Religion of Friday, 6 December 2024

Source: LCI

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills annually hosts over 5,000 pastors, making it the largest yearly gathering of pastors worldwide

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills Bishop Dag Heward-Mills

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a prominent pastor, evangelist, author, and church planter widely recognized for his ministry and contributions to the establishment of the Kingdom of God. His work has had a profound impact, especially in the appointment of thousands of pastors worldwide.

As the founder of Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI), the First Love Church, and many other denominations in over 90 nations, Bishop Dag’s influence spans across continents and cultures. Each year, he hosts the Give Thyself Wholly (GTWC) conference, an event where church leaders, pastors, and ministry workers from around the world gather to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Importance of Unity in the Body of Christ

The Bible emphasizes the power of unity within the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, it states:

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body, there is not one member, but many."

When the church of God comes together in unity, it is a beautiful sight—one that reflects the harmony of believers who are united in purpose. Psalm 133:1-3 also captures the blessing of unity:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.”



Conferences like the Give Thyself Wholly conference provide an opportunity for the church to come together, learn, fellowship, and grow. They allow church leaders and pastors to be strengthened and edified, both spiritually and practically, as they seek to build God's Kingdom.

The Give Thyself Wholly Conference hosted by Dag Heward-Mills: An Overview

The Give Thyself Wholly Conference, formerly known as the Iron Sharpens Iron Conference, is one of the most important meetings of pastors and church leaders that happens anywhere in the world. It was established over ten years ago and takes place every year in mampong Ghana. The Give Thyself Wholly Conference is hosted every year by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.

Pastors come from across the globe to attend the conference, which lasts four to five days. At the Give Thyself Wholly Conference, attendees receive knowledge and wisdom on how to practically grow their churches and lead their congregation effectively. It is—by far—the largest gathering of church leaders that happens anywhere. It also showcases a powerful representation of the body of Christ around the world.

Key Features of the Give Thyself Wholly Conference
Large Attendance


The Give Thyself Wholly Conference brings together a large number of pastors from the international community who are fully committed to the cause of Christ.

Most of us naively think that the United States is the epicenter of Christianity, but this event is a vivid reminder that our international brothers and sisters in Christ are profoundly influential and committed to a Kingdom cause that unites us all. The event reflects the diversity of the Church, uniting pastors and church workers from many countries and cultures for a common purpose: to grow in their faith and ministry.

Inspiring Preaching

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is known for delivering powerful, ministry-based messages at the Give Thyself Wholly Conference. Each year, he imparts the experience he has gained from over forty years of ministry experience.

His teachings focus on equipping pastors with the wisdom and knowledge they need to excel in their calling. He also invites other anointed preachers and pastors to deliver messages that will help pastors and church leaders become more effective in their work.



Pastors attending the give thyself wholly conference get the opportunity to learn from the experience of church planter Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. Reaching millions with his gospel, Bishop Dag focuses on a variety of subjects pertaining to church leadership, church growth strategies, and practical wisdom for ministry.

His teachings carry a dual thrust: profound spiritual wisdom coupled with actionable insights that help myriads of young ministers implement principles of effective church leadership and growth in their local churches.

Opportunities for Fellowship and Networking

The Give Thyself Wholly Conference is an event with real significance that underscores the necessity for the kind of fellowship and networking that needs to happen among people who are in the pastoral role. One of the best things about this conference is the chance it gives pastors to also connect with some pretty prominent men and women of God.

The conference provides attendees an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. The Bible teaches that "iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). At the Give Thyself Wholly conference, participants have the chance to sharpen one another spiritually and intellectually. Each year, many lifelong friendships are formed during this event.

As the Bible declares, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For there the Lord commands the blessing" (Psalm 133:1-3). Without a doubt, this annual conference is a place where God commands His blessings.

Distribution of Books and Resources

In the Christian world, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a well-known and influential person. He is best known for his moving and inspiring writings and teachings, which are all meant to strengthen and improve church leadership and pastorship.

His life's work of empowering people goes far beyond the limits of his home country of Ghana and the continent of Africa. He has started what seems like thousands of churches in over 90 nations around the world.

He has traveled to many countries across Africa and appears to have achieved significant success. His Church Growth Conference has been held in numerous locations, where he shares vital pastoral insights on why and how churches grow.

Additionally, he provides a variety of resources, including books such as Transform Your Pastoral Ministry, Church Growth, and The Art of Leadership, which are made readily available to pastors and Christian leaders in need.

Lasting Impact on Churches Worldwide

The Give Thyself Wholly Conference has a profound and lasting impact on the churches represented. Ephesians 4:12 (ESV) reminds us that the role of church leaders is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The teachings and impartation received at the conference enable pastors to return to their churches with a clearer, more focused vision for ministry.

This declaration underscores the life-changing experience that pastors have when they interact with powerful figures like Bishop Dag. By being in the presence of such a well-esteemed leader, they receive not just a spiritual boost in the arm but a truckload of practical tools that increase the effectiveness of their ministry.

This statement speaks to the kind of leaders that our churches are producing—a kind of leadership that is replete with both grace and anointing. These pastors are being sent back to their posts, and they are more equipped than ever to go after souls, care for their communities, and effectively fulfill the divine mandate that they have been given. And in the grand scheme of things, we know that this is all not just for personal gain but for the Lighthouse Chapel International family and for similar organizations shaping nations around the globe.

Past speakers of the Give thyself Wholly Conference

The Give Thyself Wholly Conference has consistently attracted a diverse gathering of pastors, ministers, and church leaders from across the globe. Most of these pastors are eager to deepen their understanding of ministry and the work of the Lord.

One of the most impactful moments in the history of the conference was when Pastor Benny Hinn graced the stage, introducing pastors to the Person of the Holy Spirit in a profound and transformative way. His teaching brought a fresh revelation of the Holy Spirit's power and presence, leaving many attendees deeply moved.

The healing touch of God flowed mightily through his ministration, and numerous pastors testified to receiving physical and emotional healing during these sessions.

Adding to the wealth of spiritual impartation, Pastor Tom Deuschle, leader of the largest church in Zimbabwe, visited the conference, sharing wisdom born out of decades of ministry. His insights into church growth and community impact inspired countless leaders to return to their congregations with renewed vision.

Similarly, Dr. Paul Enenche, pastor of the largest church auditorium in the world—seating over 100,000—also honored the conference with his presence. His passionate teachings and testimonies of faith challenged attendees to dream bigger and trust God for greater things in their ministries.

Pastor David Sumrall's visit was another memorable highlight. With his unique focus on the importance of pastoral visitation, he emphasized personal connection and shepherding as key components of effective ministry. His teachings reinforced the value of being a present and active pastor within one’s congregation.

Every year, the Give Thyself Wholly Conference becomes a spiritual haven where pastors are blessed to sit under the feet of these great men of God. They leave not only enriched by the wealth of wisdom imparted but also empowered to carry the fire of revival back to their ministries, ensuring a lasting impact on the body of Christ.

Bishop Dag and the Healing Jesus Campaign

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has organized a truly significant initiative—one that is focused on so much more than preaching the gospel alone: the Healing Jesus Campaign. This campaign is, in fact, much more than just preaching good news to people—it serves to touch the lives of millions all around the world in an impactful way.

The very name of the campaign itself points to the fact that it concerns much more than just spiritual speaking—that it also places great emphasis on healing.

And unlike many other such initiatives around the world today, what the Healing Jesus Campaign does is not a one-time event but rather a repeated effort in various countries across the globe. In 2023, the campaign is set to hit nations across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Unlike many other preaching interventions around the world, the "pastor conferences" involved with the campaign provide a key aspect that concerns local ministry.

Conclusion: Empowering the Global Church

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ pastoral conferences are landmark events for church leaders worldwide. Through these conferences, attendees receive crucial training, spiritual enrichment, and opportunities for fellowship. The conferences provide an atmosphere for learning, networking, and growing in God’s calling.

As pastors and church leaders return to their ministries equipped with new knowledge, wisdom, and resources, they are better prepared to advance the Kingdom of God. Bishop Dag’s vision of raising up a generation of Christians who love God and His house continues to unfold through these conferences. His commitment to empowering leaders ensures that the body of Christ grows stronger, more united, and more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The teachings and impartations from the Give Thyself Wholly and Healing Jesus Pastor Conferences will continue to reverberate in the lives of pastors and churches around the world, impacting generations to come. As 1 Timothy 4:15 encourages:

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

These conferences, through the anointing and teachings of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, provide pastors and church leaders with the tools they need to fulfill their divine calling and make a lasting impact in the world.