The call to be a pastor is not for the faint-hearted. It is not a position of comfort, but a life of discipline, sacrifice, and tireless love. Dag Heward-Mills has lived that call for decades. He is not a theoretical leader; he is a practical one. His life speaks louder than his sermons, and his daily example of diligence has become a guide for thousands of pastors around the world.
From his early days as a medical student preaching in a university canteen to overseeing a worldwide denomination, Bishop Dag has never let success dilute his discipline. He is up before dawn, praying. He travels relentlessly. He fasts often. He teaches continuously. These practices have not faded with time—they have only increased. That is the mark of a true shepherd: a growing fire, not a fading one.
His discipline is rooted in love for God and a burden for souls. It’s not performance-based or driven by ambition. It is the quiet resolve of a man who knows that sheep must be fed, trained, and protected. His life is a living example of Paul’s words to Timothy: “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). And he has done just that—enduring the hardness of ministry with joy and focus.
Leading with Precision and Grace
One of the distinguishing marks of Bishop Dag’s pastoral leadership is how precise he is. He is meticulous in the way he trains leaders, in the structures he establishes, and in the messages he delivers. He believes that God’s work must be done well. His approach is both spiritual and strategic. He relies on the Holy Spirit, but he also works with systems, calendars, schedules, and measurable goals.
This level of discipline doesn’t stifle the move of God—it enhances it. It creates order in the church, direction in leadership, and stability among members. It teaches pastors that the work of the ministry is not to be done casually. It is a calling that demands excellence.
Pastors under his leadership learn that ministry is not just about preaching on Sunday—it is about calling members during the week, following up new converts, fasting regularly, preparing sermons diligently, and living an upright life behind the scenes. Bishop Dag doesn’t just say these things—he does them. And in doing so, he raises a standard that others want to follow.
A Life that Commands Imitation
Paul once told the church in Corinth, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). That is a high statement. It requires a life that is worth copying. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has lived that kind of life. He does not lead by charisma—he leads by example. His discipline is not harsh or proud. It is inspiring. It shows what is possible when a man gives himself fully to God.
Young pastors who attend his camps often say the same thing: they leave changed. Not because of hype, but because they have seen a man who prays like Jesus, works like Paul, and shepherds like David. His example removes excuses. It challenges laziness. It calls people higher.
Discipline may not be fashionable in ministry today, but it is still essential. And in Bishop Dag, the Church has a voice reminding us that without discipline, there is no lasting fruit. He shows us that when a pastor lives with structure, devotion, and self-control, lives are changed, churches are built, and the Kingdom of God advances.
Leave a Reply