The strength of any ministry is measured by its ability to raise and train future leaders. A church cannot thrive without dedicated pastors, evangelists, and ministry workers who are well-equipped to carry the vision forward. Dag Heward-Mills has made leadership development one of the core pillars of his ministry, raising thousands of pastors and church leaders who now serve in different nations.
Through structured mentorship, Bible school training, and hands-on ministry experience, he has developed a leadership model that ensures continuous growth and expansion of the church. His approach provides valuable lessons for churches and ministries that desire to raise faithful, committed leaders.
The Biblical Mandate for Raising Leaders
The Bible teaches that spiritual leadership is a calling and a responsibility. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy:
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
Dag Heward-Mills applies this principle by ensuring that his teachings are passed down to faithful men and women who can continue the work of the ministry. He believes that every pastor must train others, just as Jesus trained His disciples to carry on His mission.
The Process of Raising Church Leaders
Raising strong leaders requires more than just assigning titles—it involves deliberate training, mentorship, and spiritual development. Dag Heward-Mills has developed a structured approach to raising pastors and church leaders through:
Mentorship and Discipleship
He personally trains and mentors leaders, ensuring that they develop strong character, biblical knowledge, and leadership skills. Many of the pastors in his church network were once young disciples who grew under his mentorship.
Bible School Training
Through the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, future pastors receive intensive training in theology, leadership, evangelism, and pastoral ministry. This ensures that they are fully prepared to lead churches and ministries effectively.
Practical Ministry Experience
Before being sent out as pastors, church leaders gain real ministry experience by actively participating in:
- Evangelism campaigns
- Church administration
- Pastoral care and counseling
This hands-on approach ensures that leaders are fully equipped before stepping into full-time ministry.
The Role of Loyalty and Faithfulness in Leadership Development
One of Dag Heward-Mills’ key teachings is that leadership is not just about skill but also about character. He emphasizes the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in leadership development.
He teaches that leaders must be committed to the vision of the ministry and must serve with dedication. This has helped prevent church splits, disloyalty, and instability in his network of churches. His book “Loyalty and Disloyalty” is widely used to train leaders on the importance of faithfulness in ministry.
The Impact of His Leadership Development Model
The leadership model of Dag Heward-Mills has led to:
- Thousands of trained pastors who are planting churches worldwide.
- A strong leadership network that continues to expand.
- Churches that remain stable and united under trained, faithful leaders.
His investment in leadership training has ensured that his ministry does not depend on one person but continues to grow under the guidance of many trained leaders.
The Future of Leadership Development in His Ministry
As the church continues to expand, more leaders will be needed to oversee new congregations and mission fields. The training programs established by Dag Heward-Mills will continue to produce new generations of pastors, missionaries, and evangelists.
His leadership model provides a blueprint for churches seeking to multiply their impact by raising and sending out well-trained leaders.
Conclusion
The success of Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry is largely due to his commitment to raising pastors and church leaders. His model of mentorship, structured training, and leadership development has created a strong, growing church network that continues to thrive worldwide.
Churches that follow this approach will not only grow but will also sustain long-term success by producing faithful, well-trained leaders for generations to come.