Church planting is one of the most powerful strategies for evangelism, discipleship, and nation-building in Africa today. The continent is teeming with young people, ripe mission fields, and open hearts hungry for the Word of God. And while challenges exist—ranging from financial constraints to cultural resistance God has raised up anointed leaders, ministries, and resources to meet the need. Among these is Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), which includes the vibrant First Love Church movement.
His ministry has played a pivotal role in planting thousands of churches across Africa and the world. His impact is both massive and deeply spiritual, and his model has become a reference point for many. But he’s not alone. Across the continent, God is moving through many faithful leaders and ministries each with their own grace, approach, and tools but all carrying the same heartbeat for the Great Commission. So, whether you’re a budding church planter, a pastor looking to expand your mission, or simply curious about how the Gospel is taking root across Africa, this guide highlights some of the most effective resources, movements, and spiritual leaders fueling church planting on the continent today.
1. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills & the First Love Church Movement
When we talk about church planting in Africa, it’s impossible not to highlight Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. His life and ministry have become synonymous with relentless evangelism, practical ministry training, and explosive church growth.
A Man with a Mission
Dag Heward-Mills began preaching in medical school and planted his first church in a canteen on the Korle-Bu campus in Accra, Ghana. What started with a handful of students is now a global movement spanning over 90 countries with thousands of churches.
The First Love Church—his youthful and vibrant branch of the UD-OLGC—is specifically designed to reach the next generation. With its passionate worship, intense teaching, and emphasis on ministry training, First Love has become one of the fastest-growing church-planting movements in Africa.
Key Resources from Bishop Dag Heward-Mills for Church Planters
- The Art of Leadership Conferences – Held across Africa, these conferences equip pastors, shepherds, and lay leaders with practical tools for leading churches and evangelizing communities.
- Church Planting Manuals & Books – Dag’s prolific writing includes books like “The Mega Church,” “Church Planting,” “The Art of Shepherding,” and “Loyalty and Disloyalty”. These books are blueprints for planting and sustaining thriving churches.
- What makes these books unique is that they are written from the African context, yet applicable globally. They are simple, direct, and deeply spiritual. Bishop Dag often says, “You can build a church anywhere if you follow the right principles.” His books are the principles in print—blueprints you can carry in your hand.
- Many of these books have also been translated into French, Portuguese, and several African languages, making them accessible to pastors and leaders across the continent. They are available in physical form, digital formats, and even audio, making it easy for those in remote areas to still be equipped for ministry.
- Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center – Located in Mampong, Ghana, Anagkazo is a full-time Bible school training thousands of missionaries and pastors for church planting across Africa. Students are equipped not just with theology, but with discipline, loyalty, and practical ministry skills.
- Healing Jesus Campaigns – Mass crusades led by Bishop Dag in remote areas, often accompanied by planting churches right after the souls are won. It’s a clear demonstration of evangelism followed by discipleship—a powerful one-two punch.
- Model of Lay Ministry – One of the most unique aspects of his approach is the use of lay people (non-full-time workers) in ministry. This model empowers ordinary believers to plant and lead churches in their communities, often with minimal resources.
Dag Heward-Mills often says, “The proof of your ministry is in your fruit.” And the fruit speaks loudly: churches in villages, towns, cities, and nations—planted by young people who’ve been trained, mentored, and sent.
2. Christ Embassy – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Another ministry that’s been influential in church planting across Africa is Christ Embassy, led by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. While best known for the Loveworld media empire, the ministry has strategically planted churches in over 100 countries.
What makes Christ Embassy a powerful church-planting resource is its use of technology, media, and daily devotionals to disciple people from a distance. Their cell-based structure also makes it easy to start new fellowships in new areas, especially in urban centers.
Key Tools from Christ Embassy:
- Rhapsody of Realities – A daily devotional printed in hundreds of languages, often used as an outreach tool that leads to small fellowships forming.
- Pastoral training schools and online platforms – which prepare young leaders to start home churches and eventually grow them into formal congregations.
3. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Based in Nigeria, RCCG is arguably one of the largest church networks in the world. Their goal? To plant a church within 5 minutes walking distance in every city and town. Talk about a vision!
Under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, RCCG has created a culture of multiplication. Their annual Holy Ghost Congress draws millions, but their real strength is in the network of parishes sprouting across Africa and beyond.
Resources Offered:
- Church Planters’ School in Redemption Camp, Nigeria.
- Manuals and guidelines that help streamline church administration, finances, and spiritual leadership.
- The House Fellowship model, which allows churches to begin in homes and expand outward.
4. International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) – Dr. Mensa Otabil
Though not primarily focused on quantity of church plants, ICGC’s influence across Ghana and beyond stems from deep discipleship and strong leadership development. Dr. Otabil is known for blending solid Bible teaching with national transformation.
ICGC has planted numerous churches, especially in urban centers, using a strong leadership pipeline and a clear emphasis on vision and excellence.
Resources to Watch For:
- Leadership training materials.
- Broadcast teachings and discipleship models that equip believers to become leaders in their spheres of influence.
5. Every Nation Churches & Campus Ministries
Originally started as “Morning Star Ministries” in the Philippines, Every Nation has made significant inroads into Africa, particularly in university towns and cities. They specialize in campus outreach, discipleship, and leadership development.
Their strategy aligns well with the demographic of young, educated Africans ready to serve God.
Useful Tools from Every Nation:
- The “One2One” discipleship guide – perfect for following up new believers.
- Leadership training pipelines that turn students into church planters.
- Contextualized church models that allow churches to grow organically in African cultures.
6. Hillsong Africa and New Generation Ministries
In Southern Africa, movements like Hillsong Church in Cape Town and New Generation Ministries are providing fresh models for urban church planting. With a mix of modern worship, media-savvy strategies, and social outreach, these ministries are reaching young professionals and creatives.
While they may not focus on mass replication like some West African models, their influence on urban church culture and community outreach is undeniable.
7. Independent Missionaries & Home-Grown Initiatives
Africa is also seeing a rise in local, grassroots church planters—pastors who, with limited support, are planting churches in rural areas, slums, and unreached communities.
Thanks to mobile phones, WhatsApp, and digital resources, even remote pastors now have access to:
- Free Bible training apps (like the YouVersion Bible App, Global University, and World Bible School).
- Open-source sermons and teaching materials from ministries like Dag Heward-Mills, Rick Warren, and others.
- Support from micro-mission agencies, such as Harvesters Ministries and African Inland Mission.
8. How to Start: A Practical Church Planting Kit
Inspired by the tried-and-tested model of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills
Church planting may sound like a daunting task—but with the right mindset, tools, and a heart full of faith, it becomes a joyful mission. Whether you’re planting in a busy city, a quiet village, or a remote campus, the principles remain the same.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a church plant, especially within the African context. These are not theories; they’re practices that have worked for thousands of church planters under Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry and beyond.
1. Get Trained
Before launching out, get equipped spiritually, theologically, and practically. You don’t need a PhD in theology, but you do need strong spiritual foundations and sound doctrine.
- Attend a Bible school like Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center if possible. Schools like these offer not only teaching but training in prayer, discipline, loyalty, evangelism, and leadership.
- If in-person training isn’t possible, take online courses or enroll in training programs provided by ministries like Global University, Rhema, or the Bible school branches of other large churches.
- Read foundational books like “Church Planting,” “The Art of Leadership,” “Loyalty and Disloyalty,” and “The Mega Church” by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. These books are loaded with practical truths and spiritual strategies.
- Study the Word of God daily and build a personal prayer life. Church planting is a spiritual battle—you must be spiritually armed.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed…” – 2 Timothy 2:15
2. Gather a Team
No one plants a church alone. Even Jesus had a team.
- Start by identifying faithful and loyal people who are willing to pray, serve, and evangelize with you. Focus on character over charisma.
- Use 2 Timothy 2:2 as your guide: “…commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
- Your team may be small at first—just two or three people—but unity, prayer, and shared vision are more important than numbers.
- Teach them loyalty from the beginning. A disloyal helper can destroy what you’re trying to build.
3. Identify the Field
Every church plant needs a location—but not just any location. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
- Ask: Is this a city center, a rural village, a university campus, or a new suburb? Each field requires a slightly different approach.
- Pray over the area. Walk the land. Talk to locals. Look for spiritual hunger, openness, and strategic opportunities.
- Study the spiritual atmosphere—Are there existing churches? What’s the religious background? What are the needs of the people?
- Be open to going where others won’t. The remote places often yield the most sincere and lasting fruit.
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” – John 4:35
4. Evangelize Intensely
Evangelism is the engine of church planting. Without souls, there is no church.
- Hit the streets. Preach in buses, schools, hospitals, marketplaces, and homes.
- Conduct open-air crusades and healing services if you can. Many of Bishop Dag’s church plants were born from crusade outreaches.
- Use tracts, flyers, and posters even handwritten ones if you have no money.
- Leverage social media and WhatsApp groups to invite people and share short messages.
- Don’t wait to be perfect just preach Jesus. Boldness brings results.
“Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” – 1 Corinthians 9:16
5. Start the Fellowship
Once people began responding to the Gospel, gather them. This is how your church begins.
- You don’t need a fancy building. Start in a classroom, someone’s living room, under a tree, or in a tent.
- Have regular Sunday services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings.
- Keep your messages simple, Bible-based, and anointed. Preach as if you’re in a stadium, even if only five people are listening.
- Lay hands, pray for the sick, and believe for miracles—the power of God draws people.
- Start building structure: ushers, worship team (even one person), follow-up group, and teaching schedules.
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
6. Build Disciples
Evangelism brings people in, but discipleship keeps them rooted.
- Don’t just make converts—make disciples. Teach them the Word, train them to pray, and show them how to serve.
- Create a mini Bible school within your church. Use books, videos, and simple manuals.
- Start teaching loyalty, ministry work, tithing, and faithfulness early. These are the pillars that will keep your church strong.
- Identify potential leaders. Train them. Let them preach, lead prayers, and organize outreach programs.
- Teach them to teach others—this is how churches grow beyond one man.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19
7. Multiply
The goal is not just one church—it’s a movement of churches.
- Once you’ve built a core team, send them out! Let them start fellowships or branches in nearby towns, campuses, or communities.
- Use lay ministry to your advantage—train ordinary people to pastor, preach, and plant churches while still working their jobs or schooling.
- Encourage loyalty and reporting so the network stays connected.
- Don’t fear small beginnings—every First Love Church branch began with a few passionate people and a lot of faith.
- Celebrate multiplication. Support your branches spiritually, emotionally, and where possible, financially.
“And the things that thou hast heard of me… commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
Church planting is not for the faint of heart—but it’s for the faithful. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about obeying the call, loving people, and trusting God to build His church through you.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills often says, “If you can preach, you can start a church.” So don’t wait for a platform. Create one with prayer, obedience, and hard work.
God is looking for laborers in the harvest field. If you’re willing, He will use you to bring revival, one planted church at a time.
Conclusion: Africa Shall Be Saved 🌍🔥
Church planting is not a trend. It’s a divine assignment. And the heartbeat of God is to see every tribe, tongue, and nation hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and the First Love Church movement have become a powerful testimony to what is possible when discipline, vision, and faithfulness come together. But God is also working through countless others—through mega churches, village missionaries, campus pastors, and youth groups.
Whether you’re a young person sensing the call, a church leader wanting to expand, or a donor looking to invest in real Kingdom work Africa is the place to sow.
The harvest is ready. The workers are rising. And the Gospel will be preached to every corner one planted church at a time.