The Church is alive and growing. Across the world, God is raising leaders whose influence extends far beyond their immediate congregations, touching lives on a global scale. These leaders are more than just pastors or preachers—they are pioneers of faith, builders of the Kingdom, and voices for Christ in a rapidly changing world. Their work inspires millions and reminds us of the unshakable power of the Gospel.
In this article, we’ll focus on three remarkable leaders—each from a different part of the world—who are making a profound impact on the global Church. Their ministries are as unique as their contexts, yet they share one thing in common: a passion to see lives transformed by the message of Jesus Christ.
1. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills: A Champion of Evangelism and Church Planting
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a towering figure in the global Church, particularly in the areas of evangelism and church planting. Born in Ghana, Bishop Dag has dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and building the Church across nations. As the founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), his ministry now encompasses over 4,000 churches in more than 100 countries, a testament to his extraordinary vision and obedience to the Great Commission.
One of the hallmarks of Bishop Dag’s ministry is his Healing Jesus Campaigns, massive outdoor evangelistic crusades that have drawn millions to Christ, particularly in Africa. These campaigns are not just events—they are spiritual revolutions. Through them, countless souls have been saved, healed, and delivered, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to change lives.
In addition to his work as an evangelist, Bishop Dag is also a prolific author. His books, such as The Art of Leadership, Loyalty and Disloyalty, and Transform Your Pastoral Ministry, are widely regarded as essential reading for church leaders. These resources offer practical insights grounded in Scripture, equipping pastors and ministry workers to build strong, effective churches.
What sets Bishop Dag apart is his relentless focus on raising leaders. He believes that the future of the Church depends on the next generation of pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. Through his Bible schools and training programs, he has mentored thousands of leaders who are now spreading the Gospel around the world. His life and ministry are a powerful example of what it means to live wholeheartedly for Christ.
2. Pastor Francis Chan: A Voice for Radical Discipleship
Francis Chan is a pastor, author, and missionary who has become a prophetic voice in the modern Church. Known for his radical approach to faith and ministry, Chan challenges believers to rethink what it means to follow Jesus. His life and teachings call Christians to a deeper, more authentic discipleship, one that prioritizes intimacy with God over the comforts of modern Christianity.
After leading a thriving megachurch in California, Francis Chan surprised many by stepping away from it all to pursue a simpler, more relational model of ministry. His focus shifted to house churches, where small groups of believers meet to worship, study Scripture, and do life together. This decision reflects his belief that the Church is most powerful when it operates as a close-knit community rather than a massive institution.
Chan’s books, including Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and Letters to the Church, have inspired millions to rediscover the beauty of a life fully surrendered to Christ. In Crazy Love, he writes, “The world needs Christians who don’t tolerate the complacency of their own lives.” This call to action has resonated with readers worldwide, encouraging them to pursue a faith that is passionate, sacrificial, and focused on God’s glory.
Beyond his writing, Francis Chan has committed himself to missions. He spends much of his time in Asia, working to spread the Gospel in areas where Christ is not yet known. His heart for unreached people groups is a reminder that the Gospel is not just for our comfort—it is a call to go to the ends of the earth.
3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome: A Voice of Faith and Healing
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ Embassy (also known as LoveWorld), is one of the most influential leaders in the African Church. Based in Nigeria, his ministry has grown to reach millions across the globe through his teachings, media platforms, and humanitarian efforts. Pastor Chris is widely known for his messages on faith, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
One of the defining features of Pastor Chris’s ministry is his emphasis on the supernatural. His teaching ministry equips believers to walk in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that God’s Word is alive and active. His healing crusades, often televised worldwide, have seen miraculous healings and deliverances, pointing people to the reality of God’s power.
Pastor Chris’s devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, is one of the most widely distributed Christian resources in the world. Translated into hundreds of languages, it provides daily inspiration and practical insights from Scripture. This devotional has not only strengthened individual believers but has also unified churches across diverse cultures under the truth of God’s Word.
Through his media network, LoveWorld TV, Pastor Chris has expanded his reach to millions of homes, spreading the Gospel to those who might never step into a church. His ability to leverage modern technology for ministry shows that the Church can remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing world.
Three Different Leaders, One Mission
Though these three leaders come from different continents and serve in vastly different contexts, their lives reflect a common mission: to glorify God and advance His Kingdom. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills with his focus on church planting and evangelism, Francis Chan with his call to radical discipleship, and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome with his emphasis on faith and the Holy Spirit all remind us of the diverse ways God works through His servants.
Their stories also highlight the importance of obedience to God’s call. Each of them could have settled for comfort or pursued personal ambition, but they chose to surrender their lives to Christ and His mission. As a result, their ministries have reached millions, demonstrating that when we partner with God, the impact of our lives can go far beyond what we imagine.
The Takeaway
These three leaders inspire us to ask ourselves an important question: What role do we play in God’s Kingdom? Not everyone is called to be a pastor, evangelist, or author, but every believer is called to make an impact. Whether through sharing the Gospel with a neighbor, serving in a local church, or supporting global missions, we are all part of God’s great plan to reach the world with His love.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Francis Chan, and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome remind us that the Church is alive, vibrant, and growing. Their work is a testimony to the power of the Gospel to transform lives and change nations. As we look to these leaders, may we be inspired to live with the same passion, purpose, and devotion to Christ, knowing that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways.