Lay Ministry Structure: Empowering the Church to Serve

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has never believed that ministry is the job of a few professionals. He believes that every believer is called to serve. That conviction has shaped one of the most powerful and effective features of his ministry: the lay ministry structure.

Lay ministry refers to the mobilization of church members—ordinary people with secular jobs—into active roles of service within the Church. These are not idle pew-sitters. They are cell leaders, teachers, preachers, evangelists, follow-up workers, and shepherds. They may not be paid, but they are trained, trusted, and fruitful.

This structure has allowed Bishop Dag’s churches to expand rapidly without relying solely on full-time staff. It multiplies leadership, deepens discipleship, and engages every member in the mission of the Church.

A Structure That Works

Lay ministry doesn’t work without structure. That’s why Bishop Dag has developed a clear, multi-tiered system that allows lay workers to grow, serve, and be accountable. Lay leaders are grouped into categories based on their role and commitment level—some serve as fellowship leaders, others as assistant pastors or shepherds.

Each level has defined expectations, training requirements, and spiritual responsibilities. There are regular meetings, performance reviews, and moments of recognition. This is not a casual system—it is a well-organized framework that allows lay workers to function like full-time ministers, with full-time impact.

And it works. Churches under this model have grown strong, stable, and fruitful—even in places where resources are limited.

Training and Equipping

A major part of the lay ministry system is training. Bishop Dag has written extensively on how to train lay people for real ministry. His books such as Transform Your Pastoral Ministry, The Art of Leadership, and The Lay People and the Ministry provide step-by-step guidance on how to turn ordinary members into powerful ministers.

Lay leaders go through classes, Bible studies, and camps where they are trained in doctrine, counseling, preaching, and church management. They are not just encouraged—they are equipped.

And as they grow, they are often transitioned into full-time ministry roles, church planting assignments, or regional leadership. The lay ministry becomes a leadership pipeline that fuels the movement.

Mobilizing the Whole Church

Bishop Dag teaches that the church must be mobilized. He preaches that sitting in church is not enough—everyone must rise and serve. The lay ministry structure creates room for everyone: students, professionals, parents, youth, and retirees.

This approach also builds a culture of ownership. Lay ministers don’t just attend church—they feel responsible for it. They pray, they give, they evangelize, and they serve with excellence.

It is through lay ministry that the church becomes active, not passive. It becomes a family where everyone contributes to the growth and health of the body.

Conclusion: Every Member a Minister

The lay ministry structure of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ churches is a testimony to the biblical truth that every believer is a minister. By empowering the people, the church grows—not just in size, but in strength.

It’s a model that works in any culture, any context, and any congregation. It is scalable, sustainable, and spiritual. And through it, thousands of lives have been transformed—not just those being ministered to, but those who are doing the ministry.

The lay ministry model is not just a church growth strategy—it is a biblical mandate. And through it, Bishop Dag continues to raise an army of faithful servants for the harvest field.