For many years, church planting in Africa was slow and difficult. Many pastors focused on building large local congregations rather than planting new churches in unreached areas. However, Dag Heward-Mills has played a significant role in reviving church planting across Africa, ensuring that thousands of new churches are being established every year.
Through his United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), his Bible schools, and his church-planting strategies, he has inspired a movement of pastors, missionaries, and evangelists who are committed to expanding the Gospel in Africa.
Why Church Planting Is Essential for Africa’s Revival
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that Africa’s spiritual revival depends on the multiplication of churches. In Romans 10:14, the Bible asks:
“How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Millions in Africa have not yet heard the Gospel, and without more churches, many souls will remain unreached. Church planting ensures that:
- More people have access to the Gospel.
- Communities are transformed by the presence of local churches.
- A new generation of believers is discipled and strengthened.
The Strategy of Dag Heward-Mills in Church Planting
Training Leaders and Sending Them to Unreached Areas
One of the biggest obstacles to church planting is the lack of trained pastors. Dag Heward-Mills has solved this problem by:
- Establishing Bible schools that train pastors and church planters.
- Sending missionaries and church leaders to remote areas where there are no churches.
- Developing a system of mentorship and continuous training to support new pastors.
Making Church Planting a Priority in Ministry
Many pastors focus on growing their existing churches rather than planting new ones. However, Dag Heward-Mills teaches that every pastor must be involved in church multiplication. His strategy includes:
- Encouraging churches to plant new branches instead of remaining in one location.
- Raising teams of evangelists who can go ahead and prepare the ground for church planting.
- Ensuring that new churches are financially supported until they can stand on their own.
Using Evangelism Campaigns to Establish New Churches
His Healing Jesus Campaign crusades have led to thousands of new churches being planted. After every crusade:
- New believers are gathered into small fellowships.
- Trained leaders oversee these fellowships until they become full churches.
- Local pastors are assigned to disciple and grow the new congregations.
This strategy ensures that crusades lead to permanent churches, not just one-time events.
The Impact of His Church-Planting Movement
Dag Heward-Mills’ church-planting efforts have transformed Christianity in Africa. Because of his work:
- Thousands of new churches have been planted.
- Millions of Africans have heard the Gospel and accepted Christ.
- New pastors and missionaries continue to be raised and sent out.
His vision has ensured that the work of evangelism continues beyond a single generation, making a lasting impact on Africa’s spiritual landscape.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Church planting in Africa is not without challenges. Many new churches face:
- Financial struggles.
- Opposition from other religions.
- Lack of resources and trained leaders.
However, Dag Heward-Mills has overcome these obstacles by:
- Providing financial support for young churches.
- Encouraging pastors to remain faithful and not give up.
- Creating training programs that equip pastors with practical skills for ministry.
Because of his perseverance, many churches that started small have now become large, stable congregations.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills has revived the vision of church planting in Africa, ensuring that new churches are constantly being established in cities, towns, and villages. His commitment to training pastors, sending missionaries, and planting churches has transformed the spiritual landscape of Africa.
His strategy proves that church growth is possible when leaders are intentional, strategic, and fully committed to expanding the Kingdom of God. His work continues to inspire pastors and ministries across the continent, ensuring that the Gospel continues to spread until every soul has been reached.