“OMGoodness!! What is Oakland trying to do now? Who ever heard of a Transformational Ministry? What is it, " The Transformers" movie fan club or something?” Those are just a few of the many questions floating around Oakland over the summer. To answer your questions, the Transformational Ministry is quite simply the "Singles Ministry". So why not just call it that? Honestly, the ministry is about more than being "single". It’s more about teaching and equipping singles to draw closer to God and find their biblical purpose.

Romans 12: 1-2 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy acceptable unto God, and be transformed with the renewing of your mind that we may prove what is good. This ministry is focused on that very transformation. This ministry is designed to encourage single people to grow in their faith in Christ, to develop and strengthen friendships, and to provide opportunities to serve and reach our community for Christ. In 1 Cor. 7:32-35, the bible speaks about the unmarried “…caring for the things of the Lord…being holy in body and spirit… that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.” Brothers and sisters, that is what the Transformational Ministry is all about. We all know that following the will of the Lord requires a change or transformation of our minds that allows us to see Him and what He has for us.

According to the Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2009, single adults continue to be the fastest-growing marital demographic in America. At the same time, they are under-represented in the church. In the last 20 years, overall church attendance is down 35 percent. During the same period, the number of singles in this country has increased dramatically. The decline in the numbers attending church may have come from a failure to reach single adults rather than a massive desertion of church members.

One of the ways Oakland has endeavored to reach single adults is working to overcome the stereotypes we have of single adults. Singles are not all just looking to get married. And when or if they become married, they will not be more whole. Our vision is to be for people, community-building relationships, and helping people become all they can be for Christ, not just programs or organizations. Singles ministry is not just parties and socials; it is transforming single adults to be world changing ambassadors for Christ.

Are you a single adult who is looking for the opportunity to grow spiritually, serve liberally, and be strengthened emotionally? Well the Transformational Ministry just might be the place for you.

If you would like more information about this ministry please contact the Co-chairs: InDria McNeal (703) 582-6873 email indria.mcneal@gt.com, Michelle Hogan or Sherri Henley (703) 987-5847 email chic_lady24@yahoo.com.