One of the most revolutionary aspects of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry is his emphasis on lay ministry. In a church world where leadership is often left to the few, he has consistently taught that every believer is called to serve—and many are called to pastor, even while working regular jobs. This emphasis has mobilized thousands of ordinary men and women to step into extraordinary roles as shepherds and leaders.
The lay pastor is not a backup plan in Bishop Dag’s ministry—it is a foundational pillar. From his own early days of pastoring while in medical school, he experienced firsthand how much could be done by someone who simply said yes to God. That personal example has become a message to many: you don’t need a title, a microphone, or a full-time salary to fulfill your calling. You just need availability, faithfulness, and love for people.
He teaches that the call to ministry is not reserved for a professional class. It is given to the whole Body of Christ. And lay pastors are uniquely positioned to reach the world—because they live in it every day. They work, they relate, they understand the marketplace, and they carry the gospel into places that traditional clergy may never reach.
Building a Church Through Lay Ministry
The churches under Bishop Dag’s leadership have grown rapidly and consistently. One of the key reasons for this growth is the strength of the lay ministry. These pastors are not part-time in heart—they are full-time in commitment. They care for members. They teach the Word. They conduct services. They lead outreaches. They build real spiritual families—all while maintaining jobs, raising children, and walking in faith.
This model has allowed the church to multiply without limitation. While some ministries wait for funding or full-time staff, Bishop Dag’s churches are constantly expanding through the power of lay workers. It is not unusual to see a church planted by a lay pastor that eventually becomes a thriving branch, raising even more leaders and sending others.
His book The Lay Ministry is a practical guide for those who feel called but are unsure how to begin. It breaks down the myths around ministry, challenges wrong mindsets, and provides encouragement and structure for those ready to serve. It has helped release thousands into ministry who may have otherwise stayed on the sidelines.
Bishop Dag teaches that ministry is not about position—it is about people. The lay pastor may not have an office in the church building, but they have a place in the Kingdom. And when lay pastors are trained well and loved well, they become some of the most effective shepherds in the body of Christ.
Through the emphasis on lay ministry, Dag Heward-Mills has reminded the Church that the harvest is too great to be handled by a few. Everyone is needed. Everyone is called. And when the whole body rises to serve, the world is changed.