In a viral social media moment that has stirred up conversations about boundaries, influence, and clout-chasing in the pulpit, TikTok star Peller has called out a pastor, identified as Pastor Keseina, for allegedly using his name and that of his girlfriend, Jarvis, to preach a sermon—and collect offering.
According to Peller, the pastor went as far as blaming him and Jarvis for the academic failures of his children, particularly in the just-concluded JAMB exams. In a passionate reaction, Peller stated:
“This pastor went to church to preach about Peller and Jarvis, saying we’re the reason his kids failed JAMB. Nobody forces anyone to watch my live. We’ll sue that pastor because he used our name to collect offering. He used our name to preach because he knows all the Gen Z in the church will love him and bring offering.”
The TikToker, known for his expressive personality and controversial online relationship with Jarvis, did not hold back his frustration. In his view, the pastor was not genuinely concerned about the youth or their spiritual growth but was instead using their popularity to stay relevant and gain the favor (and pockets) of Gen Z congregants.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some users agree that religious leaders should be mindful of using influencers’ names negatively from the pulpit, others feel that public figures must also accept criticism, especially when their content is accessible to a younger audience.
This clash between the pulpit and the platform raises bigger questions:
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Is it ethical for pastors to name-drop celebrities or influencers during sermons for relatability?
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Should influencers take legal steps when they feel slandered by religious leaders?
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And where do we draw the line between clout-chasing and preaching relevant messages?
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: this generation is not taking public shaming lightly—even if it comes from the altar.
What are your thoughts? Should Peller go ahead with the lawsuit? Or was Pastor Keseina within his rights to reference pop culture figures in his message? Let us know in the comments.