The Great Commission commands believers to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. However, many churches today struggle to send missionaries or train pastors with a vision for global evangelism. Some leaders prefer to stay within their comfortable environments rather than sacrifice their personal ambitions to spread the Gospel. As a result, many parts of the world remain unreached, and the church’s growth slows down.
Dag Heward-Mills has responded to this challenge by raising a generation of missionary pastors—leaders who are not afraid to leave their homes, comfort, and familiar surroundings to preach the Gospel in new territories. Through his books, mentorship, and structured training programs, he has developed thousands of pastors who are equipped, passionate, and willing to go anywhere to plant churches and spread Christianity. His movement has created a missionary-driven culture where expansion is a priority, ensuring that the Gospel continues to reach new regions and nations.
Training Missionary Pastors Through Practical Experience
Many people feel called to missions but do not receive proper training or preparation before being sent out. Dag Heward-Mills has designed a structured approach to raising missionary pastors, ensuring that they receive both theological knowledge and hands-on ministry experience.
His Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center has produced thousands of pastors who are taught how to start churches, evangelize effectively, disciple new believers, and handle the challenges of ministry in foreign lands. These pastors do not just learn from books—they are placed in real-life ministry situations where they gain practical experience before being sent out as missionaries.
Because of this intensive and hands-on approach, his missionaries are not afraid to go into difficult places. They are trained to adapt to different cultures, learn new languages, and work in environments where Christianity is weak or even resisted. This preparation ensures that their mission work is not just short-term enthusiasm but a lifelong commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Creating a Culture Where Missions Is a Priority
Many churches struggle with missions because they do not make it a priority. They focus on maintaining their existing congregations rather than expanding into new areas. Dag Heward-Mills has changed this mindset by ensuring that missions and church planting are deeply embedded in the DNA of his movement.
Every pastor trained under his ministry is taught that they are not just called to lead a church but to start new ones. His movement encourages young pastors to embrace the missionary calling early in their ministry, ensuring that they develop the mindset of expansion rather than maintenance. Because of this, his church network is always growing and multiplying, with new churches being planted regularly across different continents.
Overcoming the Fear of Full-Time Missionary Work
Many people hesitate to become missionaries because they fear financial instability, cultural differences, and personal sacrifice. Dag Heward-Mills teaches that true ministry requires faith in God’s provision and a willingness to step out of comfort zones. His books, such as “Many Are Called,” encourage believers to trust that if God calls them to missions, He will also sustain them.
His own life is an example of this principle. He left behind a promising career as a medical doctor to serve in full-time ministry, showing that missionary work is not for the weak-hearted but for those who are willing to obey God’s call at any cost. His personal sacrifices have inspired many young people to choose full-time missions instead of pursuing secular ambitions, proving that serving God is the greatest calling a person can have.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills has raised a generation of fearless missionary pastors who are willing to go anywhere in the world to preach the Gospel. Through his training programs, mentorship, and personal example, he has ensured that his church movement does not remain in one place but continues to spread across nations and cultures.
His work challenges churches worldwide to stop being inward-focused and start training and sending missionaries. The future of Christianity depends on leaders who are willing to take the Gospel beyond their local churches and into the world, and his ministry is proof that missions is still the most effective way to expand God’s kingdom.