One of the greatest responsibilities of the church is not just to win souls but to disciple them into mature believers. Many churches focus on attracting new members but fail to nurture them into strong disciples of Christ. Dag Heward-Mills has built one of the most effective discipleship models in modern Christianity, ensuring that new believers grow into committed, knowledgeable, and faithful Christians.
His teachings emphasize that without proper discipleship, churches will be filled with weak believers who do not grow spiritually. His commitment to teaching, mentorship, and leadership training has resulted in thousands of well-trained disciples who have become pastors, evangelists, and church leaders.
The Biblical Command to Make Disciples
Jesus’ last command before ascending to heaven was a call to discipleship. In Matthew 28:19-20, He says:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that evangelism is only the first step—true success in ministry comes when new believers are properly discipled and equipped to continue the work of the Gospel. His discipleship strategy ensures that every church member is actively growing in faith and service.
The Role of Teaching and Mentorship in Discipleship
One of the key ways Dag Heward-Mills strengthens his discipleship model is through structured biblical teaching and mentorship. His books, such as “The Art of Following” and “Transform Your Pastoral Ministry,” provide guidance on how believers can grow from being ordinary church members into committed disciples of Christ.
He strongly believes that discipleship happens through teaching, example, and personal relationships. In his churches, new believers go through:
- Foundational Bible classes to strengthen their knowledge of Scripture.
- Practical training in prayer, soul-winning, and ministry work.
- Mentorship programs where experienced leaders guide and disciple younger Christians.
Through this structured discipleship approach, he ensures that no believer remains spiritually stagnant.
Discipleship as a Key to Leadership Development
Dag Heward-Mills has also used discipleship to train thousands of leaders for ministry. His belief is that discipleship does not stop at teaching people how to pray and read the Bible—it must lead to leadership and service.
Many of the pastors in United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC) were once ordinary church members who went through his discipleship training. He ensures that disciples are given opportunities to:
- Serve in different ministries within the church.
- Take on leadership responsibilities.
- Be trained for full-time ministry work through Bible schools and mentoring programs.
This approach has resulted in a continuous multiplication of churches and leaders, ensuring that the work of God keeps expanding.
How Discipleship Prevents Backsliding and Strengthens Churches
One of the major reasons people leave churches is a lack of spiritual growth and personal connection to the ministry. Many churches focus only on Sunday services, leaving members disconnected and spiritually weak.
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that discipleship keeps people grounded in their faith, reducing backsliding and ensuring strong, mature believers. His discipleship model involves:
- Small groups and Bible study fellowships where members grow together.
- Personal mentorship from church leaders to help members overcome challenges.
- Active engagement in church activities, keeping members committed and involved.
This has helped many churches under his leadership maintain strong attendance and spiritual vibrancy.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills has proven that a strong church is built on the foundation of discipleship. His teachings and structured approach ensure that believers grow spiritually, remain strong in their faith, and develop into leaders who impact others.
His model is a guide for churches worldwide, proving that when discipleship is prioritized, churches flourish, believers remain committed, and the Gospel continues to spread. His legacy of training and mentoring disciples will continue shaping the future of Christianity for generations to come.