Rev Dr Sam Oye is the Founder and Global Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church International, a fast-expanding apostolic and prophetic movement with Headquarters in Abuja. Beyond the pulpit, he is a trusted and secret coach to policy makers, top military officers, corporate captains, and influential clergy. He opens up about his life and trajectory into ministry and global influence. Excerpts:

Share with us about your journey as an author

My writing journey began with pain. In 1999, I suffered a deep personal loss and out of that pain came my first book, ‘Yesterday Can Kill’. It was raw, healing and deeply liberating for many. Since then, I’ve authored several titles including, ‘The 7 Forces of Breakthroughs’, ‘The Emerging Leader’, ‘The Prayer Switch’, ‘The Limit Breaker’, ‘The Singles Checklist’, ‘The Singles Compass’, ‘Crack It’.

They’ll be available globally on Amazon soon. My books are tools for healing, alignment, leadership and destiny navigation.

Your teachings are global. How do you balance theological depth with practical relevance?

I believe in applicational theology. The Bible isn’t a relic—it’s a manual for victorious living. I teach people how to hear God, lead like Jesus, succeed with kingdom values, build godly families, make wise decisions, win in businesses, career and purpose. If it doesn’t transform lives, it’s not gospel.

What are the most pressing issues singles and couples face today, and how do you help?

The biggest issue is not lack of partners; it’s lack of wisdom. Many singles are spiritually strong but socially disconnected. They don’t know how to attract, connect or communicate. I teach them to combine prayers with preparation. For married couples, we deal with issues like sexual dysfunction, financial misalignment, parenting struggles and emotional betrayal. Whether single, married, divorced or widowed, we provide relevant teaching, prophetic covering and practical wisdom to restore dignity and direction.

How can pastors and leaders build systems for sustainable growth?

Growth doesn’t just happen by accident; it’s built by structure, strategy and leadership pipelines. In TTC, I don’t do everything. I train the people who build the systems that build the church. Growth happens when you multiply vision through empowered teams; not when you micromanage outcomes.

What are the top three leadership principles that shape your ministry?

The first is teamwork which drives impact. No vision thrives in isolation; do I don’t build alone. I raise teams that run with the vision. Together, we scale what one man cannot carry. Secondly is vision which provides direction. You can’t lead what you can’t see. Vision gives clarity, filters distractions and anchors decisions. I lead based on what God has shown. Thirdly is prayer which fuels execution. Prayer is not optional; it’s foundational. Without prayer, vision loses power. I birth strategies in prayer before building them in public.

How can individuals discover their purpose in ministry?

Purpose is not something you figure out; it’s something God reveals. It is His original intention for your existence etched into your spirit before time began. You won’t discover it merely through introspection or personality tests. True purpose is unearthed in the presence of God, not in the opinions of men. Your gifts may hint at it, and your burdens may point towards it, but only God can unveil it with precision. So, you start by serving faithfully where you are. Don’t wait to be called by a title, step out in obedience. As you pour yourself into service, divine direction will begin to rise. Many never discover their purpose because they sit still waiting for lightning when in fact, God often reveals the next level as you move in faith. When you show up for duty, heaven shows up with details. Obedience always precedes revelation.

What advice do you have for those feeling called into ministry but unsure where to begin?

Don’t wait for a platform; step into service. Ministry begins where obedience meets opportunity. Serve in silence, follow a mentor and carry burdens before you carry microphones. God promotes those who show up in the shadows. Faithfulness is the seed; Start small, stay consistent. God will unveil the next step as you move. Never confuse calling with spotlight. Some of the most anointed ministries were forged in obscurity. If you can’t serve when no one is watching, you’re not ready to lead when everyone is looking.

How do you train and deploy leaders effectively?

At The Transforming Church, we are intentional about raising leaders, not placeholders. We are a people-development church committed to helping individuals discover their callings, develop their capacity and deploy with clarity. Through a structured leadership pipeline that includes the transformers programme in various forms, we ensure that every believer is equipped to grow spiritually and serve effectively. We don’t just assign people to roles—we align them with purpose. Every training is designed to stir gifts, sharpen vision and shape character. We develop leaders who are not only fit for ministry in church but also positioned to lead with impact in business, government, education and culture.

What’s the greatest challenge facing the Nigerian church today?

Some of the greatest challenges are doctrinal distortion and spiritual disunity. The Scriptures remain infallible, but many interpret them through the fog of personal wounds, pride or shallow theological grounding resulting in fragmented truth and competing voices in the body.

The church must return to the centrality of Christ, the authority of Scripture and unity of the Spirit.

How is The Transforming Church shaping Nigeria’s spiritual and social landscape?

We disciple believers to be salt in culture and light in systems by equipping them to influence government, business, education and beyond. Our impact doesn’t stop at the pulpit; it flows into policy, productivity and people’s everyday lives. We’re also deeply engaged in community transformation—providing clean water, education, healthcare and hope to underserved areas. Our mission is simple: raise reformers, rebuild communities and reveal Christ.