Viral testimony ignites conversations on financial demands, power imbalance, and accountability within religious spaces
A Nigerian woman has ignited widespread debate on social media after sharing a troubling personal account of how her experience in a church choir nearly pushed her into becoming what she described as a “runs girl,” allegedly due to subtle financial and material pressures within the ministry.
In a viral post circulating across social platforms, the lady recounted that while serving as a choir member, she noticed an increasing emphasis on constantly changing outfits for performances and church programs. According to her, the expectation was that choir members should frequently wear new or coordinated clothes, a demand that placed financial strain on many young women in the group.
She claimed that during conversations around these expectations, a comment was made suggesting that if a choir member wanted to keep up with the frequent wardrobe changes, she would need a sponsor. “If you want your choir to keep changing clothes, you should sponsor it,” she recalled being told, a statement she said carried deeper implications beyond financial support.
The lady explained that such remarks, combined with the unspoken pressure to maintain appearances, created an environment where some young women felt compelled to seek financial help from men outside the church, blurring the line between genuine support and exploitation. She described the situation as emotionally distressing, noting that her desire to serve in church nearly placed her in compromising circumstances.
Her story has since generated intense reactions online, with many users condemning what they see as unhealthy material expectations within religious institutions, while others argue that churches should be more sensitive to the economic realities of their members. Some commentators have also called on church leadership to reassess policies around uniforms, appearances, and sponsorship to prevent vulnerable members from being pressured into risky situations.
The viral testimony has reopened broader conversations about accountability, power dynamics, and the welfare of young people serving in churches, with advocates urging faith-based organisations to prioritise spiritual growth over material displays and to create safer, more supportive environments for all members.
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