships with certain pastors.

According to him, some religious leaders may initially show care and friendship toward members but later begin requesting money for personal needs, a situation he said he finds uncomfortable.

He said:

“Pastor go dey show you love, dey call you for afternoon and evening. Before you know, pastor go dey tell you say ‘can you give me money for fuel?’ Before you know, pastor go tell you say ‘I want to cook beans, I need oil.’ Before you know, pastor go dey collect money for your hand. Na why I dey fear. Na why I no dey go church.”

The singer added that he prefers to avoid such situations entirely, noting that financial requests disguised within friendship make him uneasy.
Mixed Reactions Online

His remarks have triggered debate across social media platforms, with users expressing differing opinions.

Some agreed with his perspective, arguing that financial exploitation exists in certain religious spaces, while others criticized him for generalizing pastors and religious institutions.

Selected reactions include:

@sasmanic: “They will bill you till you get broke… just live abroad or have money, then this Naija pastor will open shop for your head.”

@BIG_DINERO37: “Abi na to open church, mosque and shrine dey collect money small small.”

@Johzbohz: “The worst thing is that the pastors will come out and lie that you gave them those gifts.”

@AbigailAidela: “Na church them send you go, no be to go do friendship with pastor.”

Ongoing Conversation

Carter Efe’s comments have contributed to ongoing public discussions about transparency, accountability, and financial practices within religious organizations, particularly in Nigeria where faith institutions play a major role in social life.

Observers note that while many religious leaders maintain integrity, controversies involving money often generate strong public reactions.