Sarah Martins Explains Why She Quit Church — And It’s Sparking Conversations About Faith Beyond the Pews
Popular Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has opened up about a deeply personal decision — one that many Christians may quietly relate to but rarely voice in public.
In an exclusive chat with The PUNCH, Martins revealed she no longer attends church services, despite proudly identifying as a Christian. Her reason? A mix of personal conviction and disturbing experiences.
Martins said she was once deeply involved in church activities, but over time, she realised that showing up for Sunday services doesn’t automatically make anyone God’s favourite.
“It’s what you do behind closed doors that really matters,” she said.
Unfortunately, her church journey was marred by repeated instances of pastors making unwanted advances toward her in every congregation she joined. After enduring these experiences, she made the bold decision to step away from organised worship and instead focus on cultivating a direct relationship with God.
“I built a personal relationship with God and promised to stay faithful by doing the things that please Him. Since then, every time I go down on my knees, He answers,” she said.
Today, Martins expresses her faith through charity work and private devotion, insisting she has found peace and favour without the politics or temptations she faced within church walls.
Opinion: Is Church Attendance the Only Proof of Faith?
Sarah Martins’ story will likely ignite a heated debate in Christian circles. While many believers see regular church attendance as a non-negotiable, her experience raises uncomfortable but necessary questions:
What happens when the place meant to be a refuge becomes a source of pain or temptation?
Can a personal walk with God truly thrive outside organised religion?
The truth is, faith is deeply personal. For some, the church is a spiritual home and source of community. For others, like Martins, the noise, politics, and human flaws overshadow the message.
Her journey reminds us that God’s presence is not confined to four walls. True faith is reflected in daily actions, the quiet moments of prayer, and the way we treat others — especially when no one is watching.
Still, one can’t ignore the sadness in her story. The fact that repeated pastoral misconduct drove her away from church should serve as a wake-up call to religious leaders everywhere. The pulpit should inspire holiness, not fear or mistrust.
Whether you agree with Martins or not, her decision forces us to reflect: Are we building a faith rooted in God’s word, or just in tradition and attendance registers?
