In the quest to grow large churches, many ministries overlook one essential ingredient: discipleship. While evangelism brings people into the church, it is discipleship that keeps them grounded, growing, and fruitful. Dag Heward-Mills has built a mega church model that thrives not only because of numbers, but because of strong, intentional discipleship.

His approach ensures that believers are not just attending services, but being transformed into committed followers of Christ. Through structured teachings, personal mentorship, and a culture of spiritual discipline, discipleship remains central to the life of every member. This focus on nurturing strong Christians is one of the key reasons why his churches continue to grow both wide and deep.

Every Member a Disciple

One of the distinguishing features of Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry is the expectation that every church member should be a disciple—not just a Sunday attendee. In his teachings, he makes it clear that Jesus never called people to be mere fans, but true followers who carry their cross daily and obey His Word.

This standard is set early. From the moment someone gives their life to Christ, they are brought into a system of care, teaching, and accountability that guides them toward spiritual maturity. No one is left to drift. Discipleship is a journey that begins with salvation and continues throughout the believer’s life.

Structured Teaching and Study Materials

Discipleship in Dag Heward-Mills’ churches is not left to chance. There are clear paths of growth built into the system. New believers go through foundational classes, Bible studies, and teachings that establish them in the core doctrines of the faith. From there, they move into deeper teachings on Christian living, service, leadership, and ministry.

Books like The Art of Following, Transform Your Pastoral Ministry, and How to Be a Strong Christian are used across the movement to help members understand what it means to live for Christ daily. These resources are simple, powerful, and easy to apply—making spiritual growth accessible to everyone.

Mentorship and Shepherding

Discipleship is not only academic—it’s relational. Dag Heward-Mills has built a system where every member is connected to a leader or shepherd who guides them personally. These relationships create accountability, encouragement, and support in every stage of spiritual development.

Shepherds regularly check in on their members, pray with them, visit them, and help them stay consistent in their walk with God. This relational aspect of discipleship builds strong connections and keeps people from falling through the cracks in a large church setting.

Raising Disciples Who Make Disciples

True discipleship leads to multiplication. In the churches led by Dag Heward-Mills, members are trained not just to grow personally, but to disciple others. Every disciple is expected to become a shepherd. This culture of multiplication is one of the reasons the church keeps expanding.

Through this system, people who once sat quietly in the back row become cell leaders, pastors, and missionaries. Discipleship moves people from being consumers to contributors, from being spectators to soul-winners and church builders.

Discipleship Through Service

Serving in the house of God is another key part of discipleship. Members are encouraged to join ministries—ushers, choirs, media teams, outreach groups—and to serve faithfully. Through service, character is built, gifts are discovered, and spiritual maturity is developed.

Dag Heward-Mills teaches that service is not optional. It is part of the believer’s growth. In every area of ministry, leaders are developed from among those who have proven faithful in serving. This hands-on discipleship model equips people not only in word but in deed.

Conclusion

The role of discipleship in Dag Heward-Mills’ mega church model cannot be overstated. It is the foundation that sustains the growth, empowers the members, and fulfills the Great Commission. His churches are not just large—they are filled with spiritually strong, well-taught, and committed disciples of Christ.

Through structured teaching, mentoring, service, and multiplication, discipleship remains at the core of everything. And this is the secret to a church that grows, thrives, and changes lives for the glory of God.