Why I Stopped Attending Church – AY Comedian

Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has revealed why he stopped attending church for a period, saying he withdrew from congregational worship after becoming the subject of negative public narratives.

The comedian also questioned the role of the church after disclosing that he was later removed from participating in a church programme because of concerns about how the public perceived him.

Speaking in a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, AY explained that his decision to stop attending church was not because he had lost his faith in God, but because he was going through a difficult personal season and wanted to avoid becoming the focus of gossip among worshippers.

According to him, the online backlash and stories written about him made attending church emotionally difficult.

“For some time now, I stopped attending church, not because I stopped believing in God, also not because I lost my faith,” he said.

“I was actually navigating a very personal season, and a negative narrative was put out there on the blogs against me. I chose to step back quietly because I just didn’t want to become the subject of whispered conversations and curious looks, especially when you walk into the house of God.”

He added that although he occasionally joined church services online, he eventually found the courage to worship at another church, where he was warmly welcomed by the pastor, his family and members of the church leadership.

AY said he believed he had finally found a spiritual home after receiving an invitation to participate in one of the church’s upcoming programmes.

However, he said the invitation was later withdrawn following internal discussions over concerns about the public perception surrounding him.

“At some point, I was invited to be part of an upcoming programme. Later, after some internal discussions, I was told I would no longer be participating because of concerns about public perception surrounding me,” he said.

“I respected the decision, but I left with a question. When did public opinion become stronger than one’s relationship with the author and finisher of his faith?”

The comedian stressed that his remarks were not intended as an attack on pastors or an attempt to defend himself against allegations circulating online.

Instead, he said the experience prompted him to reflect on the true purpose of the church, arguing that it should remain a place where people find grace, truth and restoration regardless of the circumstances surrounding them.

“What if all the stories you hear about AY out there were true? What if they were false? What if they were mere rumours? Wouldn’t the church be the safest place to find truth, grace and restoration?” he asked.

“Because if people cannot run to God’s house when life becomes heavy on them, where are they meant to run to?”

Reaffirming his Christian faith, AY cited Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him, saying Christ’s invitation was not dependent on public acceptance or a person’s reputation.

“He didn’t say, ‘Come after everyone has accepted your story.’ He didn’t say, ‘Come after your reputation has been repaired.’ The key word was ‘Come.’ No matter what your situation, no matter what you’re going through, just come,” he said.

He also referenced Romans 3:23 and John 8:7, noting that the Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and cautions against judging others.

AY concluded by posing a question to Christians and his followers, saying, “Who is the church really for?”