Ministry is a beautiful calling—but it is not without wounds. One of the deepest pains a minister can endure is betrayal. And often, those wounds come not from strangers, but from those closest to us. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has walked this painful path, and yet he has not become bitter. He has continued to build, to love, and to lead, even after facing intense accusation and betrayal.
His life is a living testimony of how to endure ministry hurt without allowing it to corrupt the heart. He has taught many pastors and leaders that betrayal is part of the journey. Jesus experienced it. Paul experienced it. And any true servant of God will face it. The question is not whether it will come—but how you will respond when it does.
Bishop Dag does not hide the reality of pain in leadership. He speaks openly about the seasons of sorrow, the moments of confusion, and the sting of being misunderstood. But he also teaches that there is grace to overcome, to forgive, and to keep moving forward.
Finding Strength in God, Not in People
When those you love turn against you, when people twist your words, and when motives are questioned, it is easy to crumble under the weight. But Bishop Dag has shown that the true source of strength in such seasons is not the support of men, but the presence of God.
He teaches that the one place you must never lose your footing is in the secret place. That is where healing flows. That is where identity is restored. And that is where the anointing is renewed. Accusation may come, but your place in God must remain secure.
He reminds pastors that no one can take your calling. Your destiny is not in the hands of your accusers—it is in the hands of the God who called you. And that perspective has carried him through moments that would have crushed others.
The Importance of a Clean Heart
Bishop Dag continues to love the Church, even when parts of the Church have wounded him. He does not harbor bitterness. He does not seek revenge. He has taught again and again that holding offense is a trap that leads to spiritual dryness.
Instead, he encourages leaders to keep a clean heart. To forgive quickly. To bless those who curse. And to remember that the ministry is not about us—it is about Christ. The pain is real, but so is the reward. And when we respond with love, God honors us with peace and vindication.
His life shows that the anointing increases when you choose to love. That the favor of God rests on those who pass the test of betrayal without turning away from the call. And that is why his ministry continues to grow, despite attacks.
Building Through the Storm
Bishop Dag has not only survived betrayal—he has built through it. What was meant to break him has only made him stronger. What was sent to divide has only refined his vision. And what others meant for evil, God has used for good.
He teaches his leaders to keep building, even when tears are flowing. To keep preaching, even when it hurts. To keep trusting, even when friends walk away. Because the call is still the call, and the vision is still worth it.
Through his example, thousands have found the courage to keep going. To rise above offense. To grow through pain. And to finish their race without bitterness.
Dag Heward-Mills is not only a builder of churches—he is a builder of hearts. Hearts that stay soft, even when wounded. And in that, he continues to lead with strength, grace, and the beauty of endurance.