What Makes a Church Grow? Insights from Dag Heward-Mills
Every pastor wants to see growth. Every church dreams of increase. But true church growth is not a mystery—it’s a result of biblical obedience, spiritual consistency, and strong leadership. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has seen supernatural growth in his ministry, and over the years, he has shared timeless insights on what really makes a church grow.
Growth starts with vision. Bishop Dag teaches that every pastor must have a clear vision—not just to maintain a congregation, but to reach the lost. A vision that includes evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and church planting. When the vision is clear, the people can run with it. Growth follows direction.
Prayer is another foundation of growth. Bishop Dag emphasizes that spiritual power comes from a life of prayer. A church that does not pray cannot grow spiritually. Leaders who do not pray cannot sustain the weight of growth. The early church was birthed in prayer, and every growing church today must continue in the same Spirit.
A major key to growth that Bishop Dag teaches is consistent preaching of the Word. Not just motivational talks, but solid teaching from Scripture—week after week. This is what feeds the sheep. This is what produces mature Christians. Growth is not just about numbers. It’s about depth. And depth comes from doctrine.
Another insight Bishop Dag shares is the importance of lay ministry. Churches grow when the members are mobilized. Everyone has a part to play. When members are trained and empowered to serve, the work multiplies. Lay pastors, shepherds, center leaders—these are the unsung heroes of church growth. Bishop Dag has trained them well, and their impact is evident.
Follow-up and shepherding also play a key role. Bishop Dag’s ministry has systems to ensure that no soul is left behind. Every visitor is followed up. Every new believer is discipled. Every member is accounted for. Growth that lasts is growth that is cared for. And care takes work.
Another insight he teaches is the power of loyalty. Disloyalty weakens a church. It drains strength and divides focus. But when there is loyalty, there is unity. And where there is unity, God commands a blessing. Bishop Dag has taught this principle for years, and it has helped keep the church strong, even as it grows larger.
Above all, he teaches that church growth is God’s work—but it flows through faithful laborers. Faithfulness is what God rewards. It’s not about trying to be the biggest—it’s about being faithful with what God has given. And when that faithfulness is mixed with prayer, vision, and the Word, growth becomes inevitable.
Church growth is not a mystery. It’s a journey of obedience. And Bishop Dag Heward-Mills continues to show us, through both teaching and example, what it truly takes to grow a church that pleases God and blesses people.