The Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre (FWC), Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has said that true romance in marriage is defined by humility and consistent service rather than expensive gifts or elaborate ceremonies.
She made the remarks in a video where she addressed marriage and family life, challenging traditional notions of romance within marriage.
The cleric stated that Christian leadership in marriage should be demonstrated through sacrifice, responsibility and daily service within the home, adding that many couples were prioritising ceremony over substance.
“Humility is one of the most attractive qualities in a husband. Sometimes, the most romantic thing a husband can do is to serve with humility,” she said.
“Humility is attractive. Service is romantic,” she added.
Wedding and financial pressure
The mother of three urged young men not to delay marriage because of the cost of elaborate ceremonies, stating that marriage should not be overcomplicated—a position she has consistently reinforced in her teachings on relationships.
She shared her personal experience of a modest wedding with her late husband, Pastor Inalegwu Omakwu, noting that a church member lent her a wedding gown and that the ceremony was conducted in church, followed by a simple reception.
Advice to women on relationships
The church leader also advised women in the congregation to prioritise character over material status when choosing a spouse, warning that early behavioural signs often reflect deeper personality traits.
She criticised practices such as retrieving gifts after breakups, describing them as indicators of immaturity and poor character that should not be ignored in relationship decisions.
“As a woman, please don’t marry someone who is not kind — the type of person who goes back to collect the things they gave their girlfriend after a breakup,” she said.
Public attention and past remarks
The cleric has, over the years, attracted public attention for her sermons and occasional civic commentary.
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In 2015, a sermon clip circulated widely on social media, generating public debate. The church later stated that parts of the message were taken out of context, while she issued clarifications in response.
She has also made public comments on church conduct and ethical giving, which have generated discussion within Christian circles.
In addition, she has at different times engaged in civic commentary on public issues in Abuja, including appeals concerning community and recreational spaces, which drew responses from authorities.
In one instance, on 4 May, she appealed from the pulpit to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over plans affecting the Jabi Lake Recreation Centre, urging that the space be preserved for public use.
Pastor Sarah co-founded Family Worship Centre with her late husband on 11 April 1993 in Abuja. Her husband died in 2003, after which she assumed leadership of the church. She has three children.