“Dag Heward-Mills’ Church Ruined My Life”: British Woman Says 18 Years in First Love Church Left Her Suicidal, Divorced, and in Debt

A British woman has come forward with disturbing claims against the First Love Church, a youth-focused ministry under Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, calling it a “cult that ruined her life” after nearly two decades of involvement.

In a powerful testimony, she described enduring 18 years of emotional, psychological, and spiritual abuse, saying the church’s culture of overwork, control, and manipulation left her divorced, in debt, and suicidal.

“I gave my entire adult life to that ministry. I prayed, served, attended endless events — and 18 years later, I have nothing to show for it but trauma,” she said.

She accused the church of fostering an environment where members were expected to sacrifice their personal lives, mental health, and relationships for the sake of ministry tasks, calling it “narcissistic cult abuse disguised as church service.”

Now recovering, she says speaking out is her way of warning others. As of now, First Love Church and Bishop Dag Heward-Mills have not responded to the allegations.

Her story adds to growing global concerns about spiritual abuse and toxic leadership in high-control religious organizations.