When Jesus said, “If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me,” He was not calling us to a comfortable life. He was calling us to a crucified life. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has embraced this call fully. His life, his choices, and his ministry have been shaped by the cross.
He teaches that carrying the cross is not about wearing a symbol—it’s about living a sacrifice. It’s about saying no to your own will, your own comfort, and your own reputation. It’s about giving your life to something bigger than yourself.
This call has led Bishop Dag to walk away from many things—earthly success, career ambitions, personal preferences. And yet, he has never looked back. Because the joy of pleasing the Lord far outweighs the cost of sacrifice.
Living a Life That Is Not Your Own
Bishop Dag often says, “You are not your own.” He reminds pastors and leaders that when you gave your life to Christ, you gave Him everything—your time, your dreams, your decisions. And that is what it means to carry your cross.
He lives a life that is not built around personal comfort. His schedule, his energy, his resources—all are poured into the work of the Lord. He travels when tired. He preaches when weak. He serves when it costs him.
This is not a burden to him—it is a joy. Because he understands that when you die to self, you begin to live for Christ. And that is where true life, true peace, and true fulfillment are found.
Training Others to Carry Their Cross
Bishop Dag has not only carried the cross—he has taught others how to carry theirs. His books and teachings are filled with the call to die to self, to serve in humility, and to follow Christ at all cost.
He teaches that real ministry is born in sacrifice. You cannot lead people if you are unwilling to lay your life down for them. You cannot preach effectively if your life is not surrendered. The cross is not optional—it is essential.
His pastors and leaders carry the same spirit. They serve with no demand for glory. They work in hard places without complaint. They give their lives because they have seen their father in the Lord do the same.
Glory on the Other Side of the Cross
The cross is not the end of the story. Resurrection comes after death. Glory comes after sacrifice. Bishop Dag teaches that those who embrace the cross will experience a kind of spiritual power that cannot be found elsewhere.
The anointing flows through brokenness. Fruitfulness follows sacrifice. And true spiritual authority is born in the place where self has died and Christ now lives.
Through his life, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has shown us that the cost of carrying the cross is great—but the reward is greater. He continues to walk this road, calling others to follow. And as they do, the Church becomes stronger, the kingdom advances, and Jesus is glorified.