Introduction

Church planting is often spoken of in theory but rarely sustained in practice. It is one thing to start a few churches—it is another thing entirely to build a church-planting movement that thrives, multiplies, and lasts for generations. Dag Heward-Mills has done exactly that.

His church-planting movement has grown from a single congregation in Ghana to thousands of churches across more than ninety countries. What began as a small fellowship of committed believers has become one of the most effective and expansive church networks in the world today. This success is not accidental—it is the fruit of strategy, sacrifice, and supernatural grace.

A Movement Built on Vision

The success of this church-planting movement starts with vision. Dag Heward-Mills has never seen his role as simply pastoring one local church. From the very beginning, he carried a God-given vision to fill the world with churches. That vision was not just inspiring—it was contagious.

He preached it, taught it, and lived it. Everyone who came into contact with the ministry understood that they were part of something bigger than themselves. This shared vision created a sense of purpose and unity that still drives the movement forward today.

Leadership Reproduction at Scale

No movement grows without leaders. Dag Heward-Mills understood early on that if the vision was to expand, he would need to reproduce himself in others. Through Bible schools, leadership training camps, books, and conferences, he has trained thousands of pastors and leaders who now oversee churches across the globe.

Each leader is equipped with the tools, teachings, and spiritual foundation necessary to grow churches that are both spiritually alive and structurally sound. This focus on leadership development ensures that the movement does not rely on one man but thrives through many.

Unwavering Emphasis on Evangelism

One of the keys to the success of the church-planting movement is its emphasis on evangelism. Soul-winning is not a side project—it is the lifeblood of the entire ministry. Every church, regardless of location, is encouraged and expected to actively evangelize its community.

This consistent outreach has resulted in a steady flow of new converts, making church growth organic and continuous. Evangelism is not optional—it is foundational. And because it is so deeply embedded in the movement’s DNA, the churches remain dynamic, growing, and spiritually effective.

Practical, Replicable Methods

Another reason for the success of Dag Heward-Mills’ church-planting movement is the simplicity and replicability of the methods used. Churches are not required to start with large buildings or significant funding. The model encourages starting small, gathering people, preaching the Word, and allowing God to grow the work.

This model works in cities, villages, campuses, and even in other countries. It can be adapted to suit different cultures and settings without compromising the core values. Because the methods are simple and Spirit-led, they are easy to replicate—and that’s exactly what has happened around the world.

Spiritual Depth and Accountability

While growth and expansion are celebrated, spiritual depth is not sacrificed. Churches planted under Dag Heward-Mills are taught to emphasize prayer, fasting, Bible study, loyalty, and holiness. The aim is not just to have large congregations, but healthy ones.

In addition, a strong accountability structure ensures that leaders are not isolated. There is oversight, regular communication, and pastoral support. This balance of freedom and structure allows churches to thrive while remaining spiritually aligned and ethically grounded.

Conclusion

The success of Dag Heward-Mills’ church-planting movement is a testimony to what God can do through one man’s obedience, vision, and tireless work. By combining biblical principles with practical strategies, he has built a network of churches that continues to grow and impact the world.

His movement challenges the Church today to move beyond maintenance and embrace multiplication. It shows us that when leaders are trained, vision is shared, and evangelism is prioritized, entire nations can be touched by the power of God—one church at a time.