In the body of Christ, apostolic leaders play a vital role in building, strengthening, and expanding the church. Their influence goes beyond pastoring individual congregations—they are pioneers, visionaries, and spiritual fathers tasked with laying foundations for the growth of the kingdom of God. Through church planting, leadership development, and equipping believers for ministry, these leaders are key to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Today, the global church is being shaped by a number of powerful apostolic leaders who have answered the call to serve with excellence and purpose. This article will explore the lives and ministries of some of the most influential apostolic leaders in the world today, with a particular focus on Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, a leader whose ministry is leaving a profound and lasting legacy in the global church.
1. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), is one of the most remarkable apostolic leaders of this generation. Born in Accra, Ghana, Bishop Dag trained as a medical doctor but left his career in medicine to obey the call of God and dedicate himself fully to the ministry. His obedience has resulted in a global apostolic movement that continues to touch millions of lives.
Under Bishop Dag’s leadership, the UD-OLGC has grown into one of the largest and fastest-growing denominations in the world, with over 6,000 churches in more than 90 countries. His vision for global evangelism, church planting, and discipleship exemplifies the heart of an apostle. He believes in the biblical mandate of Romans 15:20, which says, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.”
A Global Vision for Church Planting
Bishop Dag’s ministry stands out for its focus on church planting. With a deep conviction that every community needs a vibrant, Spirit-filled church, he has sent out thousands of trained pastors and missionaries to plant churches in some of the most remote and underserved areas of the world. From bustling cities to isolated villages, Bishop Dag’s network of churches ensures that the gospel is reaching every corner of the earth.
To support this vision, Bishop Dag established the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Centre (ABMTC), one of the most respected training institutions for ministry in Africa. Thousands of leaders have been trained at ABMTC and sent into the mission field, armed with the tools and spiritual maturity to plant and grow churches effectively.
Author, Mentor, and Builder
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ influence in the global church extends far beyond his own denomination. He is not just a preacher or church planter—he is a prolific author, a mentor to thousands of leaders, and a builder of ministries that continue to flourish worldwide. These roles highlight his unique apostolic calling and his desire to leave a legacy that will strengthen the body of Christ for generations to come.
A Prolific Author
Bishop Dag’s ability to articulate biblical truths in simple yet profound ways has made him one of the most influential Christian authors of our time. He has written over 100 books, covering a wide range of topics that address the needs of the modern church. His writings focus on key areas such as leadership, loyalty, church growth, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry development.
Books like Loyalty and Disloyalty and The Art of Leadership have become essential resources for pastors, church leaders, and laypeople around the world. Loyalty and Disloyalty, for example, addresses one of the most critical issues in ministry—maintaining loyalty in leadership teams and church structures. This book has helped leaders identify and address the causes of division, fostering unity and stability in their ministries. The Art of Leadership, on the other hand, provides practical, biblically grounded strategies for leading with excellence, helping pastors and leaders build thriving, Spirit-filled ministries.
Bishop Dag’s books have been translated into multiple languages, ensuring that his teachings reach a global audience. They are widely used as training materials in Bible schools, seminaries, and leadership conferences, equipping leaders with practical tools to overcome challenges and fulfill their God-given mandates. His writings reflect not only his vast experience in ministry but also his deep understanding of Scripture and his passion for equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
A Mentor to Many
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bishop Dag’s ministry is his dedication to mentorship. Apostolic leaders are often called to be “fathers” in the faith, and Bishop Dag has wholeheartedly embraced this role. As a spiritual father, he has poured his life into raising up a new generation of apostles, pastors, evangelists, and missionaries who are carrying the gospel to the nations.
Through mentorship, Bishop Dag imparts not only knowledge but also the values, vision, and spiritual discipline required to succeed in ministry. His life serves as a model for those he mentors, exemplifying sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering dedication to the call of God. Many of the leaders trained under his guidance have gone on to plant churches, start ministries, and impact their communities with the gospel.
A Builder of Ministries
In addition to his work as an author and mentor, Bishop Dag is a builder in every sense of the word. He has not only built a thriving denomination with thousands of churches but has also established structures that ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the ministry.
2. Apostle John Eckhardt
Apostle John Eckhardt is a globally recognized apostolic leader, known for his teaching on spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the apostolic movement. Based in Chicago, Apostle Eckhardt leads Crusaders Church and oversees the IMPACT Network, a network of churches and ministries dedicated to equipping believers for the work of ministry.
A prolific author, Apostle Eckhardt has written numerous books, including Prayers That Rout Demons and God’s Covenant With You. His teachings emphasize the authority of believers to walk in their apostolic and prophetic callings, and he is a key voice in the global conversation about the restoration of the apostolic and prophetic ministries to the church.
Through his ministry, Apostle Eckhardt has trained and released countless leaders who are now serving in various capacities around the world. His influence continues to expand as he pioneers new ways to engage the church in prayer, spiritual warfare, and kingdom advancement.
3. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, known as the “Apostle of Strategic Prayer,” is one of the most influential apostolic leaders in Africa and beyond. As the founder of Action Chapel International, a thriving global network of churches, Archbishop Duncan-Williams has been a spiritual father to many and a trailblazer in the area of intercessory prayer.
His ministry is marked by a strong emphasis on prayer, spiritual warfare, and the demonstration of God’s power. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of charismatic Christianity in Ghana, leading massive prayer gatherings and conferences that have transformed countless lives.
Through his mentorship and leadership, Archbishop Duncan-Williams has raised a generation of leaders who are taking the gospel to the nations. His teachings, books, and prayer initiatives continue to inspire believers worldwide to pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
4. Pastor Sunday Adelaja
Pastor Sunday Adelaja is a Nigerian-born apostolic leader known for his pioneering work in Ukraine. As the founder of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, Pastor Sunday built one of the largest churches in Europe, with thousands of members and a significant influence in Ukrainian society.
His apostolic ministry focuses on societal transformation through the principles of the kingdom of God. Pastor Sunday teaches believers to engage in every sphere of life—politics, business, education, and more—with the goal of bringing godly influence to these areas. His vision for cultural transformation has inspired leaders around the world to view the gospel as a force for change, not just in individuals but also in entire communities and nations.
5. Bishop David Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo is a leading apostolic voice in Nigeria and one of the most respected church leaders in the world. As the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop Oyedepo oversees a global network of thousands of churches, with a strong emphasis on faith, prosperity, and excellence.
His apostolic influence extends to education, where he has established world-class institutions such as Covenant University, raising godly leaders who excel in both faith and academics. Faith Tabernacle, the ministry’s headquarters in Ota, Nigeria, is one of the largest church auditoriums in the world, with a seating capacity of 50,000.
Bishop Oyedepo’s ministry exemplifies the power of faith in action, and his teachings continue to inspire believers to trust in God for supernatural breakthroughs in every area of life.
6. Dr. Cindy Trimm
Dr. Cindy Trimm is an apostolic leader, teacher, and strategist who is known for her profound insights into leadership, personal development, and spiritual warfare. As the founder of Cindy Trimm Ministries, her apostolic calling is evident in her ability to equip believers to fulfill their potential and impact the world for Christ.
Through her books, conferences, and leadership training programs, Dr. Trimm has inspired millions to walk in their God-given purpose. Her apostolic vision focuses on empowering the next generation of leaders and bringing the principles of the kingdom of God to every area of life.
The Power of Apostolic Leadership
Apostolic leaders are the builders and pioneers of the church, carrying the vision, authority, and grace to establish God’s kingdom on earth. From church planting to leadership development, these leaders are shaping the future of the global church in profound ways.
Among these leaders, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills stands out as a unique and exemplary apostolic leader. His relentless commitment to church planting, his focus on raising indigenous leaders, and his passion for the lost are a reflection of his apostolic calling. Through his ministry, the gospel is being preached in nations, churches are being established, and lives are being transformed.
What makes Bishop Dag’s ministry truly remarkable is its long-term focus. His training schools, leadership resources, and mentorship programs ensure that his apostolic work will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Like the Apostle Paul, Bishop Dag has dedicated his life to building the church and empowering others to do the same.
As we reflect on the contributions of these apostolic leaders, we are reminded of the words of Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” May their work inspire us all to take up our own roles in advancing the kingdom of God and fulfilling His purpose for our generation.