The 2023 Givethyself Wholly Conference is the Largest Pastors’ conference in the world today. Thousands of pastors and church workers from all corners of the world converged to partake in this transformative event. During the conference, anointed ministers of the gospel shared practical insights on carrying out the work of the ministry.
The Give thyself wholly conference
Originally known as the Iron Sharpeneth Iron Ministry Conference, it was first established in 2004 by Dag Heward-Mills. Dag Heward-Mills is a Mega Church Pastor, Bestselling Author, Healing Evangelist, and conference speaker. It was later rebranded as the Givethyself Wholly Conference. Over the years, the conference has featured a constellation of world-renowned pastors, such as Pastor Benny Hinn, Dr. Paul Enenche, Dr. David Summrall, Arch Bishop Nicolas Duncan Williams, and many others.
This year’s edition took place at the esteemed Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center in Mampong, Ghana. Alongside Bishop Dag, the conference welcomed three other distinguished speakers: Reverend Dominic Yeo, pastor of one of Singapore’s largest churches; Pastor Tom Duschelle, leading a prominent congregation in Zimbabwe, and Yvan Castano Pastor of the largest church in Europe and Mohammed Sanogo one of the largest Pillars in the French Christian world.
What set this conference apart was the awe-inspiring gathering of thousands of pastors hailing from diverse corners of the world. These Pastors were eager to hear Bishop Dag Heward-Mills expound on ministry principles. Attendees traveled from countries spanning France, Singapore, America, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, Antigua, and beyond, rendering it a truly global gathering with representatives from every continent.
Anticipation at the largest pastors’ conference
Such was the enthusiasm that the great hall, accommodating five thousand, overflowed, necessitating an outdoor setup to accommodate the surplus attendees. The palpable anticipation and expectation were tangible before each session as these men of God yearned to glean divine insights.
During the conference, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills drew from his book, “The Good General,” offering profound teachings. On one occasion, he focused on the “Selection and Maintenance of the Aim.” He eloquently illustrated how the intent behind an action can either elevate or corrupt its outcome.
Drawing parallels with a doctor, lawyer, and pastor, he explained how the aim can impact the decisions and motives of these professions. For instance, a doctor driven by monetary gain might recommend unnecessary tests to increase revenue.
In addition to the teachings, Bishop Dag prayed for all the pastors present, imparting various graces, including the grace for building. Those pastors who had been grappling with constructing church buildings received a special prayer of encouragement and empowerment.
Testimonials from pastors who attended the Givethyself Wholly Conference attest to its profound impact. Pastor Bernie from Scotland expressed awe, stating, “Mind-blowing expectation fulfilled in just one session.” The conference proved to be a life-changing experience for many Pastors, and those who missed this year’s event are eagerly encouraged to make it a priority to attend next year.
The 2023 Givethyself Wholly Conference transcended geographical boundaries and cultural barriers, uniting pastors in their shared pursuit of spiritual growth, ministry excellence, and divine purpose. It stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for pastors worldwide, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration that reverberates far beyond the conference’s closing day.
The world of Christian literature offers an extensive selection of acclaimed authors and books, leaving readers with questions like, “What should I choose to read?” or “Which author’s works will bless me the most?” Reading plays a vital role, especially when you seek to delve deeper into a particular subject or explore new facets of ministry that demand unique revelations not easily found elsewhere.
Engaging with Christian literature provides numerous benefits, and this article will spotlight several established and highly regarded bestselling Christian authors and their books.
Rick Joyner is a renowned American Christian author and evangelist, celebrated for his best-selling works. He serves as the founder and executive director of MorningStar Publications and Ministries, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With a prolific literary career, Joyner has authored more than sixty prophetic books, including notable titles such as “The Harvest,” “There Were Two Trees in the Garden,” and “The Final Quest trilogy,” comprising “The Final Quest,” “The Call,” and “The Torch and The Sword.”
In 1985, Rick Joyner, in alignment with the biblical directive found in Matthew 24:45-46:
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” – Matthew 24:45-46 NASB
co-founded MorningStar Ministries alongside his wife, Julie Joyner. This organization has birthed a diverse array of facets within its ministry umbrella, including publications, universities, and conferences, totaling over ten.
Rick Joyner’s literary contributions have achieved widespread success and inspiration on a global scale, with distribution to readers worldwide and translation into more than 50 languages.
Among his numerous works, “The Final Quest” stands out as a vivid and revelatory book, recommended for believers across the spectrum, from ordinary churchgoers to pastors and those deeply engaged in ministry.
This title provides an in-depth glimpse into Joyner’s visions and prophetic experiences over the course of a year, offering a first-person narrative of his encounters during a realistic vision of the last days and the spiritual warfare between demons and the church.
It is one of many powerful books authored by Rick Joyner that unveils the enigmatic spiritual realm beyond the comprehension of our natural minds.
Dag Heward-Mills is not merely a prominent mega-church pastor and renowned healing evangelist; he is also a Bestselling Christian author with an impressive catalog of over 100 spiritually enriching books.
As a distinguished figure in Christian literature, Heward-Mills has seen his works extend their influence worldwide, with more than 40 million copies sold and translations into 52 languages.
Interestingly, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills did not initially envision himself as an author within his divine calling. However, in 1998, he defied convention by releasing his debut book, “Loyalty and Disloyalty,” which originated from teachings he delivered three years prior, in 1995.
During that era, the topic of loyalty and disloyalty was rarely explored in churches and even faced criticism. Nevertheless, this book defied expectations and became a best-seller.
Led by his spiritual calling, Dag Heward-Mills embarked on a journey to expand his literary contributions, not only benefiting his Lighthouse Chapel International denomination but also catering to the broader body of Christ.
His literary repertoire spans diverse categories, encompassing leadership, marriage, shepherding, anointing, church growth, curse-breaking, and foundational principles for strengthening one’s Christian faith. His library boasts an extensive array of topics designed to assist every believer in all aspects of their lives.
In 2022 alone, Dag Heward-Mills unveiled over 20 new titles, all penned in 2020 during the challenging backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many of these books drew inspiration from camps he conducted in various countries across the globe.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ oeuvre includes several other bestsellers such as “The Mega Church” and “The Art of Leadership.” Notably, his works “The Art of Leadership” and “Church Growth …It is Possible” garnered praise from the late David Yonggi-Cho, the renowned pastor of the world’s largest church congregation, the Yoido Full Gospel Church, located in Seoul, South Korea, who penned forewords for both books.
Dag Heward-Mills is a Top Christian author who has inspired many ministers and churches with his literature and is considered to be the largest publishing author in Africa. Click here to find out more: https://daghewardmillsbooks.org/new/
Pastor Benny Hinn is a profoundly anointed minister who has garnered widespread recognition in the realm of Christian literature, particularly in the domains of the Holy Spirit and the Anointing.
His ministry journey commenced in the 1980s, and in 1990, he unveiled his inaugural book titled “Good Morning Holy Spirit.”
This autobiographical work delves into Benny Hinn’s initial encounter with the Holy Spirit, a transformative experience that transpired at a Kathryn Kuhlman service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1973.
Within its pages, he reflects on his upbringing as a born-again Christian, his extraordinary interactions with the Holy Spirit, familial matters, and the inception of his ministry.
“Good Morning Holy Spirit” quickly ascended to best-seller status, marking the commencement of a remarkable literary career for Pastor Benny Hinn.
Over the years, he has penned a range of awe-inspiring titles, including his latest release, “Mysteries of the Anointing.” This book delves into the multifaceted aspects and varying levels of the anointing.
Engaging with the writings of one of history’s Christian authors allows individuals to ascend to new heights in their ministry endeavors and deepen their comprehension of the profound concept of the Anointing.
There is a wide variety of Christian authors which write and specialise in different topics, from the foundations of a Christian lifestyle to excelling in ministry. There is not a lack of literature and there are books which can cater to you.
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God”, so it is essential that Christian books are a part of our daily lives. This way, we can constantly gain knowledge and understanding and excel in all areas of our lives as believers.
In today’s discourse, we present a selection of the best books for Christian marriages. As human beings, the yearning for love and connection resonates within us all. The enchantment of falling in love is a cherished experience shared by many in their life journey.
However, the art of sustaining that love and nurturing a thriving marriage distinguishes itself as a unique endeavor. Marriage stands as a weighty commitment, demanding dedication, resilience, and unwavering devotion.
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Despite our earnest intentions, divorce rates have been on a steady ascent. Within the Christian community, this trend is perturbingly pronounced. Alarming statistics reveal that nearly half of all marriages in the United States culminate in divorce.
Gratefully, resources abound to aid us in our pursuit of a joyful and enriching marriage. Christian marriage literature emerges as an invaluable wellspring of sagacity and direction. These volumes proffer pragmatic counsel, guiding us through the undulating terrain of marital life. Moreover, they impart precious insights on constructing a robust and enduring marital bond.
Recommended books for healthy Christian Marriages
The Five Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman.
If you’re on the quest for the key to enduring and enriching companionship, your search finds its destination in “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” authored by Dr. Gary Chapman. This masterpiece stands the test of time as an essential entry into the realm of Christian marriage literature.
With practicality and profound insight, this book empowers readers to fathom the intricacies of bestowing and receiving love within their relationships. By uncovering your partner’s distinctive love language, you acquire the means to convey your affection with precision, fostering a more profound emotional rapport.
Delving into the trajectory of love throughout the tapestry of a relationship, the book also furnishes guidance on sustaining the reservoirs of affection for both you and your partner throughout the marriage journey.
Within the pages of one of his inaugural works on Christian marriage, “The Meaning of Marriage,” Timothy Keller imparts pragmatic revelations about constructing relationships founded upon biblical verities.
Keller contends that comprehending the biblical essence of marriage is pivotal for individuals of all relationship statuses. The book confronts the misconstrued notions of marriage perpetuated by contemporary culture and furnishes actionable guidance on cultivating profound, affectionate bonds with one’s life partner, family, and the Divine.
Drawing from a wealth of personal experience as a husband, pastor, and counselor, Keller unearths insights that stem from the wellspring of biblical doctrine.
He articulates how modern societal norms have eroded the sanctity of marriage’s image, while concurrently offering practical counsel on surmounting the hurdles couples encounter.
Furthermore, he illuminates the path toward a more profound comprehension of the role marriage occupies within the grand tapestry of God’s design.
“Model Marriage,” penned by Dr. Dag Heward-Mills, stands as an exceptional entry within the realm of Christian marriage literature, offering an extensive blueprint both for marriage counselors and married individuals alike.
Encompassing a wide array of critical themes connected to matrimony, the book delves into subjects ranging from the fundamental definition of marriage to communication, love, the roles of husbands and wives, financial matters, divorce, the wedding night, and honeymoon, intimacy, temperaments, the journey of pregnancy, and the nuances of parenting.
The book’s broad coverage and inclusive approach render it an invaluable reservoir of wisdom for anyone yearning to enhance their bond with their life partner.
A notable enhancement to the book comes in the form of its question-and-answer segment, furnishing pragmatic guidance on prevalent challenges encountered by married couples.
“Model Marriage” also features a dedicated section outlining the characteristics of a virtuous relationship for individuals who are single and navigating the realm of dating.
This incorporation elevates its significance, rendering it an indispensable asset for those aspiring to forge robust and wholesome connections.
“Love and Respect,” a widely acclaimed entry among Christian marriage literature, authored by Dr. Eggerichs, delves deeply into the crucial components of love, intimacy, and respect within the context of marriage.
The foundation of the book rests upon the premise that the core emotional necessities for men and women are distinct, asserting that while men require respect, women yearn for love as essentially as they do for air to breathe.
Dr. Eggerichs underscores the paramount importance of recognizing the potency of seemingly minor misunderstandings and offhand remarks, which can burgeon into significant conflicts. These misunderstandings hold the potential to leave wives feeling uncherished or husbands sensing a lack of honor within their matrimonial bond.
“Love and Respect” presents pragmatic remedies to address the diverse challenges that can surface in relationships lacking love and respect. The book equips couples with actionable strategies to extricate themselves from harmful patterns, fostering enhanced communication and a deeper comprehension of each other’s perspectives.
“His Needs, Her Needs” stands as a timeless gem among Christian marriage literature, a must-read for anyone striving to enhance their marital or romantic bonds. Originating over 25 years ago, its enduring influence has positively impacted countless couples across the globe.
The book unfolds in two distinct segments: “His Needs” and “Her Needs.” Within “His Needs,” Harley delineates the five core emotional needs of men, encompassing sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, domestic support, admiration, and physical attractiveness.
Through insightful analysis, he delves into men’s prioritization of these needs, elucidating their pivotal role in fostering relationship contentment. Practical guidance is seamlessly woven into the narrative, empowering women with actionable methods to fulfill these needs and cultivate a joyous and gratifying partnership with their husbands.
In the subsequent segment, “Her Needs,” Harley identifies the five primary emotional needs of women: affection, conversation, honesty and openness, financial support, and family commitment. By elucidating the significance of these needs in a woman’s emotional landscape, he empowers men with the understanding necessary to meet them, nurturing a relationship built on love and fulfillment.
Harley’s writing is both accessible and engaging, woven with practical advice and real-life instances that render the book readily comprehensible and applicable. For those aspiring to cultivate a relationship brimming with love and contentment, this book is an indispensable guide.
Final Thoughts
Marriage stands as a profoundly significant and enriching connection within the tapestry of life. Regardless of your current marital status, whether married or single with aspirations of a future partnership, dedicating time to enhance your comprehension of relationships proves to be a prudent choice.
Among the most effective strategies to enhance, fortify, or sustain your marriage is delving into marriage books. These literary treasures offer a treasure trove of wisdom and pragmatic techniques to skillfully navigate the ebbs and flows, challenges and opportunities inherent in any committed relationship.
Marriage is a collaborative endeavor, demanding the joint efforts of two individuals. Engaging with marriage books, especially those penned by authorities in the realm of Christian marriages, can provide Christian couples with an enriched understanding of the intricacies of marriage. With the divine factor, the possibilities are boundless, reaffirming that through God, all things are achievable.
The “Give Thyself Wholly” conference brought together an assembly of christian leaders today. People traveled from distant corners to glean insights into ministry principles imparted by Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills. Throughout the conference, he expounded upon the teachings from his acclaimed best-seller, “The Good General.”
In the year 2023, this conference united formidable men of God, including Reverend Dominic Yeo, the pastor of one of Singapore’s largest congregations; Pastor Tom Deuschle, a remarkable missionary of our era, leading a prominent congregation in Zimbabwe; Pastor Yvan Castanou, shepherding the largest church in Europe; and Mohammed Sanogo, a towering figure in the contemporary French Christian community. A treasure trove of ministry secrets was shared, igniting a profound sense of optimism and possibility.
Beyond those who stand in the pulpit, the conference attracted a diverse array of pastors from all corners of the globe.
Notable attendees included Bill Vasilakis from Australia, Chris Okafor from Nigeria, Bishop Colin Nyathi from Zimbabwe, Bishop Andrii Tyschenko from Ukraine, Bishop Luis Maposse from Angola, Robin Oliver from South Africa, Bishop Francis Sarpong, and Bishop Mosa Sono.
Dag Heward-Mills, renowned as a healing evangelist and one of the top Christian leaders globally, recently had a transformative Pastors’ Conference in Libreville, Gabon.
The Healing Jesus Campaign, a prominent force in African evangelism, has steadfastly remained at the forefront of spreading the Gospel across the continent.
Among the pivotal components of the Healing Jesus Crusades is the profound impact of the Pastors Conference, a gathering designed to uplift and equip local Pastors to do the work of the ministry.
In each installment of this empowering conference, Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills imparts his wisdom to local Pastors, drawing insights from his collection of books. Throughout the days of the conference held in Libreville, a multitude of Pastors congregated eagerly to receive the divine word from the mouths of God’s servants.
During a specific session of this remarkable event, Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills delved into the theme of “How to Fulfill Your Ministry,” illuminating essential principles for effective ministry leadership.
Across the global landscape, Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills has emerged as a vessel through which God impacts the lives of countless Pastors and Christians.
Testimonies abound of individuals whose lives and ministries have undergone profound transformation through the books and messages of Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills. The local pastors in Libreville were no exception, experiencing a significant and lasting impact from the life and teachings of this devoted servant of God.
Following last year’s four-city God Loves You Tour in the United Kingdom, Franklin Graham is returning to London, England, this month to preach the Good News—and he will share the same message of hope in Scotland next June.
“We are excited to return to London again this year and to have an opportunity to preach the Gospel in Glasgow,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
“We are grateful for the thousands of Christians and hundreds of churches that have stood alongside us in recent years and continued praying for this tour to come to their cities,” said Franklin Graham.
The one-night evangelistic events will take place August 26 at ExCeL London and June 22, 2024, at the OVO Hydro.
All events are free and family-friendly and will feature musical artists such as CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, and Newsboys.
The Senior Pastor and Founder of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya has reportedly passed on 💔.
His demise was confirmed and announced by The Fountain of Life Church via social media. The church disclosed that Pst Taiwo died on Monday, August 7, in the U.S.
The post read: “The Fountain of Life Church Family, in total submission to the will of God Almighty, announces the passing unto greater glory of our Father, our Teacher, a great servant of the Most High God, Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, Founding Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who passed unto glory on the 7th of August 2023 in the USA.”
“We are in total submission to you LORD!!! We thank the Lord for the gift of a great leader!!!” they added
Renowned worship leader Ps Nathaniel Bassey has announced the second phase of the ground-breaking “Hallelujah Challenge” for the year set to begin on Sept. 29th and end on October 22nd, 2023. This comes seven (7) months after the first phase which was held in February.
Taking to social media to make the announcement, Nathaniel revealed that this second phase will end with a grand Hallelujah Festival which will be held at the Eko Hotel & Suites. Lagos on October 22, 2023, with guest appearances from anointed music ministers; Dunsin Oyekan, Victoria Orenze, and Ntokozo Nbambo.
The Give Thyself Wholly Conference with Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is an annual conference for Pastors, Church Leaders and Church Workers. It was held from Tuesday 1st August to Friday 4th August 2023 at The Anagkazo Bible And Ministry Training Centre – Mampong, Ghana.
Mega churches continue to be a burgeoning trend in numerous African nations, Asia, Europe, the US, and beyond. However, this trend goes beyond merely counting the number of church seats; it also involves delving into the lives and ministries of their pastors.
This article presents a compilation of some of the top mega church pastors globally. To gain deeper insights into the remarkable men of God on this list, read through this article to the end.
Dag Heward-Mills
Dag Heward-Mills is a renowned mega-church pastor and the visionary behind the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC).
Apart from his pastoral duties, Dag Heward-Mills is actively engaged in philanthropic work, assisting the needy and making a significant impact on the lives of others. In addition to his ministry, he is a prolific author, a music producer, and a sought-after speaker at various conferences.
Overseeing nearly 3000 churches across all continents and representing 10 denominations, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has established the First Love Church, currently led by resident pastor Joshua Heward-Mills.
Dag Heward-Mills’ contributions extend to academia, having founded the esteemed Anagkazo Bible And Ministry Training Centre, which is recognized as one of the world’s foremost Bible seminaries.
His literary works have gained widespread acclaim, with over 40 million books published in 52 languages, making him a bestselling author. Some of his most notable books include “The Art of Leadership,” “Loyalty and Disloyalty,” and “The Mega Church.”
Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills holds an impressive distinction as the largest publishing author in Africa. Furthermore, he hosts some of the most significant pastors’ conferences on the continent, often coinciding with crusades. These gatherings foster spiritual revival, inspire new beginnings, instill hope, provide vision, and offer encouragement for higher levels of ministry.
David Oyedepo
Bishop David O. Oyedepo, the visionary behind Living Faith Church Worldwide, received a divine and heavenly call into the ministry. On May 1, 1981, during a journey to Ilesha, he encountered the Holy Spirit, who spoke to him, saying, “Look out for a quiet place, I want to talk to you.”
In response to the voice of the Holy Spirit, he had an “eighteen-hour vision,” marking a profound moment in his spiritual journey. With a wealth of knowledge and insight, Bishop Oyedepo is a seasoned author with over 100 publications available in both hard copy and online bookstores worldwide. His books have been translated into several significant global languages, including French, Chinese, and Spanish.
As the founder and president of Living Faith Church worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International, Bishop Oyedepo oversees an extensive network of churches spanning six continents, with more than 21,000 congregations globally. Additionally, his impact extends to education, with a network of elementary and secondary schools across the country. Furthermore, he has established two successful university institutions in Nigeria: Covenant University in Ota, Lagos, and Landmark University in Omuaran, Kwara State, leading a transformative movement in education throughout the country.
Enoch Adeboye
Dag Heward-Mills is a renowned mega-church pastor and the visionary behind the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC).
Apart from his pastoral duties, Dag Heward-Mills is actively engaged in philanthropic work, assisting the needy and making a significant impact on the lives of others. In addition to his ministry, he is a prolific author, a music producer, and a sought-after speaker at various conferences.
Overseeing nearly 3000 churches across all continents and representing 10 denominations, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has established the First Love Church, currently led by resident pastor Joshua Heward-Mills.
Dag Heward-Mills’ contributions extend to academia, having founded the esteemed Anagkazo Bible And Ministry Training Centre, which is recognized as one of the world’s foremost Bible seminaries.
His literary works have gained widespread acclaim, with over 40 million books published in 52 languages, making him a bestselling author. Some of his most notable books include “The Art of Leadership,” “Loyalty and Disloyalty,” and “The Mega Church.”
Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills holds an impressive distinction as the largest publishing author in Africa. Furthermore, he hosts some of the most significant pastors’ conferences on the continent, often coinciding with crusades. These gatherings foster spiritual revival, inspire new beginnings, instill hope, provide vision, and offer encouragement for higher levels of ministry.
Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen serves as the pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest mega-church in America, situated in Houston, Texas. In 1981, after less than a year at Oral Roberts University, Osteen left to support his father in expanding Lakewood’s national television ministry.
Behind the scenes, he worked as a producer for the church’s programs. With around 6,000 members, Lakewood had already been established as a prominent church through Osteen’s father’s dedication to television ministry, crusades, conferences, missionary support, and food distribution. When his father passed away in 1999, Joel Osteen stepped into the role of senior pastor.
Under his leadership, Lakewood experienced unprecedented growth, rapidly surpassing all other American congregations in size and rate of expansion. Since 1999, Lakewood, under Pastor Joel Osteen, has seen remarkable progress in various aspects. The church’s commitment to community outreach has continued to grow, and its international media broadcast now reaches over 200 million households in the United States.
Joel Osteen has emerged as America’s most-watched inspirational figure and has had a profound impact on countless lives. In 2014, SiriusXM introduced Joel Osteen Radio (Channel 128), a dedicated platform for broadcasting the inspirational messages of Joel and Victoria Osteen.
Conclusion
Megachurch pastors continue to serve as exemplary leaders for other church ministers in various cities and denominations. With more individuals engaging in the Great Commission, the future anticipates a rise in mega-churches and mega-church pastors worldwide, all due to the impactful lives and ministries of these visionary leaders.
The aforementioned mega-church pastors are just a glimpse of the individuals whom God is using to spread the gospel and guide His people. Many can testify to the profound influence of God’s power in their lives through these anointed men of God. Take the opportunity to explore the stories and messages of these remarkable leaders, and be inspired by their dedication to serving the Kingdom.
