The growth of the Church is a fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers, saying:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The expansion of the Church means that more people are being brought into the kingdom of God, and the Gospel is reaching new territories. In today’s world, where secularism, false doctrines, and distractions pull people away from faith, the need for church growth is even more pressing. Growing churches signify that souls are being won, communities are being transformed, and the power of God is at work.

Africa has been at the forefront of this revival, with many churches experiencing exponential growth over the past few decades. Among them, one name stands out—Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and his United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC). His journey from a small Bible study in a university canteen to an international church with thousands of pastors and branches worldwide is nothing short of remarkable.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills: The Rise of a Global Church

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ story begins in Ghana in the early 1980s. While studying at the University of Ghana Medical School, he had a deep burden for souls and a passion for the Gospel. This led him to start a small fellowship in the school’s canteen. At the time, it was simply a gathering of students hungry for the Word of God. However, what began as a humble study group soon turned into a church—Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI).

One of the key factors that contributed to the rapid growth of his ministry was his unwavering commitment to evangelism and discipleship. From the outset, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills emphasized the importance of soul-winning, regularly taking to the streets to preach the Gospel. His passion for the lost was contagious, and many joined him in his efforts to spread the message of Christ.

As the church grew in Ghana, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills felt the call to expand beyond the nation’s borders. In the 1990s, Lighthouse Chapel International began planting churches in other African countries, starting in Togo and later expanding to Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond.

What set his ministry apart was the structured approach to church planting. He believed in raising leaders from within, equipping them through systematic training, and sending them out to establish new branches. This approach mirrored the early Church’s growth strategy, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2:

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Today, the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC) has over 3,000 branches in more than 90 countries worldwide. His ministry has extended far beyond Africa, reaching Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

How Bishop Dag Heward-Mills Has Helped Other Churches Grow

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is not just focused on growing his own denomination—he has dedicated his life to equipping other pastors and churches to experience similar growth. Here’s how:

1. His Books on Church Growth

One of his most significant contributions to church growth is his extensive collection of books. His “Mega Church” and “Church Growth” series provide pastors with practical, Bible-based strategies for growing their ministries. These books emphasize the importance of leadership, evangelism, discipleship, and faithfulness in ministry. 

Many churches across Africa and beyond have implemented the principles outlined in these books and have seen significant growth as a result.

2. Conferences and Training Programs

Through events like Give Thyself Wholly Conferences, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills trains pastors and church leaders on how to build thriving ministries. These conferences, held in different countries, provide hands-on teaching, mentorship, and spiritual impartation.

Additionally, he runs Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Centre, which has trained thousands of pastors and missionaries. Many graduates have gone on to plant churches, reinforcing the multiplication effect of his ministry.

3. Guest Sermons and Ministerial Influence

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a sought-after preacher who has been invited to minister in churches across the world. His messages on loyalty, faithfulness, and the Great Commission have inspired many leaders to take bold steps in their ministries.

Other Fast-Growing Churches in Africa

While Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ ministry has played a significant role in Africa’s church growth movement, many other churches have also experienced rapid expansion. These ministries, driven by strong leadership, evangelistic zeal, and a deep commitment to discipleship, have contributed to the transformation of millions of lives across the continent. Here is a closer look at five of Africa’s fastest-growing churches:

1. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – Nigeria

Founded in 1952 by Pa Josiah Akindayomi, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has become one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world. When Pastor Enoch Adeboye took over the leadership in 1981, the church had only about 40 parishes. Today, RCCG has over 40,000 parishes in Nigeria alone and a strong presence in more than 190 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European and Asian nations.

Additionally, RCCG hosts one of the largest Christian gatherings in the world, the Holy Ghost Congress, held at the Redemption Camp near Lagos, Nigeria. This event attracts millions of worshippers annually, further solidifying RCCG’s influence in global Christianity.

2. Christ Embassy (LoveWorld) – Nigeria

Founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1987, Christ Embassy (also known as LoveWorld Incorporated) has become a global force in spreading the Gospel through media, technology, and mass evangelism. The church has thousands of branches worldwide, with a significant presence in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Moreover, through LoveWorld TV, satellite broadcasting, and social media, Pastor Chris has reached millions with his teachings on faith, healing, and prosperity. His daily devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, has been translated into over 7,000 languages, making it one of the most widely distributed Christian devotionals in history. Christ Embassy’s Healing Streams Live Healing Services, an online global healing crusade, has also drawn millions of viewers.

3. Winners’ Chapel (Living Faith Church Worldwide) – Nigeria

Founded by Bishop David Oyedepo in 1981, Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, has become one of Africa’s largest and most influential churches. The church’s headquarters, Faith Tabernacle, located in Ota, Nigeria, is one of the world’s largest church auditoriums, with a seating capacity of over 50,000 people.

One of the key drivers of the church’s expansion is the Shiloh annual conference, a global gathering that attracts millions of worshippers. This event, similar to RCCG’s Holy Ghost Congress, is known for prophetic declarations, spiritual impartations, and teachings on Kingdom advancement.

4. Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries – Zimbabwe

Founded by Prophet Walter Magaya, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries has experienced tremendous growth, particularly in Southern Africa. The church has drawn thousands of members due to its emphasis on miracles, deliverance, and prophetic ministry.

PHD Ministries hosts some of the largest Christian gatherings in Zimbabwe, with thousands flocking to its services seeking healing, financial breakthroughs, and deliverance from spiritual oppression. Prophet Magaya’s ministry is widely followed on television and social media, where he shares messages of faith, hope, and transformation.

5. Grace Bible Church – South Africa

Grace Bible Church, led by Bishop Mosa Sono, is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing churches, known for its strong biblical teaching, community engagement, and leadership development programs. Established in 1983, the church has expanded from a small congregation in Soweto to multiple branches across South Africa and internationally.

Grace Bible Church is widely respected for its community impact programs, including education initiatives, poverty alleviation projects, and business empowerment schemes. This holistic approach to ministry—combining spiritual, social, and economic empowerment—has contributed to its steady growth and strong reputation.

The Impact of Church Growth on the Kingdom of God

The rapid growth of churches in Africa is a testament to the move of God on the continent. The work of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and other dynamic leaders shows that when the Gospel is preached with passion, dedication, and structure, multitudes can be won for Christ.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ journey from a small Bible study in a medical school canteen to an international ministry with thousands of branches is an inspiration to pastors worldwide. His commitment to evangelism, structured church planting, leadership training, and resource development has not only expanded his own denomination but has also empowered countless other churches to grow. Through his books, conferences, and mentorship, he has left a lasting impact on the body of Christ, helping other ministries experience supernatural growth.

The fast-growing churches in Africa—such as The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ Embassy, Winners’ Chapel, PHD Ministries, and Grace Bible Church—further demonstrate that the Gospel is advancing at an incredible pace. These ministries, each with their own unique approach, share a common goal: to bring souls into the Kingdom of God and disciple them in the ways of Christ.