In an age where success in ministry is often measured by numbers, influence, or innovation, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has remained anchored to the original call of the pastor: to shepherd the flock of God. He has refused to let the duties of a shepherd be replaced by the trends of leadership culture. That is why, after all these years, he continues to teach on the role, responsibility, and reward of the shepherd.
He believes that when pastors forget what they are called to do, the people suffer. The sheep are scattered. The flock is malnourished. And the Church loses its power. That is why he constantly returns to the foundational truths of shepherding. Because no matter how far the Church advances, it must never forget that Jesus is the Good Shepherd—and we are under-shepherds, entrusted with His people.
Feeding the Sheep With Knowledge and Truth
One of the most important duties of a shepherd is to feed the flock. Bishop Dag teaches that pastors must not entertain, distract, or impress—they must feed. The Word of God must be taught with clarity, depth, and conviction. Without the Word, the sheep grow weak. They lose direction. They fall into error.
He trains pastors to prioritize the feeding of the sheep. Not just on Sundays, but consistently. He encourages teaching series, Bible studies, and daily nourishment. His books, such as The Art of Shepherding, serve as manuals to help pastors understand their duty to feed with wisdom.
He believes that when people are well-fed, they grow strong. They become grounded. They bear fruit. That is why he will never stop teaching about the shepherd’s duty to feed. It is the first sign of a faithful shepherd.
Watching Over Souls With Prayer and Presence
Shepherding is not only about preaching—it is about presence. Bishop Dag teaches that pastors must know their sheep. They must visit them. Pray for them. Check on them. He reminds his leaders that Jesus said the good shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one.
He models this by personally visiting members, traveling to different branches, and praying daily over his people. He watches over souls not just from a pulpit, but through pastoral presence. He trains others to do the same. He believes that ministry without presence is incomplete.
When a shepherd watches over the flock in prayer, the enemy’s access is blocked. The sheep feel safe. The church becomes a refuge.
A Standard That Builds Strong Churches
Bishop Dag continues to teach on the duties of a shepherd because it is the foundation of healthy churches. Without faithful shepherds, churches become shallow, scattered, and spiritually dry. But when shepherds know their role and do it well, the church becomes strong, united, and fruitful.
He calls pastors back to the standard. To the daily duty of caring for souls. To the long hours of study and intercession. To the unseen work that heaven honors. He teaches that true greatness in ministry is not found in fame, but in faithfulness to the sheep God has given you.
Through his life and teachings, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has become a prophetic voice, calling the Church to remember that shepherding is not a forgotten duty—it is the very heart of ministry.