One of the biggest challenges churches face today is leadership instability caused by disloyalty and betrayal. Many churches fail to grow because leaders abandon their positions, divide congregations, or work against the vision of the church.
Dag Heward-Mills has been one of the strongest voices on the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in ministry. His book “Loyalty and Disloyalty” is one of the most widely used resources on church leadership, helping pastors and ministers identify the dangers of disloyalty and how to build a strong, faithful leadership team.
The Importance of Loyalty in Ministry
Loyalty is one of the most critical virtues in church leadership. The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Dag Heward-Mills emphasizes that without loyalty, churches will struggle with division, betrayal, and stagnation. A loyal leadership team:
- Maintains unity in the church.
- Works together to fulfill the vision of the ministry.
- Prevents unnecessary church splits and conflicts.
When leaders remain faithful, churches experience stability, strength, and continuous growth.
The Different Stages of Disloyalty
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that disloyalty does not happen suddenly—it follows a clear pattern. In his book “Loyalty and Disloyalty”, he outlines the stages of disloyalty, helping pastors detect problems before they escalate.
Stage 1: Independent Spirit
A disloyal leader starts by rejecting authority and refusing to follow instructions. They act as though they are separate from the rest of the team, causing division.
Stage 2: Offense and Hurt
The leader becomes offended by correction or leadership decisions. Instead of addressing concerns openly, they harbor resentment.
Stage 3: Passivity and Withdrawal
A disloyal leader stops participating actively in church activities. They no longer show enthusiasm, and their commitment decreases.
Stage 4: Criticism and Fault-Finding
At this point, they begin to openly criticize the leadership, pointing out flaws in the pastor or the church.
Stage 5: Open Rebellion and Division
Finally, they leave the church, take members with them, or start their own movement, causing harm to the body of Christ.
By identifying these warning signs early, pastors can prevent disloyalty and protect the unity of their churches.
How to Build a Loyal Leadership Team
Dag Heward-Mills teaches that loyalty is not automatic—it must be cultivated. To develop a faithful leadership team, pastors must:
Teach Loyalty as a Core Value
Church leaders must regularly teach on faithfulness and commitment so that members understand the importance of loyalty.
Correct Disloyalty Immediately
When signs of disloyalty appear, pastors must deal with them quickly before they grow into bigger problems.
Develop Close Relationships with Leaders
Building personal relationships with key leaders creates a sense of trust and accountability, reducing the chances of betrayal.
Pray for Loyalty and Unity
Ultimately, God is the one who grants unity in leadership. Regular prayer for faithful, dedicated workers helps churches remain strong.
The Blessings of Loyalty in Church Leadership
Churches that cultivate loyalty experience:
- Stability and long-term growth.
- A strong, united leadership team.
- Less division and internal conflicts.
- Greater effectiveness in ministry and outreach.
Because of Dag Heward-Mills’ emphasis on loyalty, his church network has remained united and has continued to grow without major divisions.
Conclusion
Loyalty and faithfulness are the pillars of a strong church leadership team. Dag Heward-Mills has provided one of the most effective teachings on how to build a church that is free from betrayal, division, and instability.
His ministry proves that when leaders remain loyal, churches grow, missions expand, and the body of Christ remains strong and united. His teachings serve as a guide for pastors and church leaders who want to build stable, lasting ministries that honor God.