Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has never pursued church growth as a goal in itself. For him, growth is not about numbers—it’s about love. It’s about the deep compassion of a pastor who cannot rest while souls are perishing. His passion to see churches grow is not driven by statistics or applause but by the simple, yet profound truth that God wants His house full.
He teaches that growth begins with a burden for the lost. That unless the pastor carries in his heart a genuine love for souls, the church will not grow in a way that pleases God. This is why he weeps over souls. This is why he sends pastors to far places. This is why he plants churches where others would never consider. Because growth, to him, is a reflection of how much we care that people are dying without Christ.
Bishop Dag’s approach to growth is deeply pastoral. He builds people. He trains shepherds. He teaches that growth must come through care, consistency, and real spiritual labor—not gimmicks or shortcuts.
A Shepherd Who Gathers
In the spirit of Jesus, Bishop Dag lives as a shepherd who gathers. He sees multitudes, but he always moves toward individuals. Whether preaching to thousands or counseling one broken soul, he operates with the same heart—to bring them in, to build them up, and to keep them safe.
He has taught for years that church growth is simply the fruit of shepherding done right. When sheep are cared for, they stay. When they are visited, they grow. When they are fed, they flourish. And when they are loved, they bring others.
This gathering spirit has spread throughout the churches he has planted. His pastors are not hirelings—they are shepherds. They don’t simply manage—they pursue. They don’t just preach—they visit. They gather. They go after the ones who have strayed and do the hard work of bringing them home.
Systems That Support the Shepherd’s Heart
Church growth under Bishop Dag’s ministry is not random—it is intentional. He has developed systems and structures that help the shepherd’s heart reach more people. Lay ministry, basanta ministry, shepherding groups, and teaching camps are all designed to support the pastoral care of every member.
He trains his leaders to think pastorally, not administratively. He equips them to know the flock by name. To understand the needs of the people. To build real connections and care for the church beyond the platform.
He teaches that a growing church must also be a caring church. And that systems only work when they are filled with love and personal commitment. This balance is what has made his churches not just large, but strong.
Growth That Glorifies God
For Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, growth is not about prestige—it’s about obedience. He is not trying to build an empire. He is fulfilling a command. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.” And that is what Bishop Dag continues to do with quiet faithfulness and consistent love.
The growth that flows from his ministry glorifies God because it is not superficial—it is rooted in prayer, fasting, visitation, teaching, and sacrifice. The increase is spiritual. The fruit is eternal. And the impact continues to spread across continents.
Through his life and example, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills shows the Church that church growth is not just a strategy—it’s a shepherd’s heart on fire for souls.