By Luminous Jannamike

Rev. Dr. Sam Oye is a multi-disciplinary speaker, pastor, and leadership coach, and the founder of The Transforming Church International, a religious movement based in Abuja. Outside of his pastoral role, he has advised policymakers, military officers, corporate leaders, and clergy. In this interview, with Our religious affairs correspondent, he discusses his life, the path that led him into ministry, and the challenges and experiences that have shaped his journey

What was the divine moment that changed everything for you?

It all began during a 21-day fast in Lagos in the year 2000. On the final day, I had a life-altering divine encounter. The Lord instructed me to relocate to Abuja and start a church; however, that wasn’t my first calling encounter. At the age of 15 in 1989, I had a supernatural visitation from Jesus where He told me I would plant churches and train leaders for Him. He specifically said the headquarters would be in Abuja, with branches spreading throughout Nigeria and the world.

How did the journey from a small classroom to a global church begin?

In 2002, I obeyed and moved to Abuja. We began in a small classroom in Wuse 2 with a handful of people. Initially, it was called Harvest House, but as the vision evolved, it became what we now know as The Transforming Church (TTC). Today, we are a multinational apostolic family with branches across Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and the Philippines, with a massive e-church community worldwide.

What sparked the creation of the Prophetic Prayer Hour?

The Prophetic Prayer Hour was born not out of strategy but pure obedience. While returning from a powerful meeting in Florida hosted by Pastor William McDowell, I heard the Lord clearly, “Return home and pray with my people.” I thought it would be a simple five-day morning prayer for our church members. But a few days before the meetings, we encountered unrelenting rainfall. I almost cancelled the sessions until my wife gently suggested, “Why not just pray with them online?” Initially, I laughed. I had once joked about online prayers, but the Spirit of God said, “Do what your wife said.”

We started online in a very modest way. No PR, no marketing; just obedience. What was meant to be a five-day prayer has now become a global altar of fire, running daily for over 1,500 days now. Today, millions join us daily from over 110 countries and God continues to confirm His presence with mind-blowing miracles, deliverance and revival.

What fuels the daily miracles and transformation in the Prophetic Prayer Hour?

The Prophetic Prayer Hour has become a source of hope and transformation for many, with countless individuals sharing testimonies of healing, breakthroughs, and renewed faith. It stands as a testament to God’s power and compassion. The secret is compassion and grace.

Everyday, I’m aware that someone is desperate for help—battling addiction, depression, affliction or confusion. When ministry is driven by ego, you will crash but when it is driven by genuine compassion, grace flows like a river. God keeps pouring strength into me because I never stopped pouring into people.

How does The Transforming Church equip leaders and believers for impact?

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.