The Holy Spirit is an indispensable part of the Christian life and the growth of the Church. Often referred to as the Helper, the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit’s presence is the driving force behind effective ministry and personal transformation. Jesus Himself highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit when He told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NKJV).
The power of the Holy Spirit is not only for personal edification but also for spreading the Gospel and building the Church. The early Church experienced explosive growth because of the Holy Spirit’s active involvement as we can see in the book of Acts. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached one sermon. From that one sermon, three thousand souls were added to the Church (Acts 2:41). This miraculous growth was fueled by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which enabled ordinary men and women to perform extraordinary exploits for God.
The Holy Spirit’s role in church growth cannot be overemphasized. He empowers leaders, provides divine wisdom, and creates unity among believers. Paul highlights the Spirit’s role in gifting believers for ministry: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4, NIV). Each gift, whether it be prophecy, healing, or administration, is distributed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the needs of the Church and expand God’s Kingdom. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they carry an anointing that breaks yokes and draws people to Christ.
The anointing is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power, enabling us to do what would otherwise be impossible in our human strength. In the old testament, Isaiah described this anointing as the force that destroys burdens and removes obstacles: “It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil” (Isaiah 10:27, NKJV). In the context of ministry and church growth, the Holy Spirit’s anointing is what transforms preaching into
life-changing messages, evangelism into mass salvations, and leadership into divine shepherding. Jesus’ ministry on this earth was a model of reliance on the Holy Spirit. He began His ministry after being baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). From healing the sick to raising the dead, His works were a direct result of the Spirit’s power operating through Him.
Today, the Holy Spirit continues to work through willing vessels, empowering them to grow churches, reach the lost, and nurture believers. The understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in ministry is deepened by studying books written by Spirit-filled leaders who have walked in His power. One such leader is Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, whose works provide profound insights into the anointing and church growth.
Books to Read on the Holy Spirit
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a renowned evangelist, teacher, and author whose ministry has touched countless lives around the world. As the founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), his leadership has seen the establishment of over 4,000 churches in more than 100 countries. This phenomenal growth is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through his life and ministry.
Bishop Dag is known for his unique teaching style that emphasized the power and anointing from the Holy Spirit. His messages are not only inspirational but also deeply rooted in Scripture, making them accessible to believers at all levels of their spiritual journey. One of the cornerstones of his teaching is the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry.
His books on the Holy Spirit, such as Sweet Influences of the Anointing, The Anointing and the Presence, and Amplify Your Ministry, have become essential resources for pastors, evangelists, and church workers. These books are more than just theoretical—they are practical guides that help readers understand how to walk in the Spirit, operate in the anointing, and achieve supernatural results in ministry.
The success of Bishop Dag’s ministry is largely attributed to his reliance on the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the necessity of cultivating God’s presence and flowing with the Spirit in all aspects of life and ministry. His books serve as blueprints for
anyone who desires to grow a thriving church or experience a deeper level of intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a deep dive into one of the books Bishop Dag has written on the Holy Spirit.
Example of One of the Many Books on the Holy Spirit by Dag Heward Mills
One of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ standout books on the Holy Spirit is Amplify Your Ministry. This book offers a comprehensive look at how the Holy Spirit’s anointing can elevate a believer’s ministry to new heights. Packed with scriptural references and practical advice, it is a must-read for anyone desiring to maximize their spiritual impact.
In Amplify Your Ministry, Bishop Dag begins by explaining the foundational role of the anointing in ministry. He writes:
“The anointing is the difference between a dead ministry and a living, impactful one. Without the Holy Spirit’s power, all our efforts are mere human attempts. But with Him, miracles happen, lives are changed, and the Gospel advances.”
The book breaks down the different levels of anointing and how to move from one level to the next. Bishop Dag uses the life of Elisha as an example, showing how persistent pursuit of the anointing led Elisha to inherit a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9-14). This account is used to inspire readers to hunger for more of God’s power.
A significant section of the book is dedicated to practical steps for cultivating the anointing. Bishop Dag outlines principles such as consistent prayer, fasting, and a deep love for God’s Word. He emphasizes that the anointing is not a one-time experience but a lifestyle of walking closely with the Holy Spirit.
One of the book’s most impactful chapters is titled “The Multiplying Effect of the Anointing.” Here, Bishop Dag explains how the Holy Spirit amplifies our efforts, making it possible to achieve results far beyond our natural capabilities. He writes:
“Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, the Holy Spirit multiplies your efforts in ministry. A sermon that would have fallen flat in your strength can transform lives when preached under the anointing.”
The book also addresses common hindrances to the anointing, such as pride, disobedience, and spiritual complacency. Bishop Dag warns readers about the dangers of relying on their own abilities instead of the Holy Spirit. He encourages humility and complete dependence on God as keys to sustaining the anointing.
Another highlight of Amplify Your Ministry is its discussion on church growth. Bishop Dag points out that numerical growth is a direct result of spiritual growth. He urges pastors and leaders to focus on their spiritual development, trusting that the anointing will naturally lead to the expansion of their congregations.
Excerpts from the book reveal Bishop Dag’s heart for the lost and his passion for equipping leaders:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The anointing equips you to be a laborer in God’s field. Without it, you can do nothing of eternal significance. With it, you can bring in a harvest that will last for eternity.”
The practical exercises included in the book, such as meditations on key scriptures and reflections on personal spiritual growth, make it an interactive and
transformative resource. Readers are not only inspired but also equipped to take tangible steps toward amplifying their ministries.
Conclusion on the best books on the holy spirit
The Holy Spirit is the heartbeat of effective ministry and church growth. From the early Church to the modern era, His power has been the driving force behind every revival, every miracle, and every soul brought into the Kingdom. Without the Holy Spirit, ministry is reduced to mere human effort. With Him, the impossible becomes possible, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has been a faithful steward of the message of the Holy Spirit. Through his books, such as Amplify Your Ministry, he has provided a roadmap for believers to walk in the Spirit and operate in the anointing. His teachings emphasize the necessity of cultivating intimacy with God, seeking His presence, and relying on His power for all aspects of ministry.
For anyone desiring to experience a deeper walk with the Holy Spirit and a more impactful ministry, Bishop Dag’s books are invaluable resources. They remind us that the anointing is not just for a select few but is available to every believer who seeks it earnestly. May we all be inspired to pursue the Holy Spirit, allowing His power to amplify our lives and ministries for the glory of God.