Bishop Dag Heward-Mills carries the responsibility of pastoral care with holy fear. He does not take the souls in his care lightly. He knows that each person represents a life Christ died for—a soul that must be nurtured, guided, corrected, and covered. Pastoral care, to him, is not optional. It is a sacred trust.
He teaches that pastors are not entertainers, CEOs, or motivational speakers. They are caregivers—spiritual fathers and mothers who must watch over the people God has given them with love and diligence. This responsibility is not always seen from the pulpit, but it is always felt in the heart.
He reminds his pastors that God is watching how they care for His flock. The sheep do not belong to them—they belong to the Chief Shepherd. And one day, every shepherd will give an account for how they treated the lambs of God.
Care That Goes Beyond the Surface
Pastoral care, as Bishop Dag teaches it, goes beyond checking attendance or organizing services. It goes beneath the surface. It means understanding what people are going through. It means seeing beyond smiles and looking into hearts. It means following up with those who’ve grown quiet. It means praying, visiting, calling, and staying.
He believes that pastoral care is not something you do once a week. It is a lifestyle. A constant posture of concern and love. It requires energy. It requires sacrifice. But it produces something powerful—trust. When people know they are cared for, they flourish.
His churches reflect this care. People feel known. They feel safe. They feel seen. That is not the result of structure alone—it is the fruit of shepherds who care.
Pastors Who Are Present, Not Just Preaching
One of the strongest lessons Bishop Dag teaches is that a pastor must be present. Not just present physically—but emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Preaching alone is not enough. People need to know that their pastor is aware of their lives, invested in their growth, and walking with them through the valleys.
He teaches that real care is shown in the details. In remembering names. In checking on a student who is struggling. In following up after a loss. In praying when no one else knows what someone is going through. These are the quiet moments of ministry that never make it to social media but are recorded in heaven.
Through these simple acts of presence, Bishop Dag has built churches where the presence of God is not only felt in worship but is mirrored in the way people care for one another.
A Ministry That Reflects the Heart of God
At its core, pastoral care is about reflecting the heart of the Father. Bishop Dag’s ministry flows from that place. He teaches with authority, but he pastors with tenderness. He leads with boldness, but he cares with gentleness. He believes that God’s people need truth—but they also need touch. And he gives both.
His care is not selective. He shows the same concern for the quiet member in the back as he does for the pastor leading a branch. This equality of love is what makes his ministry so healing.
Through his life, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills reminds us that pastoral care is not an outdated expectation—it is a divine responsibility. And when pastors care well, people grow deep. Churches grow strong. And Christ is glorified.