Church planting is at the heart of fulfilling the Great Commission, a task Jesus entrusted to His followers when He commanded them, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This commission is not just about sharing the Gospel but also about establishing spiritual homes churches where believers can grow in faith, engage in worship, and be equipped to evangelize.
Planting churches ensures that the Gospel not only reaches the ends of the earth but also takes root, transforming communities through discipleship, worship, and service.
The journey of church planting is one that requires passion, but passion alone is not enough. It calls for wisdom, strategy, and unwavering dependence on God. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, a global evangelist and pastor, has contributed significantly to this field. His writings combine decades of ministry experience with profound biblical insights, offering practical guidance for those embarking on this divine assignment.
In books like “The Mega Church”, Bishop Heward-Mills emphasizes the importance of developing a strong shepherding heart. He teaches that a shepherd is not merely a title but a calling to care deeply for the spiritual and physical needs of a congregation (John 21:15-17). His focus on loyalty, faithfulness, and spiritual discipline underlines the importance of a steady hand in church leadership qualities vital for nurturing fledgling congregations.
Another cornerstone of his teachings is in “Ministerial Barrenness”, where he discusses the pitfalls that hinder church growth, such as spiritual barrenness and discouragement, and outlines ways to overcome these through faithfulness and fruit-bearing ministry (Isaiah 54:1-3). Additionally, books like “The Art of Following” advocate the principle of mentorship following experienced leaders to grow in ministry effectiveness.
Complementary resources from other authors also add depth to this field. For example, “Planting Missional Churches” by Ed Stetzer provides a contemporary roadmap for church planters navigating cultural dynamics. Together, these works form a rich library of wisdom and instruction. In our ever-changing mission fields, such resources remind us that the Great Commission remains constant.
Each new church planted is a testament to God’s faithfulness and a step closer to the fulfillment of His kingdom on earth. This exploration of practical and spiritual strategies, as shared in these writings, equips and inspires those called to this noble task.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills: A Global Voice in Church Planting
The Journey of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), has had a remarkable journey, one that began with a simple but powerful vision. His ministry started in Ghana, where he began serving his fellow students at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. What began as a humble outreach has blossomed into a worldwide movement, with the UD-OLGC now present in over 100 countries. His story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to spreading the gospel. From small beginnings, he has built a network of thousands of churches, creating a global impact that continues to grow.
The Impact of UD-OLGC
Under Bishop Heward-Mills’ leadership, the UD-OLGC has become one of the most significant church-planting movements in modern history. The organization’s reach spans continents, touching communities in diverse cultures. The UD-OLGC’s success is not merely about numbers; it’s about the transformational impact these churches are having on individuals and communities. This movement exemplifies the profound influence that dedicated church planting can have in fostering spiritual growth, community development, and outreach.
Spiritual Depth and Practical Guidance
What makes Bishop Heward-Mills truly distinctive is his unique ability to balance spiritual depth with practical, actionable insights. While his teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture and faith, he goes beyond mere inspiration. His books are well-regarded not only for their motivational messages but also for their step-by-step guidance for those looking to plant and grow churches. These works address the full range of challenges that church planters face from spiritual growth to the logistical and pastoral challenges that come with leading a growing congregation. His books provide a roadmap, offering church leaders the wisdom and tools needed to navigate the complexities of church planting while staying faithful to their spiritual calling.
Bishop Heward-Mills’ approach demonstrates that successful church planting is not just about preaching, but also about understanding the practical realities of nurturing communities of faith. His leadership continues to inspire and equip church leaders around the world, making a lasting impact on the global church community.
Here are five must-read books by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills that provide essential insights and strategies for church planting and ministry growth:
1. “Church Planting”: Laying the Foundation
This book is an indispensable resource for anyone called to plant a church. It begins by affirming the spiritual importance of responding to God’s divine call, emphasizing that church planting must arise from obedience to His leading. The book offers practical guidance on crucial steps such as identifying and evaluating potential locations, building a committed and equipped team, and establishing a presence in the community through outreach and evangelism. It also addresses critical operational aspects like managing finances, creating sustainable structures, and overcoming opposition, making it a comprehensive manual for new church planters.
2. “The Mega Church”: Building Large and Flourishing Churches
In “The Mega Church”, Bishop Heward-Mills provides a roadmap for church planters who aspire to grow their congregations into thriving and flourishing communities. Drawing from his extensive experience overseeing a large network of churches, he shares principles for increasing membership retention through intentional discipleship, establishing effective small group systems, and developing a leadership pipeline to sustain long-term growth. This book emphasizes that successful church growth is both spiritual and structural, requiring prayer, faith, and strategic planning to build a large and impactful church.
3. “The Art of Leadership”: Empowering Leaders for Church Planting
Leadership is often the key determinant of a new church’s success, and this book equips church planters with the tools to lead effectively. Bishop Heward-Mills discusses essential leadership traits such as vision, humility, and resilience, highlighting the importance of servant leadership modeled after Christ. He offers practical tips for team management, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of excellence. This book is a vital resource for church planters seeking to balance spiritual authority with relational sensitivity and strategic decision-making.
4. “The Art of Following”: Mentorship and Guidance in Church Planting
Successful church planting often hinges on learning from others, and this book teaches the value of mentorship through biblical examples like Joshua following Moses and Timothy learning from Paul. Bishop Heward-Mills emphasizes the importance of remaining teachable, seeking wisdom from experienced leaders, and building on proven strategies to avoid common pitfalls. This book encourages church planters to stay grounded in humility, recognizing that even leaders must continually learn and grow by following others.
5. “Transform Your Pastoral Ministry”: Sustaining New Churches
Starting a church is one challenge, but sustaining it is another. This book focuses on the ongoing responsibilities of pastoring a young congregation. Bishop Heward-Mills provides insights on delivering impactful sermons that connect with the congregation, engaging members through personal care and discipleship, and maintaining momentum through prayer, vision casting, and Spirit-led leadership. It serves as a guide for sustaining growth and nurturing the spiritual health of both the pastor and the church.
These books collectively provide invaluable wisdom, blending spiritual insights with practical strategies, to support church planters at every stage of their ministry journey.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ works on church planting emphasize several major themes that are essential for success in ministry. First, obedience to the call is foundational, as every church planting effort must begin with a clear and divinely affirmed sense of calling, established through prayer and Scripture.
His writings stress the importance of understanding this call as the driving force behind ministry efforts. Second, he offers practical guidance, detailing actionable steps that make church planting feasible. From managing logistical details to training leaders, his books equip readers with tools to navigate the complexities of establishing and growing a church.
Third, reliance on the Holy Spirit is a recurring theme, as Bishop Heward-Mills underscores the necessity of being Spirit-led in all aspects of church planting, including decision-making, discipleship, and evangelism. Finally, he highlights the importance of endurance and faith, encouraging church planters to persevere through challenges, trusting God for fruitfulness and breakthroughs in His perfect timing.
While Bishop Heward-Mills’ books provide a comprehensive foundation, other recommended resources offer complementary perspectives on church planting. Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer emphasizes engaging local cultures and developing strategies tailored to diverse communities.
David Garrison’s Church Planting Movements offers a global perspective on rapidly multiplying churches, highlighting simple and reproducible models. Timothy Keller’s Center Church provides a theologically rich guide to urban church planting, focusing on contextualization and cultural engagement. Together, these works create a well-rounded library for anyone passionate about advancing the Kingdom through church planting.
Conclusion on the best books on church planting
Church planting is a sacred responsibility, requiring wisdom, sacrifice, and a deep reliance on God’s grace. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ books provide church planters with a robust foundation for this work, offering both spiritual encouragement and practical tools.
By combining his insights with the lessons from other notable authors, today’s church planters can rise to the challenge of building Christ-centered, Spirit-filled churches that glorify God and transform lives. Let us heed the call, trusting in the Lord to establish His Kingdom through our obedience and faithfulness.