Successful church planting does not happen by accident. While the passion to reach the lost is vital, it must be supported by a clear, systematic approach that produces consistent results. Dag Heward-Mills has developed such a model—a structured, strategic, and Spirit-led system that has resulted in the planting of thousands of churches around the world.

His church-planting model is not a secret formula or exclusive method. Instead, it is built on simple, biblical principles applied faithfully over time. Through careful planning, effective training, and unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, Dag Heward-Mills has shown that churches can be planted anywhere, and by anyone willing to obey God’s call.

Clarity of Vision

Every great movement begins with a clear vision. For Dag Heward-Mills, the vision is straightforward: to plant churches everywhere. This vision is not confined to urban centers or large cities. It stretches to small towns, rural communities, and even unreached territories. His conviction is that there should be a Bible-believing church in every locality on earth.

This clarity fuels the entire model. Everyone involved—pastors, leaders, members, and trainees—knows that the mission is church planting. Because the vision is constantly repeated, preached, and demonstrated, it becomes the heartbeat of the movement and the anchor of every strategy.

Training That Prepares for the Field

The next step in the model is training. Dag Heward-Mills believes that those who plant churches must be properly equipped, both spiritually and practically. At institutions like the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, future pastors and missionaries are prepared through an intensive curriculum that includes theology, leadership, evangelism, counseling, and church management.

But more than classroom learning, students are given practical ministry experience. They preach, evangelize, lead small groups, and organize outreach events. This hands-on approach means that when they are eventually sent out, they are not stepping into the unknown. They’ve already been doing the work.

A Spirit-Led Deployment System

One of the powerful aspects of this model is how leaders are deployed. Dag Heward-Mills does not wait for perfect circumstances or flawless candidates. Instead, he sends people who are faithful, available, and teachable. He believes that the Holy Spirit can do much with a willing heart.

Those who are sent are often given territories to reach—sometimes cities, sometimes villages. Their task is to go, preach the Gospel, gather people, and begin a church. They may start with just a few individuals, but with time, dedication, and God’s help, the church grows.

This “go and plant” mentality keeps the movement expanding. It avoids the trap of centralization, where ministry is limited to a few locations and personalities.

Simplicity and Faith Over Finances

Another key feature of Dag Heward-Mills’ model is its simplicity. Churches are not required to have large budgets, fancy buildings, or professional staff in the beginning. The emphasis is on faith and obedience. If someone can gather ten people under a tree and teach them God’s Word faithfully, they have the foundation for a strong church.

This approach removes the excuse that church planting is only for the wealthy or well-connected. It opens the door for anyone with a calling and commitment to make an impact. Over time, as the church grows, resources are added and structures are developed—but the work begins with what is available.

Support and Oversight

Though pastors are sent out, they are not abandoned. The church-planting model includes regular oversight, mentorship, and support. Pastors report to senior leaders, attend regular training sessions, and are given resources to help them succeed.

This level of accountability helps maintain doctrinal purity, spiritual health, and structural unity across the movement. Churches may vary in size or style, but they all flow from the same source and adhere to the same principles.

Multiplication and Reproduction

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Dag Heward-Mills’ model is its ability to reproduce itself. Every church planted is expected to become a planting center. Pastors are trained to raise leaders from within their congregations who can be sent out to start new churches.

This multiplication effect ensures continuous growth. A church that begins with twenty people can, in a few years, be responsible for planting ten more churches—each of which will do the same. This is how a movement becomes unstoppable.

Conclusion

Dag Heward-Mills has developed a systematic church-planting model that works. It is biblical, practical, and reproducible. By combining clear vision, proper training, Spirit-led deployment, simplicity, oversight, and multiplication, he has built a movement that continues to spread across the globe.

His model proves that church planting is not a mystery reserved for the few, but a mission for the many. It is possible to start strong churches anywhere in the world if there is vision, preparation, and obedience to God’s call. And through this model, many lives and nations are being transformed by the power of the Gospel.