Growing a church requires more than just good preaching—it requires strategic effort, commitment, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Many churches struggle to grow because they lack the right mindset and approach to church expansion. Dag Heward-Mills has developed the Anagkazo Church Growth Model, a biblical strategy that has led to the rapid expansion of his ministry and thousands of churches worldwide.
The word “Anagkazo” comes from Luke 14:23, where Jesus says:
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
This scripture reveals that church growth does not happen by accident—it requires effort, persistence, and an aggressive approach to winning souls.
The Meaning of the Anagkazo Church Growth Model
The Anagkazo Model is based on the principle of compelling people to come into the Kingdom of God. Many churches rely on passive evangelism, waiting for people to come to church on their own. However, Dag Heward-Mills teaches that churches must actively reach out, invite, and compel people to hear the Gospel.
This approach involves:
- Aggressive evangelism and soul-winning.
- Discipleship and follow-up to retain new converts.
- Training members to become soul-winners and church planters.
By applying this model, churches experience consistent numerical and spiritual growth.
Why Churches Struggle to Grow
Many churches remain small because they lack the urgency and persistence that the Anagkazo Model teaches. Some of the key reasons for stagnation include:
- A lack of passion for evangelism.
- No structured follow-up for new converts.
- Failure to train members in leadership and discipleship.
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that churches must break free from a passive mindset and actively work towards growth. The Anagkazo Model removes the excuses for small church attendance and provides practical steps to ensure continuous expansion.
How to Apply the Anagkazo Model in Church Growth
The Anagkazo Church Growth Model is not just a theory—it is a proven strategy that has been successfully applied in thousands of churches worldwide. Churches that follow this model focus on:
- Winning souls through strategic outreach programs.
- Following up with new believers to ensure they remain in the faith.
- Training and equipping members to take responsibility for growth.
Dag Heward-Mills encourages churches to go into new communities, establish home fellowships, and continuously work towards increasing attendance and membership. His model emphasizes that churches should never be satisfied with small numbers but must always aim for expansion.
The Role of Evangelism in the Anagkazo Model
Evangelism is the driving force behind the Anagkazo Model. Many churches focus on retaining existing members rather than reaching new ones. However, Dag Heward-Mills teaches that evangelism must be a continuous, aggressive effort. His model includes:
- Street evangelism and public preaching.
- Organized church invitation campaigns.
- Crusades and revival meetings to draw in large crowds.
Churches that actively engage in evangelism see consistent growth and spiritual revival.
The Long-Term Impact of the Anagkazo Model
The success of Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry is evidence that the Anagkazo Model works. His church network has grown from a small fellowship to a global movement with thousands of churches. The churches that follow his model have seen:
- Supernatural increase in membership.
- A stronger commitment to soul-winning.
- A revival in church planting and leadership development.
His teachings continue to impact pastors and ministries worldwide, proving that any church can grow when the principles of Anagkazo are applied consistently.
Conclusion
The Anagkazo Church Growth Model is a revolutionary strategy that has transformed how churches grow and expand. By emphasizing aggressive evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training, Dag Heward-Mills has provided a practical roadmap for sustainable church growth. His model serves as an inspiration for pastors and churches worldwide, proving that growth is possible when biblical principles are applied with commitment and passion.