In every generation, God raises men and women who take on the responsibility of ensuring the future of the Church is secure—not just through preaching and pastoring, but by training and raising the next generation of ministers. As Jesus said in Luke 10:2, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Across Africa and beyond, a new wave of young pastors is emerging—not by accident, but through the intentional mentorship and training provided by seasoned leaders who understand the importance of succession, discipleship, and impartation. These leaders are not only building their own ministries, but also multiplying themselves by investing in others.
At the forefront of this mission is Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, a global evangelist, church planter, and teacher whose passion for raising pastors has impacted thousands around the world.
Let’s look at ten church leaders who are raising next-generation pastors, starting with Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.
1. Bishop Dag Heward-Mills – Ghana
Founder: United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC)
Key Focus: Training pastors, church planters, and missionaries for global ministry
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is perhaps the most committed church leader in Africa when it comes to raising pastors. For over three decades, he has devoted himself to training and deploying young men and women into full-time ministry through his expansive church network, the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC).
At the heart of this training effort is the Anakazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, located in Mampong, Ghana. This world-class institution is dedicated to producing pastors and missionaries who are grounded in the Word, filled with the Spirit, and passionate about soul winning. Students are trained in loyalty, leadership, evangelism, and church planting—the essential components of lasting ministry.
But Bishop Dag’s mentorship goes beyond classrooms. Through his famous “camp meetings”—intensive, Spirit-filled leadership conferences—he personally imparts vision, discipline, and practical wisdom to thousands of aspiring pastors. His books, including The Art of Leadership, Loyalty and Disloyalty, The Mega Church, and Many Are Called, are used globally as essential tools for pastoral development.
His success is not just in what he has built, but in the thousands of pastors he has raised, many of whom now lead churches across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. Bishop Dag’s legacy is not just a movement—it’s a multiplication of ministers.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo – Nigeria
Founder: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)
Training Arm: Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI)
Bishop David Oyedepo is a father in the faith and a strong advocate for raising leaders. Through WOFBI, he has trained thousands of church workers and pastors in faith, vision, and biblical principles. His teachings emphasize discipline, structure, and scriptural depth—qualities that mark the pastors raised under his ministry.
3. Pastor Enoch Adeboye – Nigeria
General Overseer: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Leadership Model: Grassroots training, church planting, and mentoring
Pastor E.A. Adeboye has built one of the largest church networks in the world by consistently raising pastors at the grassroots level. Under his leadership, RCCG’s model involves planting churches and immediately training local leaders to shepherd them. His simple but powerful mentorship method has produced a large army of faithful pastors.
4. Dr. Mensa Otabil – Ghana
Founder: International Central Gospel Church (ICGC)
Focus: Leadership, theology, and national impact
Dr. Mensa Otabil has raised a generation of thoughtful and purpose-driven pastors through ICGC and Central University’s theological programs. His emphasis on sound doctrine, social impact, and strong leadership continues to shape pastors not only for pulpit ministry but for national influence.
5. Apostle Joshua Selman – Nigeria
Founder: Eternity Network International (Koinonia)
Focus: Mentoring emerging ministers and spiritual leaders
Apostle Joshua Selman is passionate about preparing young people for ministry. Through Koinonia, he teaches deep spiritual truths with a focus on leadership, purpose, and character. His sessions often serve as informal Bible schools, and many young ministers consider him their spiritual mentor.
6. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – Nigeria
Founder: Christ Embassy (LoveWorld Nation)
Training Structure: Cell leaders, ministry training schools, and global outreach
Pastor Chris has developed a powerful leadership pipeline through cell ministry and structured training schools. Many of today’s youth pastors, evangelists, and teachers in his network started as cell leaders before being equipped and promoted. His system proves that pastors can be raised from among ordinary members with intentional discipleship.
7. Rev. Eastwood Anaba – Ghana
Founder: Eastwood Anaba Ministries
Focus: Revivalist training, rural ministry, and spiritual empowerment
Rev. Eastwood Anaba is committed to raising pastors with a heart for prayer, holiness, and rural outreach. His prophetic insight and practical teaching make him a strong mentor for those who want to serve God faithfully, even in hard places. He regularly hosts ministerial camps that ignite passion and purpose in emerging leaders.
8. Prophet Uebert Angel – Zimbabwe/UK
Founder: Spirit Embassy – The Good News Church
Emphasis: Prophetic training and global influence
Prophet Uebert Angel mentors young leaders through online schools, conferences, and local assemblies. He encourages boldness, spiritual gifts, and visionary thinking. Many prophetic pastors in Africa and Europe credit him for their spiritual upbringing and ministerial foundation.
9. Rev. Sam Adeyemi – Nigeria
Founder: Daystar Christian Centre
Training Arm: Daystar Leadership Academy
Rev. Sam Adeyemi is focused on equipping pastors with leadership and communication skills. His academy teaches organizational leadership, character development, and church management—important tools for the next generation of Christian leaders, especially in urban settings.
10. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams – Ghana
Founder: Action Chapel International
Training Approach: Prayer, spiritual authority, and apostolic covering
Archbishop Duncan-Williams has been a spiritual father to many pastors both in Ghana and abroad. Through Action Chapel and his prayer-led mentorship style, he has birthed numerous ministries and leaders who now head churches in various parts of the world.
Conclusion
The future of the Church lies in the hands of those who will take the time to train, mentor, and release others into ministry. These leaders have moved beyond building personal empires—they are raising armies of pastors, teachers, and evangelists who will continue the work of the Gospel.
At the top of this list is Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, whose commitment to pastoral training is unmatched in its scale, consistency, and spiritual depth. His life is a living example of 2 Timothy 2:2—“The things you have heard from me… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
If we are to see revival continue in Africa and beyond, then we must follow the example of these great leaders and invest in raising the next generation of pastors—faithful men and women who will build the Church, win souls, and carry the light of Christ into the world.