Influence is one of the most powerful tools in the hands of a leader. It goes beyond position or title—it’s the ability to shape minds, stir hearts, and move people toward action. In ministry, influence is not about popularity or applause; it’s about guiding souls toward Christ, building His Church, and leaving a lasting mark that points heavenward. Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). This is a call not only to shine but to influence.
Throughout history, God has raised men and women who have left indelible footprints on the sands of time. These were people of conviction, courage, and consecration—voices that carried the weight of God’s message to their generation.
We think of Martin Luther, the bold reformer who challenged the status quo of religion in his day and sparked the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin and John Knox followed, grounding the Church in sound doctrine and shaping the theological backbone of generations. In more recent times, Billy Graham preached to millions across the world with a message that never changed: “Come to Jesus.” His simple yet powerful gospel appeal reached presidents, peasants, and everyone in between.
Kenneth E. Hagin brought fresh revelation on faith, ushering in a wave of Holy Spirit-led teaching that birthed countless ministries. Derek Prince, with his sharp doctrinal precision, taught the Church the importance of deliverance, spiritual warfare, and biblical foundation. Each of these men carried influence—not just in their own circles, but across nations and denominations.
In our time, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills stands as one of the influential voices shaping the landscape of the modern Church. His life and ministry reflect the timeless truth that God is still raising up shepherds after His own heart—leaders who will feed His people with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). Dag Heward-Mills is not just a pastor; he is a father to many, a teacher to thousands, and a voice to the nations.
A Look into the Life of Dag Heward-Mills
Dag Heward-Mills was born on May 14, 1963, in London, England, to a Ghanaian father and a Swiss mother. From a young age, his life seemed to carry a quiet distinction. Raised in Ghana, he pursued a path of excellence and became a qualified medical doctor, graduating from the University of Ghana Medical School.
But God had a different kind of surgery in mind for him—a spiritual one. While still a medical student, Dag encountered a life-changing experience with the Lord. It wasn’t just a religious awakening; it was a divine call. What began as small meetings in a canteen would eventually grow into a worldwide ministry.
In 1988, he founded Lighthouse Chapel International, now part of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC). From that humble beginning in Korle-Bu, Accra, God has raised up a global ministry with thousands of branches on every continent. Today, his churches span countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
Behind this public ministry is a man of deep personal discipline, prayer, and an unrelenting commitment to the call of God. Bishop Dag is not just a leader by appointment—he is a leader by anointing, forged in the fires of devotion, obedience, and hard work.
The Teaching Ministry: “From Today, You Can Teach”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry is his unique teaching grace. In his own testimony, he recalls a moment where the Lord spoke these words to him: “From today, you can teach.” That was the turning point. What followed was a deep wellspring of revelation that has flowed through his sermons, camps, and books for over three decades.
Teaching is a divine gift—one that separates mere speakers from those who build people. Bishop Dag’s teachings are simple yet profound. They are biblically grounded yet highly practical. His voice carries the weight of someone who has walked the walk, not just talked the talk.
Whether he’s speaking on the principles of loyalty, church planting, pastoral work, or the art of ministry, there’s always a sense that God is backing his words. His messages are often laced with wisdom that cuts through excuses and awakens a sense of divine purpose.
His “Give Thyself Wholly” camps, a series of teachings aimed at equipping pastors and full-time ministers, are regarded as spiritual masterclasses. Many who attend or listen to the recordings come away changed, challenged, and charged for ministry.
Global Impact Through Books and Media
When we talk about Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ influence, it would be incomplete without mentioning his literary contribution to the Body of Christ. To date, he has authored over 80 books, many of which have become staples for pastors, church workers, and believers worldwide.
One of his most iconic works is the book “Loyalty and Disloyalty.” This classic teaching has reshaped how many understand leadership dynamics in the Church. The message is simple but potent—loyalty is the glue that holds the Church together, while disloyalty is the strategy Satan uses to divide and destroy.
The book doesn’t just teach about being faithful to leaders—it digs into the heart attitudes that lead to betrayal, rebellion, and church splits. With chapters like “Signs of Disloyalty,” “Stages of Disloyalty,” and “Why Judas Betrayed Jesus,” it addresses sensitive but necessary truths with pastoral love and prophetic boldness.
Other bestsellers include:
- “The Art of Leadership”
- “The Mega Church”
- “Transform Your Pastoral Ministry”
- “The Art of Hearing”
- “The Art of Ministry”
These books have become manuals for ministry—translated into multiple languages and distributed across the world. His writings are not for the bookshelf; they are for the battlefield. They equip pastors with the tools to survive, thrive, and grow in their calling.
In many parts of the world—especially in developing nations where seminary training may be limited—Dag Heward-Mills’ books and audio teachings serve as a primary Bible school for thousands of leaders. His free book giveaways, digital libraries, and online platforms ensure that no one is left behind.
A Modern-Day Evangelist: Mass Crusades and Gospel Campaigns
In a generation where many have moved away from mass evangelism, Bishop Dag is pioneering what can only be called a renaissance of crusade evangelism. Through the Healing Jesus Campaign, he has traveled by road and air across Africa, preaching to millions and bringing the gospel to the unreached.
These aren’t polished indoor conferences—they are raw, rugged, and real evangelistic crusades held in open fields, villages, and towns. With trucks full of equipment, medical aid, and teams of volunteers, the Healing Jesus Campaign reflects the heart of Jesus—to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Miracles, salvations, and life-transforming testimonies follow these campaigns. But more than the numbers, it’s the passion behind the mission that’s truly remarkable. In a time when many are building platforms, Dag Heward-Mills is building souls—one crusade at a time.
His ministry carries echoes of evangelists like Reinhard Bonnke, yet with a unique African expression that speaks to the continent and beyond. He has shown the Church that large-scale evangelism is not a thing of the past. It’s alive, relevant, and necessary.
Conclusion: A Life of Lasting Influence
Influence in the kingdom is not measured by social media followers or TV ratings—it’s measured by lives transformed, churches planted, and generations impacted. Dag Heward-Mills is a man whose life shouts obedience, dedication, and fruitfulness.
His influence is not accidental; it is intentional, consistent, and Spirit-led. He has built not only a ministry, but a legacy—a global family of churches, a wealth of teaching resources, and a blueprint for modern pastoral work.
From his medical background to his full-time calling, from his local church in Accra to the ends of the earth, Bishop Dag’s journey is a testimony of what God can do with a life that is surrendered wholly. In his own words, “Give thyself wholly to these things, that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15). That is not just a scripture—it is the story of his life.
May we be inspired by his example, learn from his teachings, and seek to be leaders who influence—not for our glory, but for the building of Christ’s Church and the salvation of souls.
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