What My Pastor Said : When Joy came to me three years ago, she was a devoted member. Active in the choir, always early for service, and truly passionate about God’s work. So when she told me she wanted to start a career in acting, I was deeply concerned. I told her plainly that Nollywood is full of moral compromise. kissing scenes, indecent dressing, and roles that corrupt the spirit. I reminded her that as a Christian, she has to choose between light and darkness. She said she wanted to be a “Christian actress,” but I have seen how that line fades quickly once fame and money enter. Many people start with good intentions but later forget God. I advised her to focus on gospel dramas instead. We even have a church media team where she could help us spread the Word. But she said that would limit her growth. I didn’t understand how someone who once led worship could now prefer the stage lights of the world. Last month, I saw a movie trailer where she played a scene with a man who wasn’t her husband, holding hands and smiling in a romantic way. It broke my heart. I didn’t even need to finish the clip. I called her after service and told her she’s walking on a dangerous path. But instead of listening, she said I was judging her.
My Side of the Story : Pastor means well, I know that. But I’m not turning away from God. I’m just trying to live out my purpose in a different way. Since I was a child, I’ve loved storytelling. Acting gives me life in a way nothing else does. I believe that even in secular movies, one can still represent truth, integrity, and good values. When I first started acting, I promised myself never to do anything immoral. No nudity, no kissing, nothing that goes against my faith. I’ve been keeping that promise. But Pastor saw a movie trailer and assumed the worst. The “romantic” scene he saw was just a simple conversation about forgiveness, not what he imagined. Sometimes I feel torn, like I have to choose between the Church and my calling. People think once you’re in entertainment, you’ve sold your soul. But who says God can’t use actors too? I’m not chasing fame; I’m chasing fulfillment. Yet, I wish my Pastor could see that. Instead of feeling encouraged, I now feel like an outcast whenever I go to church.
After reading both sides, what do you think really happened? Or who do you think is right?