First Love Church: Serving God and Serving Others

In a world that is constantly pulling young people in different directions, it’s refreshing—and deeply inspiring—to see a church that is not only capturing their attention but transforming their lives. The First Love Church, founded by Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills, is a vibrant movement that embodies what it truly means to love God and serve others. It’s not just a name—it’s a message. Your “first love” for God should never fade. In fact, it should grow stronger and be expressed through practical service, humility, and soul-winning.

From packed auditoriums full of joyful young believers, to outreaches that touch communities around the world, the First Love Church is a living testimony that serving God in your youth is not just possible—it’s powerful.

The Heartbeat of the Church: Loving God First

Jesus said in Revelation 2:4,“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”This scripture is the foundation of the First Love Church’s message. The warning to the church in Ephesus reminds us all: it’s possible to be busy for God and still drift away from Him in our hearts.

The First Love Church aims to reverse that trend. It’s about going back to the simple, passionate love for Jesus that marked the early days of your faith. That “first love” is not just an emotion—it’s a commitment to serve God wholeheartedly, without distraction or delay.

This is the heartbeat of First Love: keeping God first in everything, and letting that love overflow into action.

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A Youthful Army, Marching for Christ

One of the most unique things about First Love Church is its demographic—mostly made up of young people, university students, and recent graduates. In a time when many churches struggle to attract the next generation, First Love is filled with them.

Why? Because the message is clear and compelling:“You can serve God now. Not when you’re older. Not when life settles down. Now.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1 says,“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”That’s not just a nice suggestion—it’s a divine call. First Love Church takes this scripture seriously, encouraging young men and women to give their strength, time, and talents to God while they still can.

Rather than chasing after the world’s fleeting pleasures, young people in First Love Church are taught to chase after souls. Many of them serve as shepherds (lay leaders), follow-up ministers, singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and even missionaries—all while balancing their studies or early careers.

They are not waiting to be used by God someday—they are being used by Godtoday.

The Power of Serving Others

The ministry of the First Love Church is deeply rooted in the principle that serving God means serving people. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40,“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

In other words, when you serve others, especially the needy, the forgotten, or the lost—you are serving Christ Himself.

That’s why First Love isn’t just about Sunday services. It’s about active ministry: visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, and most importantly,preaching the Gospel.

Through ministries like Healing Jesus Campaigns, outreaches, and First Love center church plants across the globe, young people are being sent out—just like the early disciples—to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

They go in buses, cars, and sometimes even on foot. They sing, preach, pray, and love people. They don’t wait to be perfect. They just obey the call to serve. And that’s exactly what Jesus wants.

A Spiritual Home and Family

In many First Love Churches around the world, you’ll hear this phrase often:“This is my family.”And it’s not just a nice sentiment. It’s true.

First Love creates a strong sense of belonging. People who were once lost, lonely, or broken find healing and support in the church community. Many young people come to First Love at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives—dealing with depression, addictions, academic pressure, or family trauma. But through the love of God, discipleship, and genuine friendship, their lives begin to change.

They find brothers and sisters. They find spiritual fathers and mothers. They find love—the real kind.

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, but to“encourage one another.”That’s the culture in First Love Church: encouragement, not judgment. Growth, not perfection. Family, not formality.

The Influence of Dag Heward-Mills

Behind this mighty movement is the visionary and founder, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. A prolific author, evangelist, and teacher, he has given his life to raising up pastors, planting churches, and reaching the world with the Gospel.

Through his books like“Loyalty and Disloyalty,” “The Art of Leadership,”and“The Mega Church,”many have been trained and equipped to do the work of the ministry. He preaches with clarity and anointing, making deep spiritual truths simple and applicable.

His personal commitment to the Great Commission is contagious. His life says: “If I can serve God fully, so can you.”

It’s no surprise that thousands of young people, inspired by his example, are stepping into ministry with boldness—some even leaving behind careers to become full-time missionaries and pastors. It’s a revival—quiet but undeniable.

Real Testimonies, Real Lives Changed

The fruit of any ministry is seen in the lives it touches. First Love Church is full of testimonies that can’t be denied.

These are not isolated stories. They are echoes of what happens when people encounter God’s love and are given the chance to serve. Many young people testify that the church gave their life meaning and direction.

Training and Discipleship

Serving others is not just about good intentions. It takes training, patience, and spiritual discipline. That’s why the First Love Church puts strong emphasis on discipleship.

Through shepherding, basanta work, camp meetings, books, and leadership training, members are constantly being trained and encouraged to grow. As Evangelist Dag says often,“Every member must be a minister.”

That means no one is left to sit idle. Everyone has a place. Everyone has a gift. And everyone is encouraged to use it for God’s glory.

This hands-on approach to ministry helps build confidence, humility, and maturity in the faith.

Building a Legacy of Service

The truth is, we are not called to just enjoy church. We are called tobe the church. That means carrying the burden of Christ for the lost, the broken, and the forgotten.

First Love Church reminds us that our faith is not just for personal benefit—it’s a call to serve. A call to build the kingdom of God. A call to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19).

And what better time to answer that call than when you’re young?

Psalm 110:3 says,“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power; in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.”God is looking for young people who will rise up in the beauty of holiness and serve Him.

Conclusion: Serve Now, Love Always

The message of the First Love Church is simple but life-changing:God deserves your best—and He wants it now.

Serve Him with your youth. Serve Him with your gifts. Serve Him by loving others.

You don’t have to be famous to serve. You don’t have to be rich, perfect, or eloquent. You just have to be willing.

Let your life be a living testimony of love in action. As Jesus said,“The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

So whether you’re preaching, singing, following up on a soul, or helping pack chairs after church—remember this:

You’re not just working for a church.You’re serving the King of Kings.

And that’s what First Love Church is all about.