In a world that rewards visibility and applause, the life of a true shepherd can be easily overlooked. But Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has taught, both by word and by example, that the greatest rewards in ministry are not given on earth—they are given by the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Every time he stands to preach, every time he visits a member, every time he lays hands on the sick, he is working for a reward that is eternal.
He teaches his pastors not to expect their reward from men. Men may not always appreciate or even notice the sacrifices made by shepherds. But God sees. God remembers. And God rewards. There is a crown laid up for those who feed His sheep, protect them, and lead them faithfully.
The shepherd’s work is often hidden. It is not glamorous. It involves long hours, difficult conversations, spiritual battles, and emotional weight. But Bishop Dag reminds us that these are the very things God values. These are the works that will be remembered when the Lord comes to reward His servants.
Loving the Sheep With a Pure Heart
The shepherd’s reward is not only for what he does—it is also for how he does it. Bishop Dag emphasizes that ministry must be done from a heart of love. Not to be seen. Not to be promoted. But because you genuinely love the people God has entrusted to you.
He models this love by staying connected to his flock. No matter how large the ministry grows, he remains personally involved. He checks on his pastors. He visits churches. He prays over individuals. That is the heart of a shepherd—one who cares deeply, even when it costs him his own comfort.
He teaches that loving the sheep means being patient with them, praying for them, correcting them gently, and bearing with their weaknesses. And he reminds us that the shepherd who labors in love will never lose his reward.
Enduring Hardship With Joy
The life of a shepherd is not without pain. There are betrayals, disappointments, and moments of great spiritual pressure. But Bishop Dag teaches that these are part of the call. He reminds pastors that Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, was also rejected, misunderstood, and persecuted. Yet He continued, because He loved.
He teaches that endurance is part of the shepherd’s journey. A faithful shepherd does not run when it gets hard. He stays. He prays. He weeps in secret and still shows up with strength for the sheep. That kind of endurance is precious in God’s sight.
There is a reward for those who endure—not only in heaven, but even here on earth. God strengthens the shepherd. He provides. He comforts. He fills again and again. And in time, the fruit of that endurance becomes visible.
The Crown That Will Never Fade
Bishop Dag often speaks of the crown that the faithful shepherd will receive. Not a temporary reward, but an eternal one. A crown that will never fade. It is the crown given to those who kept watch over the flock. Who fed them. Who fought for them. Who never abandoned them.
He lives every day with that crown in view. And he teaches others to do the same. The goal is not to impress people. It is to please the Lord. Because when we see Him face to face, it will not matter how popular we were—it will matter how faithful we were.
Through his life and ministry, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills reminds us all that the shepherd’s reward is real. And it is worth every tear, every prayer, and every act of unseen service.