One of the most encouraging parables Jesus told about the Kingdom of God is found in Mark 4:26-29:
“The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
For local pastors and church leaders, this parable provides a powerful picture of how churches grow—not simply through human effort, but through God’s mysterious work. While we are called to plant and tend the field, the true growth of the church comes from the hand of God. Let’s look at four key lessons from this passage that apply to pastoral leadership and church growth.
1. Faithful Planting is Essential
Jesus begins by describing the farmer who scatters seed. Without seed in the ground, there can be no harvest. Likewise, a pastor’s first responsibility is to faithfully plant the Word of God in the hearts of people.
This means:
✅ Preaching the Gospel consistently—without compromise.
✅ Investing in discipleship—mentoring people in their faith.
✅ Creating a culture of prayer and worship—making the soil fertile.
✅ Engaging with the community—planting the seeds of love and service.
No pastor can make a church grow without first planting the right seed! Churches that are rooted in sound doctrine, genuine worship, and real relationships have fertile ground for God to bring increase.
2. Church Growth is a Mystery and a Work of God
Jesus says that the seed sprouts and grows, but the farmer does not understand how it happens. This is a powerful truth: pastors and leaders do not control the growth of a church—God does.
Yes, we can plant, water, and cultivate, but only God can bring transformation in people’s lives. The Holy Spirit works in unseen ways, stirring hearts, convicting of sin, and drawing people into a deeper relationship with Christ.
As Paul put it:
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
This is both humbling and freeing. It reminds pastors that they are not responsible for results—only for obedience. The pressure to “build the church” must be replaced with a faithful trust in God’s timing and power.
3. The Church Grows in Stages
Jesus describes a gradual process:
- First a leaf blade pushes through (early faith, new believers).
- Then the heads of wheat are formed (spiritual development, discipleship).
- Finally, the grain ripens (maturity, leadership, multiplication).
Church growth is not instant—it happens step by step. A healthy church doesn’t just add members; it nurtures them through each stage of spiritual maturity.
A wise pastor will:
🔹 Be patient—understanding that spiritual growth takes time.
🔹 Develop strong discipleship—helping people take their next steps in faith.
🔹 Invest in leadership training—so mature believers can disciple others.
If we try to rush the process, we may end up with shallow growth rather than deep-rooted faith. True discipleship takes time, and we must trust the process.
4. There is a Time for Harvest
The parable ends with the farmer recognizing when the harvest is ready. This is crucial—because while growth takes time, pastors must also recognize when it’s time to reap.
What does “harvesting” look like in a church?
✅ Calling people to commitment—leading people to surrender fully to Christ.
✅ Raising up leaders—entrusting ministry to capable and mature believers.
✅ Sending people out—commissioning workers for God’s mission beyond the church walls.
Too many churches remain stuck in maintenance mode, when God is actually preparing them for a great harvest. A discerning pastor knows when to call people to action and lead them into the next season of growth and impact.
Final Thoughts: Trusting God for Growth
At the heart of this parable is one simple truth: church growth is ultimately God’s work, not ours.
A pastor’s role is to:
🌱 Plant faithfully—Preach the Word and invest in people.
☀️ Trust God’s process—Allow time for growth, even when it’s unseen.
🌾 Disciple wisely—Recognize that growth happens in stages.
🛠️ Be ready for the harvest—Equip and send people into their calling.
If you are a pastor or church leader, take heart. God is at work even when you don’t see it. Keep planting, keep watering, and trust that in His time, the harvest will come.
What About You?
If you’re a pastor, leader, or committed church member, how have you seen this principle at work in your church? Are you in a season of planting, waiting, or harvesting? Let me know in the comments!
Blessings,
Mark Cole
