Church growth is one of the most important responsibilities for any pastor. The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, commands us to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” underlining the vital role of the church in reaching the world with the gospel. Church growth, however, is not just about increasing numbers—it’s about expanding God’s Kingdom, reaching the lost, nurturing believers, and multiplying the influence of the gospel. A growing church is a sign of spiritual vitality, a reflection of a healthy body of Christ that is actively advancing God’s mission on earth.

Yet despite a deep passion for ministry, many pastors find themselves struggling with church growth. Some face stagnation in their congregations, either numerically or spiritually, while others wrestle with the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world. In these situations, pastors need more than just encouragement—they need actionable, proven strategies for growth.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, a highly respected leader in church growth, church planting, and missions, has written extensively on these subjects. His books Double Mega Missionary Church, Church Planting, and One Thousand Micro Churches offer invaluable wisdom and practical strategies for pastors seeking to expand their churches and multiply the Kingdom of God. In this article, we will explore the key strategies from these books and why every pastor should invest in reading and applying them.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills: A Visionary Leader in Church Growth

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is the founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), a global network that spans over 3,000 churches across 90 countries. His ministry has seen remarkable growth, not by chance but through intentional, biblically guided strategies for church planting, discipleship, and leadership development. His books, including Double Mega Missionary Church, Church Planting, and One Thousand Micro Churches, are based on decades of practical ministry experience and offer invaluable insights to pastors desiring church growth. 

Bishop Dag’s ministry provides a model of what is possible when pastors embrace biblical principles and focus on multiplying churches for the Kingdom of God. His teachings are not just theoretical; they reflect real-world strategies that have been tested and proven effective in a variety of cultural contexts. By applying the strategies laid out in these books, pastors can grow their churches, plant new ministries, and reach more souls for Christ.

The Importance of Reading Double Mega Missionary Church, Church Planting, and One Thousand Micro Churches

Before embarking on church growth, Bishop Dag stresses the importance of learning from others who have already walked the path of ministry. In Double Mega Missionary Church, he writes:

“A wise pastor seeks to learn from others who have gone ahead of him. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when there’s so much we can learn from those who have experienced success in church growth.”

This statement highlights the value of mentorship and learning from those who have walked the journey of ministry before us. By reading Bishop Dag’s books, pastors can gain wisdom, clarity, and direction for their own ministries. These books are full of actionable insights—biblical principles combined with practical strategies—designed to help pastors overcome barriers and see their churches grow in both numbers and spiritual depth.

Bishop Dag’s books are not just manuals; they are spiritual guides that offer a blueprint for church growth. They encourage pastors to think strategically, to invest in leadership development, and to take practical steps toward multiplying the Kingdom of God. Let’s dive into the key strategies Bishop Dag outlines in these books.

Key Church Growth Strategies from Double Mega Missionary Church

1. The Vision for a Double Mega Church

One of the foundational strategies in Double Mega Missionary Church is the importance of having a bold vision. Bishop Dag teaches that a pastor should not only dream of a growing church but of a double mega church—one that is large and impactful. The “double” concept refers to both growing the church to a significant size and sending out missionaries to plant churches worldwide. Bishop Dag writes:

“To grow a church to mega proportions, you need to double your efforts. A church that is set on fire for evangelism and outreach will naturally grow.” 

This bold vision for growth is rooted in the belief that evangelism and missions are the key drivers for expansion. When the congregation is mobilized for outreach, every member of the church contributes to its growth. Pastors must inspire their congregations to adopt an evangelistic mindset—whether through personal outreach, door-to-door evangelism, or global missions. A church on fire for outreach will grow naturally and exponentially.

2. Mobilizing Members for Ministry

In Double Mega Missionary Church, Bishop Dag emphasizes that church growth happens when the pastor mobilizes every member for ministry. It’s not just the responsibility of the pastor to evangelize; every believer must be trained to take ownership of the mission. He writes:

“The secret to a growing church is not just having a passionate pastor, but a passionate congregation. Every believer must take ownership of the mission.”

Pastors must equip their members to be active participants in evangelism, discipleship, and leadership. When members feel personally responsible for the mission, they become more engaged and committed. This principle of mobilization leads to a culture of multiplication, where the congregation expands both spiritually and numerically.

Key Church Growth Strategies from Church Planting

Church Planting is one of Bishop Dag’s most practical and hands-on books. It focuses on how to establish new churches that will grow and thrive. Church planting, according to Bishop Dag, is one of the most effective ways to grow the Kingdom of God, as it multiplies the gospel’s reach into new areas. 

1. Church Planting as Kingdom Expansion

Bishop Dag’s primary argument in Church Planting is that planting new churches is crucial for expanding God’s Kingdom. He writes:

“Church planting is the greatest form of evangelism. It is the process through which the gospel spreads to new regions, and it is a biblical model for church growth.”

Rather than merely focusing on growing an existing church, pastors should consider planting new churches in neighborhoods, cities, and even other countries. Church planting creates new opportunities for people to hear the gospel and become part of a faith community. This strategy directly aligns with the Great Commission’s command to “go and make disciples of all nations.” By planting churches, pastors fulfill this command while reaching new groups of people.

2. Raising Up Local Leaders

A key principle in Church Planting is the importance of leadership development. Bishop Dag stresses that church plants succeed only when strong local leaders are developed and empowered. He writes:

“You cannot grow a church if you do not develop leaders who can bear the responsibility.”

When planting a church, pastors should focus on raising up local leaders who can take ownership of the ministry. Identifying potential leaders, training them, and empowering them to lead is critical for ensuring the long-term success of the church plant. Leadership development is a crucial element of sustainable church growth, both for existing and new churches.

Key Church Growth Strategies from One Thousand Micro Churches

In One Thousand Micro Churches, Bishop Dag presents an entirely different yet highly effective strategy for church growth. This book focuses on planting small, local congregations that are capable of multiplying rapidly. The idea behind micro churches is that they are highly adaptable, community-focused, and able to grow quickly in response to local needs.

1. The Power of Micro Churches

Bishop Dag writes that micro churches—small congregations with fewer than 100 members—are powerful tools for evangelism and discipleship. They thrive in their ability to reach people on a personal level and meet their needs in ways that larger churches often cannot. He writes:

“A micro church is a tool of multiplication. It can grow rapidly because it meets people in their communities and addresses their specific needs.”

Micro churches can be established in homes, workplaces, or community centers. Their small size allows for deep personal relationships, effective discipleship, and a focused mission. These churches are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and capable of reproducing themselves quickly. For pastors with limited resources or those working in challenging contexts, micro churches are an ideal model for rapid multiplication.

2. Sustainability Through Leadership and Training

The success of micro churches depends on developing leaders who can take on the responsibility of planting and leading new congregations. Bishop Dag emphasizes that every believer has the potential to become a leader, particularly within the context of a micro church. He writes:

“Every believer can become a leader in a micro church. By empowering them, you multiply the Kingdom in ways that a single pastor cannot achieve.”

Investing in leadership development is essential for ensuring that micro churches thrive. Pastors must equip lay leaders to start and oversee new micro churches, allowing for rapid growth and multiplication. This grassroots leadership model enables the church to expand at an unprecedented rate.

Real-Life Applications of These Strategies

The principles outlined in Double Mega Missionary Church, Church Planting, and One Thousand Micro Churches are not just abstract ideas—they are practical, actionable strategies that any pastor can implement. Here are a few practical ways pastors can apply these strategies:

1. Set a Big Vision

Whether you’re aiming to build a double mega church, plant multiple micro churches, or send out missionaries, set a bold vision for growth. Cast this vision regularly to your congregation, and encourage them to take ownership of the mission.

2. Invest in Leadership Development

Invest in developing leaders at every level. Start a training program for potential leaders, provide mentorship, and empower them to take on new responsibilities. Strong leaders are the foundation for any successful church planting or growth strategy.

3. Focus on Evangelism

Make evangelism the central focus of your ministry. Encourage your congregation to engage in outreach activities and build relationships with people in their communities.

4. Start Small, Think Big

Even if you’re starting with a small congregation, keep a vision of multiplication in mind. Whether through church planting, micro churches, or international missions, always think about how you can expand God’s Kingdom through the church.

Conclusion: Building Churches That Impact the World

Church growth is a divine mandate, and pastors are called to go beyond personal success to build churches that advance the Kingdom of God. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ books Double Mega Missionary Church, Church Planting, and One Thousand Micro Churches provide essential guidance for pastors who want to see their churches multiply. These books offer practical strategies, biblically based principles, and real-world examples that can transform your ministry and enable your church to grow exponentially.

Whether you are planting new churches, developing leaders, or multiplying micro churches, these strategies will help you reach more people, build a lasting impact, and bring glory to God’s name. Pastors should not only read these books—they should commit to applying their teachings, confident that God will honor their efforts and bring growth in His time.