A church is only as strong as its leaders and disciples. Without intentional leadership training and discipleship, ministries eventually weaken and struggle to grow. Dag Heward-Mills has built one of the most successful leadership training models, ensuring that his churches are always equipped with well-trained, faithful, and committed leaders.
This article explores his discipleship model, the importance of leadership development, and the lessons churches worldwide can apply to raise strong, dedicated leaders.
The Biblical Foundation of Discipleship
Dag Heward-Mills’ discipleship model is deeply rooted in biblical principles. Jesus did not just preach to the masses—He invested time in training twelve disciples who later became the foundation of the early church.
His teachings emphasize that discipleship is not just about attending church—it’s about:
- Commitment to learning and spiritual growth.
- Serving actively in ministry and leadership roles.
- Raising other disciples to continue the work.
This is why many of his disciples have gone on to become pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. He follows the principle of spiritual multiplication, where trained disciples become trainers of others.
Mentorship and Close Training
One of the key aspects of Dag Heward-Mills’ discipleship model is mentorship. He believes that spiritual growth is best achieved through personal relationships with experienced leaders.
This approach follows the biblical model where:
- Moses mentored Joshua.
- Elijah mentored Elisha.
- Paul mentored Timothy.
Instead of just preaching general messages, he spends time training, guiding, and investing in individuals who show spiritual potential. This hands-on mentorship has produced thousands of dedicated church leaders who now serve in different countries.
The Role of Training Schools in Discipleship
To ensure proper spiritual education and ministry training, Dag Heward-Mills established the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center. This school provides formal ministry education, equipping students with:
- Biblical knowledge and sound doctrine.
- Practical skills for evangelism and church leadership.
- Hands-on ministry experience in real-world settings.
Through this structured discipleship program, he has ensured that his churches never lack trained leaders to continue the work of expanding God’s Kingdom.
Faithfulness and Loyalty in Leadership Development
One of the biggest challenges in raising leaders is the issue of disloyalty and division. Many churches fail to grow because of leadership conflicts and breakaways.
Dag Heward-Mills has addressed this issue through his teachings on loyalty and faithfulness. His book, “Loyalty and Disloyalty”, is widely used in churches to train leaders on the importance of faithfulness, unity, and long-term commitment.
By emphasizing loyalty as a key leadership trait, he has successfully created a church network that is stable, united, and constantly expanding.
The Power of Hands-On Ministry Experience
Discipleship is not just about teaching theory—it requires practical experience. Dag Heward-Mills ensures that his disciples are actively involved in real ministry work.
He encourages young leaders to participate in:
- Evangelism and outreach programs.
- Church planting and missions work.
- Preaching, teaching, and leading services.
This hands-on experience helps disciples develop confidence, maturity, and a strong sense of responsibility in ministry.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills’ discipleship model is a powerful blueprint for churches looking to raise strong leaders. By focusing on mentorship, training, loyalty, and practical ministry experience, he has built a sustainable system that ensures the continued growth of the church.Churches that prioritize discipleship and leadership development will not only grow numerically but will also ensure long-term stability and impact for generations to come.