The apostolic ministry was a key part of the early church. The first apostles were church planters, missionaries, and pioneers who took the Gospel to new territories and established strong Christian communities. Over time, however, many churches became comfortable and stationary, losing the passion for pioneering new works. In a time when many ministries focus on local church growth, Dag Heward-Mills has revived the apostolic spirit by planting thousands of churches across the world and training pastors to expand into new regions.
His ministry is a modern example of apostolic leadership, where evangelism, church planting, and missions work are at the forefront. He does not just preach about church expansion—he actively demonstrates it through his global church-planting movement. His ability to establish churches in different nations proves that the apostolic calling is still alive and necessary today.
Church Planting as an Apostolic Mission
Dag Heward-Mills’ approach to ministry aligns closely with the New Testament apostolic model. The Apostle Paul traveled from city to city, planting churches, training leaders, and ensuring that the Gospel was firmly established. In the same way, Dag Heward-Mills has led a movement that focuses on multiplication through church planting rather than just growing one central congregation.
His church network has expanded into over 90 countries, proving that apostolic leadership is about expanding the reach of the Gospel, not just maintaining existing churches. Unlike churches that remain focused on one location, his ministry constantly seeks new territories where the Gospel is needed. This missionary and church-planting focus has made his movement one of the fastest-growing in the world today.
Raising and Sending Missionaries
A true apostolic ministry does not just establish churches—it raises and sends leaders to pioneer new works. Dag Heward-Mills has trained thousands of pastors and missionaries through the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, equipping them with the knowledge, spiritual strength, and practical skills needed for missions work.
His trained missionaries have planted churches in remote villages, urban centers, and international cities, ensuring that the Gospel reaches people in all kinds of cultural and economic environments. He teaches that the apostolic calling is not just for a select few but is part of the Great Commission given to the entire church. His commitment to training and sending missionaries ensures that the apostolic mission of the early church continues today.
The Apostolic Work of Strengthening Churches
Apostolic ministry is not just about starting churches but also about strengthening them to remain strong and effective. Dag Heward-Mills does not only send pastors out—he continues to mentor and support them, ensuring that every church has the resources, training, and leadership structure needed to thrive.
Many church-planting movements struggle because they send people out without ongoing mentorship and guidance. However, his churches remain strong because of continuous pastoral training, leadership conferences, and structured discipleship programs. His apostolic work does not end when a church is planted—it continues through mentorship, teaching, and leadership support.
Reviving the Apostolic Calling in the Church Today
Many churches today have moved away from the apostolic model, choosing instead to focus on growing large congregations in one place. Dag Heward-Mills has revived the importance of sending out missionaries, planting churches, and expanding beyond borders. His ministry proves that the apostolic calling is still relevant and that churches must once again embrace a pioneering spirit to fulfill the Great Commission.
Through his example, churches worldwide are being challenged to move beyond comfort zones and take the Gospel to unreached areas. His ministry is a reminder that the church was never meant to be static—it was always designed to grow, expand, and reach new nations with the Gospel of Christ.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills has revived the apostolic spirit of the early church, proving that church planting, missionary work, and leadership training are key to expanding Christianity in today’s world. His movement continues to inspire churches globally to prioritize missions and church expansion, ensuring that the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth.
His life and ministry stand as a powerful example that the apostolic calling is not just a thing of the past—it is essential for the future of the church.