Carrying the Cross: Dag Heward-Mills and the Mandate of Evangelism
The heartbeat of Christianity is not just found in church buildings or worship gatherings. It’s found in the streets, the fields, the unreached places, and the hearts of men and women who are still waiting to hear the name of Jesus. For Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, this is not just theology—it’s his life’s mission.
From the earliest days of his calling, he understood that the cross wasn’t just a symbol to admire but a burden to carry. The call to evangelize is not reserved for the gifted few—it is the mandate of every believer. Yet in every generation, God raises specific men and women to stir the church back to that call. Bishop Dag is one of those voices, crying out in this generation with urgency and love.
His passion for evangelism began while he was still in medical school. As a young man, God interrupted his plans and redirected his life toward something greater than the operating room. He had encountered Christ personally, and he knew that others had to meet Him too. From humble beginnings, preaching to classmates and passersby, Dag Heward-Mills began walking a road that would one day lead to thousands of crusades and millions of souls hearing the Gospel.
At the center of his evangelistic work is a burning desire to fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus’ words in Mark 16:15 have never been optional to him. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This verse has become the compass of his ministry. He doesn’t just talk about it in sermons—he lives it. He goes. He preaches. He wins souls.
This commitment has taken him to nations that many avoid, to villages where the name of Jesus had never been mentioned. Through the Healing Jesus Campaign, a massive mobile crusade ministry, Bishop Dag has stood in fields under open skies, declaring salvation through Christ with boldness and compassion. These crusades are no small feat—they involve sound systems, medical teams, ministry workers, and countless volunteers. But the most important part is the message: Jesus saves, Jesus heals, Jesus is alive.
What makes his ministry unique is that it blends deep compassion with spiritual authority. When Bishop Dag preaches, it is not just words—it is a cry for souls to come home. Each night of the crusade is soaked in prayer and faith, and thousands respond to the altar call. Men and women walk forward, sometimes weeping, sometimes smiling, always changed. They have heard the Gospel, and they have believed.
But Bishop Dag’s vision goes beyond the crusade grounds. He believes in building churches where new converts can be discipled. His ministry works to establish strong local churches in the wake of evangelistic efforts, ensuring that the harvest is not lost. Evangelism without discipleship leads to spiritual stillbirths, and he is determined to avoid that. That’s why every campaign is followed by pastoral training, Bible school support, and church planting.
To carry the cross means to go beyond comfort. It means to live sacrificially. Bishop Dag does not travel to crusades in luxury—he travels with urgency. He has often preached in extreme weather, slept in challenging conditions, and pressed on even when his body was weary. Why? Because one soul is worth it. One life turning to Jesus is worth more than comfort, applause, or personal convenience.
He teaches this same mindset to his pastors, trainees, and church members. The church must awaken to its mission. The time is short, and the fields are white unto harvest. Evangelism is not a department—it is the identity of the Church. Every believer is called to carry the message of the cross. Every Christian has a role to play in the salvation of others.
As we reflect on the life and ministry of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, we are reminded that Christianity is not passive. It is a faith that goes. A faith that preaches. A faith that carries the cross, not just around the neck, but on the back. Dag Heward-Mills is not just an evangelist—he is a man who has given everything for the Gospel. And through his example, we are called to do the same.