A thriving church does not grow by accident—it grows through strategic leadership, training, and the empowerment of faithful workers. Dag Heward-Mills has built one of the largest church networks in the world, not by focusing on one central location but by raising and sending out trained pastors and missionaries to plant and lead churches worldwide.
His ability to train and equip leaders has been the foundation of his success in church planting, missions work, and evangelism. Through his Bible schools, leadership conferences, and personal mentorship, he has ensured that his churches remain spiritually strong, well-led, and continuously growing.
This article explores how Dag Heward-Mills trains pastors and missionaries, the impact of this strategy, and how other ministries can learn from his model.
The Need for Trained Pastors and Missionaries
Many churches remain small and stagnant because they lack trained leaders. Without well-equipped pastors and missionaries, churches struggle with:
- Weak leadership that cannot sustain growth.
- Lack of vision and direction.
- Inability to disciple and train new believers.
Dag Heward-Mills recognized early in his ministry that if he wanted his church to expand, he needed to train pastors and missionaries who could take the vision to new locations.
Instead of relying on a few gifted leaders, he developed a leadership training system that has produced thousands of effective pastors and missionaries.
The Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center
At the heart of Dag Heward-Mills’ training strategy is the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center. This is a full-time Bible school that trains young men and women for pastoral ministry, evangelism, and church planting.
At Anagkazo, students learn:
- Biblical doctrine and theology, ensuring that they understand the Word of God.
- Practical ministry skills, including how to preach, teach, and lead.
- Church administration, so they can manage a growing church effectively.
- The principles of loyalty and faithfulness, ensuring they remain committed to their calling.
Many graduates of Anagkazo have gone on to plant thriving churches across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, ensuring that the work of church expansion continues.
Training Through Books and Mentorship
Beyond formal education, Dag Heward-Mills has also used his books and personal mentorship to train pastors and missionaries. His books such as “The Art of Leadership,” “Loyalty and Disloyalty,” and “The Mega Church” have become manuals for pastors around the world.
Many pastors who have never met him personally have been trained through his books and online teachings, proving that a strong training system can reach beyond physical locations.
The Impact of His Training System
Because of his emphasis on training and sending leaders, Dag Heward-Mills has seen:
- Thousands of churches planted worldwide.
- A strong and united network of churches under well-trained leadership.
- Continuous expansion as new pastors and missionaries are trained and released.
His commitment to raising leaders rather than just attracting followers has made his ministry one of the most sustainable and fast-growing church movements today.
Conclusion
The secret to Dag Heward-Mills’ church growth lies in his commitment to training pastors and missionaries. Through Bible schools, books, conferences, and mentorship, he has created a leadership pipeline that continues to fuel the expansion of his ministry.
For any pastor or church that desires long-term growth, the lesson is clear: train, equip, and send out leaders. A strong church is built not just on one leader but on a team of trained and committed workers.