Nigerian comedian and filmmaker AY Makun has spoken openly about why he stopped attending physical church services, and his explanation has very little to do with God or losing faith; it largely concerns people.
In a recent video, AY discussed a difficult personal period that changed his view of organised religion; not by weakening his faith, but by revealing something he believed the church had misunderstood.
AY explained that the turning point occurred during a time when his name was at the centre of negative narratives across social media and blogs. He did not specify what those narratives were but described how they affected his experience of public spaces, including church. 
Walking into a place he had always seen as a safe haven began to feel like entering what he called ‘an arena of judgment.’ He described feeling the burden of curious stares and whispered conversations during services, turning a space meant for peace into one of anxiety. To avoid becoming the subject of gossip within the congregation, he decided to step back from attending.
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The Second Chance That Fell Apart
AY did not give up immediately. Hoping for a new beginning, he tried a different church. The initial signs were promising: the pastor welcomed him, the leadership acknowledged him, and the congregation received him warmly.
Then he was invited to take part in an upcoming church programme.
After internal discussions among the leadership, the invitation was withdrawn. The official reason was concern about ‘public perception’ surrounding him. The same community that had previously embraced him decided that his visible presence in a role would be a liability.
This moment prompted a question AY said he cannot forget: ‘When did public opinion become more influential than one’s relationship with the author and finisher of his faith?’
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The Question He Is Raising
AY made it clear that his aim was not to criticise pastors or clergy. He described his words as a challenge to the community; an invitation to consider what the church truly exists for and whom it really serves.
He referenced scripture for support: Matthew 11:28, which speaks of those who are weary and burdened being welcomed; Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned and fallen short; and John 8:7, where Jesus challenges those without sin to cast the first stone.
His point was that if these are the values the church claims to uphold, then decisions based on social media narratives and public opinion directly contradict those values.
He argued that the church should be the one institution standing against social media judgment. Instead of shunning people based on rumours, it should offer truth, grace, and restoration. But he experienced the opposite.
AY concluded with a question that stayed with him long after that second church experience: ‘Who is the church really for?’
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