A church that does not send is a church that does not grow. One of the greatest strategies for expanding the Kingdom of God is the ability to train, equip, and send out leaders to plant churches in new territories. Dag Heward-Mills has mastered this principle, making him one of the most effective church planters of our time.
Instead of focusing on gathering believers in one central location, he has trained thousands of pastors and missionaries to go out and establish new churches. This approach has led to the rapid growth of his church network, the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), which now spans over 90 countries worldwide.
His ability to send leaders rather than keep them has been a key factor in the success and longevity of his ministry. This article explores how Dag Heward-Mills has raised church planters, the impact of sending, and why this model is the future of church growth.
Why Sending is the Key to Church Growth
Many pastors desire church growth but refuse to send out leaders because they fear losing valuable members and workers. They want to keep their best preachers, worship leaders, and administrators in one location, hoping to build a larger congregation.
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that this is a limiting mindset. He believes that true church growth happens when pastors are willing to train and release leaders to start new congregations in different locations. By sending out leaders, churches can:
- Reach new communities and nations with the Gospel.
- Develop and empower more leaders, rather than depending on one central figure.
- Ensure long-term expansion and sustainability of the ministry.
By embracing this apostolic model, his church network has grown into one of the largest in the world.
Training Leaders for Church Planting
Dag Heward-Mills does not just send people randomly—he ensures that they are properly trained and prepared for the work of ministry. His commitment to leadership development is evident through his:
- Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, a school dedicated to training future pastors and missionaries.
- Extensive leadership conferences, where he teaches pastors the practical aspects of ministry.
- Books and training manuals, which provide structured guidance on church planting and administration.
Through these platforms, he ensures that those he sends out are fully equipped with the necessary skills to start and sustain thriving churches.
The Global Impact of Sending Leaders
Because of Dag Heward-Mills’ sending strategy, thousands of churches have been planted across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These churches have brought salvation, healing, and transformation to many communities.
The impact of sending leaders includes:
- The spread of Christianity in unreached areas.
- The creation of new opportunities for leadership development.
- A church network that continues to grow and multiply.
This method ensures that no single church remains stagnant, but rather keeps expanding as new leaders are released into ministry.
Conclusion
The secret behind Dag Heward-Mills’ successful ministry is his commitment to sending, rather than holding back. By raising and releasing thousands of church planters, he has built a global movement that will continue to grow for generations.
His story is a challenge to pastors and churches worldwide: If we want to see the Kingdom of God expand, we must be willing to send, train, and equip the next generation of church leaders. The future belongs to those who are willing to release, not just retain.