Many churches focus on growing larger in one location, but Dag Heward-Mills has taken a different approach—he prioritizes church planting as the primary method for expanding the Kingdom of God. Instead of building one massive congregation, he has trained and sent out thousands of pastors to start new churches in different cities, towns, and nations.
His emphasis on multiplication rather than centralization has resulted in the rapid growth of his church network, the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC). This strategy has led to thousands of churches being planted across the world, ensuring that the Gospel reaches more people in more places.
The Biblical Foundation for Church Planting
Dag Heward-Mills’ approach to church planting is rooted in the New Testament model. The early apostles did not focus on growing one large church in Jerusalem—instead, they traveled from city to city, establishing new churches in different locations.
In Acts 13 and 14, Paul and Barnabas traveled on missionary journeys, planting churches in different regions and training leaders to continue the work. This same multiplication model is what Dag Heward-Mills has adopted, believing that the best way to grow the Church is to spread it out, not just build it up.
How Church Planting Leads to Faster Growth
One of the reasons Dag Heward-Mills emphasizes church planting is that it allows for rapid and sustainable growth. Instead of gathering thousands of people in one location, church planting allows smaller, more effective churches to be established in different communities.
This approach:
- Reaches more people by making churches accessible in different locations.
- Creates more opportunities for leadership development, as more pastors are trained.
- Ensures long-term growth, as multiple churches can continue expanding.
Rather than having one large, overcrowded congregation, Dag Heward-Mills believes that many small, thriving churches are more effective in spreading the Gospel.
Training and Sending Out Church Planters
For church planting to succeed, there must be a system to train and send out new leaders. Dag Heward-Mills has built this structure through his Bible schools, leadership conferences, and mentorship programs.
At the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, young ministers are trained in:
- Preaching and teaching the Word of God.
- Church administration and leadership.
- Evangelism and soul-winning.
- The challenges of pioneering a new church.
After receiving training, these leaders are sent out to plant churches in different regions, nations, and even continents.
The International Impact of His Church Planting Model
Dag Heward-Mills’ church planting model has resulted in one of the most extensive church networks in the world. His churches are present in over 90 countries, from Africa to Europe, Asia to the Americas.
This expansion has:
- Brought the Gospel to regions where Christianity was weak.
- Created new leadership opportunities for young pastors.
- Strengthened the global presence of the church.
Unlike many ministries that focus on one geographical area, his strategy ensures that new churches are constantly being planted in different locations.
How Church Planting Ensures Long-Term Ministry Success
Many ministries struggle to survive after their founders pass away. This is because they rely on one central leader, and once that leader is gone, the ministry collapses.
By focusing on church planting and leadership training, Dag Heward-Mills has ensured that his ministry is not dependent on one man. The thousands of churches he has planted will continue to grow, led by the pastors and leaders he has trained.
This model guarantees long-term success, ensuring that the Gospel is preached for generations to come.
Conclusion
Dag Heward-Mills’ emphasis on church planting is one of the most effective church growth strategies today. His approach follows the biblical model, allowing for rapid expansion, leadership development, and long-term sustainability.
By training leaders and planting churches in new locations, he has ensured that the Gospel is spread far and wide, making a global impact that will last for generations. His ministry serves as a powerful example for pastors and churches worldwide who seek to expand their reach and fulfill the Great Commission.