The Church of Jesus Christ is growing, and it’s no accident. Around the globe, certain churches stand out not just for their size but for their ability to ignite revival, win souls, and disciple nations. Church growth is not merely about numbers—it’s about the expansion of God’s Kingdom, the salvation of souls, and the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. Scripture reminds us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This verse underscores God’s heart for salvation and His desire to see the Church, the Body of Christ, grow.
In this article, we’ll explore the principles behind church growth, the spiritual significance of growth in defeating the devil, and how it aligns with God’s will. We’ll also look closely at the ministries of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and three other remarkable pastors from around the world who are leading some of the largest and most impactful congregations.
Church Growth: A Spiritual Imperative
The growth of the Church is central to God’s plan. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This promise reminds us that the Church is not just a gathering of believers but a force empowered by the Holy Spirit to confront and defeat the works of darkness. When the Church grows, the light of the Gospel spreads, pushing back the kingdom of darkness and bringing more souls into the glorious light of Christ.
Church growth is directly tied to the mission Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20: “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.” This is the Great Commission—a call to action that requires both individual believers and entire congregations to reach the lost.
When we talk about church growth, we’re not just talking about filling pews; we’re talking about the advancement of the Gospel, the discipling of nations, and the ultimate defeat of the devil. Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Every soul saved, every testimony shared, and every new believer discipled is a victory over Satan and his schemes.
What Causes Church Growth?
While church growth is ultimately a work of God, there are biblical principles and practical steps that pastors and congregations have embraced to foster it. Here are some of the key factors:
- Prayer and Intercession
Church growth begins with prayer. Acts 2:42-47 reveals that the early Church devoted themselves to prayer, and as a result, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Prayer opens the heavens, brings revival, and draws the lost into the Kingdom. - The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the engine of church growth. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When churches depend on the Holy Spirit for direction, empowerment, and boldness, they see explosive growth. - Evangelism and Soul-Winning
Proverbs 11:30 says, “He who wins souls is wise.” Growing churches prioritize evangelism, training their members to share the Gospel and compelling the lost to come to Christ. They also create systems to disciple new believers so that growth is sustained. - Biblical Teaching and Discipleship
Churches that grow are rooted in the Word of God. Teaching that transforms lives, empowers believers, and equips them for ministry is essential for sustainable growth. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that God gives pastors and leaders “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” - Community and Fellowship
Churches that grow understand the importance of community. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early Church meeting daily, sharing meals, and enjoying fellowship. This sense of belonging draws people and keeps them connected to the Body of Christ.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills: A Lighthouse to the Nations
One of the most remarkable examples of church growth is the ministry of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC). Headquartered in Ghana, this ministry has grown into one of the largest denominations in the world, with thousands of branches in over 100 countries.
Principles Behind His Ministry’s Growth
- Soul-Winning as a Lifestyle
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is known for his relentless focus on evangelism. His ministry is built on the belief that the Church’s primary purpose is to win souls. Inspired by Proverbs 11:30, he has mobilized his congregation to prioritize soul-winning at every level, from personal evangelism to massive crusades. - Anakazo: The Art of Compelling
One of the unique principles Bishop Dag teaches is Anakazo, a Greek word meaning “to compel.” Based on Luke 14:23, this principle emphasizes the urgency of compelling people to come to Christ. It reflects a deep understanding of the spiritual battle for souls and the need to be proactive in evangelism. - Training and Equipping Leaders
Bishop Dag has invested heavily in training pastors, missionaries, and leaders. His Bible school, the Anakazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, equips thousands of leaders to plant churches and spread the Gospel worldwide. This focus on multiplying leaders has been key to the exponential growth of the UD-OLGC. - Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Bishop Dag’s ministry is marked by fervent prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Prayer camps and fasting programs are regular features of the church’s calendar, creating a spiritual atmosphere that fuels growth.
Pastor David Yonggi Cho: The Father of the Cell Church
In Asia, the late Pastor David Yonggi Cho of Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea built the largest single congregation in the world, with over 800,000 members at its peak. His innovation of the cell group system revolutionized church growth globally.
Keys to His Success
- Cell Groups: Pastor Cho’s model of dividing the church into small groups allowed for personal discipleship and care, creating a strong sense of community.
- Prayer Mountain: Like Bishop Dag, Pastor Cho emphasized prayer, establishing a “Prayer Mountain” where members interceded day and night for the church and the nation.
- Vision and Faith: He taught his congregation to live by faith, inspired by Habakkuk 2:2—“Write the vision and make it plain.” This culture of faith and expectation led to miraculous growth.
Pastor Joel Osteen: A Message of Hope
In North America, Pastor Joel Osteen leads Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, the largest church in the United States with over 50,000 weekly attendees. His ministry focuses on hope, positivity, and God’s love.
Why Lakewood Church Grows
- Relevant Messaging: Joel Osteen’s uplifting messages resonate with people seeking hope and encouragement, especially in challenging times.
- Media Outreach: Lakewood’s use of television and online platforms has expanded its reach to millions around the globe.
- Hospitality and Excellence: The church creates a welcoming environment where people feel loved and valued, reflecting Christ’s love.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye: Revival in Africa
Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Nigeria leads a global church with millions of members. Under his leadership, RCCG has grown from a small local congregation to one of the largest Pentecostal movements in the world.
Principles of Growth
- Prayer and Holiness: Pastor Adeboye emphasizes holiness and prayer as the foundation of the Christian life.
- Missionary Vision: RCCG has a goal to have a church within five minutes of every home in the world, demonstrating a commitment to the Great Commission.
- Empowerment of Leaders: Like Bishop Dag, Pastor Adeboye invests in training leaders to plant churches and disciple nations.
Growth, Salvation, and God’s Will
The growth of the Church is directly tied to salvation and God’s will for all people to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Every soul added to the Church is another person saved from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of God.
When churches grow, they become stronger in their mission to spread the Gospel. They have more resources to reach the lost, disciple believers, and serve their communities. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about fulfilling Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Conclusion
The most populated churches in the world remind us that God’s Kingdom is advancing. Whether it’s Bishop Dag Heward-Mills in Africa, Pastor David Yonggi Cho in Asia, Pastor Joel Osteen in North America, or Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Africa, these leaders have embraced biblical principles to foster growth and fulfill the Great Commission.
As the Church grows, the Gospel spreads, souls are saved, and the devil’s grip on humanity is broken. Let us all play our part in this great mission, remembering the words of Jesus in John 4:35: “Look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” The time is now, and the Church must rise to fulfill its divine mandate.