The role of a preacher is foundational to the growth of the Church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. As the bearers of the Gospel message, preachers are called not only to proclaim but also to embody the Word of God, touching hearts and transforming lives.
The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 10:14-15 emphasize the importance of preaching: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Preachers, through their anointed messages, fulfill the mission of spreading the Gospel, and in doing so, they change the course of history.
One such preacher who stands out in our time is Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, whose ministry has spanned continents, bringing salvation, healing, and empowerment to millions.
The Power of Preaching
Preaching is more than a mere exchange of words—when done with divine anointing, it has the power to convict, heal, and transform. From the time of Jesus Christ, who traveled from city to city preaching the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:43), to His commissioning of the apostles to go and preach the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), preaching has remained central to God’s work on earth. Great preachers throughout history have carried this mantle with dedication, often facing persecution and hardship, yet remaining faithful to the calling.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has emerged as one of the leading preachers of this generation. With his unique blend of passion, clarity, and depth, he has built a global ministry that reaches millions and continues to influence the Church at large. His life and message resonate with a new generation of believers, offering a powerful example of how effective preaching can build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills : A Ministry Built on preaching the word
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is the founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), an international network of churches that spans over 100 countries. His ministry is not just marked by the size of its reach but by the depth of its impact. From evangelism to church planting and leadership training, his approach to ministry is comprehensive, always rooted in the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
What makes Bishop Dag’s preaching stand out is his ability to deliver profound biblical truths in a simple, accessible way. His sermons are marked by deep scriptural insight, yet they speak directly to the practical needs of everyday life. Whether preaching in Africa, Europe, or North America, his messages are always clear, relevant, and Spirit-filled.
Healing Jesus Crusades : Evangelism with Impact
One of the most iconic aspects of Bishop Dag’s ministry is the Healing Jesus Crusades. These large-scale evangelistic events, primarily held in African cities and villages, draw crowds of thousands.
What sets these crusades apart is not just the sheer number of attendees, but the palpable presence of God that accompanies the preaching. At each crusade, Bishop Dag preaches with urgency, calling for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. His messages are straightforward yet powerful, leading many to experience life-changing encounters with God.
The impact of these crusades is both immediate and long-lasting. As Bishop Dag proclaims the Gospel, miracles of healing and deliverance regularly occur, with countless testimonies of individuals healed of physical ailments and set free from spiritual oppression. These events are not just about preaching; they are also about establishing lasting relationships with local churches. Through follow-up efforts, new believers are connected to churches where they can grow and be discipled in their faith. This holistic approach ensures that the effects of the crusades endure beyond the events themselves.
Equipping the Saints : Conferences and Leadership Training
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills also has a strong emphasis on equipping church leaders and believers through conferences, revival meetings, and training camps. These events are not just opportunities for spiritual renewal but are designed to empower individuals with the tools they need for effective ministry.
At these conferences, Bishop Dag teaches on a wide range of topics, from the anointing to loyalty in ministry, leadership principles, and the importance of evangelism. He speaks with both authority and humility, always seeking to draw out practical applications for ministry. His ability to combine deep theological understanding with practical strategies for church growth and personal development has made these gatherings a catalyst for revival in many churches around the world.
Bishop Dag’s teachings are not just theoretical; they are meant to be put into practice. Whether speaking to a congregation of pastors or a group of lay leaders, his messages inspire action and equip individuals to take the next step in their faith journey.
Camps : Intensive Training for Ministry
Another hallmark of Bishop Dag’s ministry is his ministry camps, which provide an immersive experience for church workers and leaders. These camps, often lasting several days, offer intensive teaching on a variety of topics, including church planting, discipleship, spiritual warfare, and pastoral care. The goal is not only to impart knowledge but to transform the participants’ hearts and minds, equipping them to serve with renewed vision and commitment.
The camp experience is designed to build strong bonds among believers while providing the spiritual and practical tools needed to thrive in ministry. Bishop Dag’s leadership and teaching at these camps are characterized by a blend of inspiration and practical application, ensuring that attendees leave with a deeper understanding of their calling and a stronger resolve to carry out God’s work.
Global Reach and Influence : Bishop Dag’s Ministry Around the World
Bishop Dag’s influence extends far beyond the borders of his native Ghana. He is one of the greatest preachers of all time. As a guest speaker, he has preached in churches across continents, from large mega-churches to smaller local congregations. Whether in the United States, Europe, or Asia, his messages resonate deeply with believers, regardless of culture or background. His ability to connect with diverse audiences has made him a sought-after speaker at international events, where he continues to inspire and challenge the global Church.
Special Mentions
Bishop David Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo is another influential preacher in the world today. As the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International, his ministry is characterized by vibrant faith, practical teachings, and a focus on Kingdom principles. Oyedepo’s sermons emphasize the authority of the believer, divine health, financial prosperity, and the power of faith in achieving God’s purposes.
His teachings are rooted in Scripture, with passages like Mark 11:23-24 and Hebrews 11 serving as foundational texts. Oyedepo often declares, “Faith is the master key to a world of unlimited possibilities,” urging believers to embrace a lifestyle of faith and dependence on God. His ministry’s mantra, “Faith without limits,” encapsulates his belief that nothing is impossible for those who trust in God.
Oyedepo’s ministry has grown to include massive church facilities, most notably the Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria, which can seat over 50,000 people. His preaching reaches millions through books, broadcasts, and the annual Shiloh convention. His messages inspire believers to live victoriously and actively engage in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
In addition to his preaching, Oyedepo’s impact extends to education and philanthropy.
He has established universities, including Covenant University, and initiatives that provide scholarships and humanitarian aid, demonstrating the practical outworking of his faith-based teachings.
John G. Lake
John G. Lake (1870–1935) is remembered as a preacher and healing evangelist who pioneered a ministry that combined the power of God’s Word with the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Lake’s preaching emphasized divine healing, the authority of the believer, and the supernatural presence of God.
Lake’s ministry began in the United States but reached its peak when he moved to South Africa in 1908, establishing what became known as the Apostolic Faith Mission. His time in South Africa was marked by incredible spiritual revival, with thousands coming to Christ and experiencing miraculous healings. Lake’s teachings were rooted in his deep conviction that Jesus’ atoning work included both salvation and physical healing, as demonstrated in Matthew 8:16-17.
A hallmark of Lake’s preaching was his focus on the believer’s identity in Christ. He taught that Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in divine authority and perform the works of Jesus, as seen in John 14:12. His famous statement, “A Christian out of fellowship with God is a tool of the devil,” highlights his belief in the necessity of living a Spirit-filled life.
Lake’s healing ministry was extraordinary. He established “Healing Rooms” in Spokane, Washington, where thousands were healed through prayer and the laying on of hands. His work earned Spokane the reputation of being the healthiest city in America at the time.
Conclusion on the greatest preachers of all time
As we reflect on the lives and ministries of preachers like Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Bishop David Oyedepo, and John G Lake, we are reminded of the eternal power of preaching. These men of God have shown us that faithful preaching, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can bring salvation to the lost, revival to the Church, and transformation to entire nations.
In our own lives, may we be inspired by their example to continue to boldly proclaim the Gospel, knowing that the power of God’s Word, when preached with passion and clarity, has the ability to change lives and shape the course of history. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ global ministry is a testimony to this timeless truth.