Introduction
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a pastor’s pastor, achieving more in his 61 years than many could hope to accomplish in their lifetime. He founded Lighthouse Chapel International as a medical student at the University of Ghana, starting in their canteen.
Today, by the grace of God, this has grown into the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, with thriving branches worldwide. Dag gave himself wholly to the work of God in 1991 and has never looked back.
Background
Bishop Dag gave his life to Christ around the age of 16 and steadily grew through diligent discipleship. At age 25, he started pastoring with about five people who founded the church. He was ordained and later became a bishop.
Lessons from Dag Heward-Mills
Reflecting on a life of grace, we can agree with Solomon that we should learn from such a man and prosper in the work given to us by the Lord.
What can we learn from the life and ministry of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills?
1. Sow Your Seed to Bear Fruit
Every significant achievement starts small. Bishop Dag began Lighthouse Chapel in the canteen at the University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu. He did not despise the small beginning but planted the seed diligently, allowing it to grow even as a medical student.
We learn that we must not dismiss what the Lord places on our hearts, whether it’s a talent, business, or ministry. We should take hold of it and plant it where it will grow and bear fruit.
There are no bad ideas, only those planted in the wrong places.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills
2. Learn to Walk Through Challenges
When Lighthouse Chapel acquired their building in Korle Gonno, Accra, they faced harassment and threats. At one point, the church wall was broken, attracting media attention. Despite such challenges, Bishop Dag remained steadfast in his work for God.
Like boxing champions who prepare, train, and face opponents to overcome challenges, greatness results from overcoming problems. Challenges are part of the journey to success.
3. Identify Your Calling and Pursue It
Bishop Dag is multi-gifted. He began by playing instruments in church, and his gifts expanded to pastoring, teaching, preaching, evangelizing, writing, healing, and church planting. The Lord has equipped him for mighty works in advancing the kingdom.
The Bible says if one is faithful with little, the Lord will add more. Dag himself says, “the reward for hard work is more work.” We must identify our calling and pursue it. God anoints us to blossom in our calling and purpose.
4. Be Fruitful and Multiply in Your Work
At 61, Bishop Dag is still going strong. The small seed he planted has grown into the United Denominations with a vision of 25,000 churches worldwide. Currently, there are over 3,000 churches in 94 nations. After building and pastoring Kodesh, he started a new church called First Love Church, which has also planted over 30 churches under its denomination.
We must learn to multiply the fruit of our labour. The Lord commanded Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:26-28 to be fruitful and multiply, fill and subdue the earth, and then rule over everything. It starts with a seed planted and watered to bear more fruit and be replanted. Bishop Dag teaches us to multiply what we have, however insignificant it may seem.
5. Raise Others to Continue the Work
With a vision of planting 25,000 churches, Bishop Dag led the establishment of the Anagkazo Bible & Ministry Training Center (ABMTC) to train and nurture pastors. He also has many capable bishops to manage the denominations under the group of churches.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that he planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase. This is teamwork. One person cannot do everything; we need co-workers in ministry, business, and work to succeed with our big vision of impacting the world. Success requires a team effort. Every vision needs people to make it work.
Conclusion
Great men and women are ordinary people who identify their seeds of greatness and work hard to manifest them. Nothing comes easy.
The Apostle Paul said he did everything by the grace of God but worked harder than all his contemporaries. To manifest results like Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, we must be unusually dependent on the power of God to show His glory in our lives.
