Crowds to Disciples: Following Jesus’ Pattern in Church Planting

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17)

When Jesus began his ministry, he didn’t immediately gather a small discipleship group. He preached. He healed. And he trusted the Word to draw those it was meant to draw. 

As leaders in a church plant, we often feel pressure to move quickly—launch programs, form groups, raise leaders. But Jesus teaches us to move slowly, prayerfully, and purposefully. The kingdom of God, he says, grows like a seed. 

1. Preach First—Trust the Word

Jesus began with public proclamation. Paul echoes this pattern:

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Sunday preaching isn’t just another ministry—it is foundational.

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed... and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” (Mark 4:26–27)

We may not see fruit immediately, but the Word is doing its work. 

Our leadership should direct the core group’s attention to worship and the Word above all else.

2. Welcome the Curious—Without Forcing Depth

Jesus welcomed crowds before forming his core. He gave space for curiosity, fellowship, and relational warmth. 

“31 He put another parable before them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’” (Matthew 13:31-32) 

Not everyone is ready for deep discipleship at first—and that’s okay. Patience creates room for true growth. 

3. Disciple the Few—At God’s Pace

Before calling the Twelve, Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12–13). He waited. He discerned. Then he invested deeply.

“26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” (Mark 4:26-29) 

Discipleship isn’t a matter of launching—it’s a process of slow growing (and waiting). 

We look forward to discovering those who are faithful, available, and teachable, and walk with them intentionally.

We want to worship, preach, wait, pray, grow, and disciple. And the Lord of the harvest will bring fruit—thirty-, sixty-, and a hundred-fold (Matthew 13:8).

Prayer: 

Lord of the harvest, thank You for showing us that Your kingdom grows not by haste but by the steady power of Your Word. Help us to trust that faith comes through hearing Christ preached, even when fruit is slow to appear. Give us patience to welcome the curious, wisdom to discern the teachable, and courage to walk at the pace of Your Spirit. May we be faithful to worship, preach, pray, and disciple—trusting You alone to bring the growth. In Jesus’ name, amen.