Jesus Passing By: When God Feels Distant but Is Closer Than Ever

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Mark Cole

One of the most intriguing details in the Gospel of Mark is found in Mark 6:48:

“He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them.” (NLT)

Why would Jesus intend to pass by His struggling disciples? Was He ignoring them? Testing them? Or was something deeper happening?

This small phrase, “He intended to go past them,” is rich with meaning, revealing both the mystery of God’s ways and the assurance of His presence. Let’s explore what this means for our faith today.

1. God Sees Our Struggles, Even When We Don’t See Him

The disciples were battling the wind and waves, exhausted and afraid. Yet, long before they saw Jesus, He saw them. Verse 48 tells us that Jesus was fully aware of their struggle before He even approached them.

This reminds us that even when we feel alone in life’s storms, God sees us. He is never unaware of our pain, our confusion, or our exhaustion. Just because we don’t see Him immediately doesn’t mean He isn’t watching over us.

2. A Revelation of God’s Presence

In the Old Testament, the phrase “passing by” is often linked to divine revelation:

  • Exodus 33:19-22 – God tells Moses, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you.”
  • 1 Kings 19:11-12 – God tells Elijah to stand on the mountain as “the Lord is about to pass by.”

Jesus walking on the water and intending to pass by mirrors these moments. He wasn’t trying to abandon them—He was revealing Himself as the great “I AM,” just as God revealed Himself to Moses and Elijah. This was a moment of divine revelation, showing His authority over nature and His identity as God in the flesh.

3. An Invitation to Call Upon Him

Interestingly, Jesus didn’t immediately stop the storm or jump into the boat. Instead, He waited until the disciples cried out (Mark 6:49-50). Then He reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Sometimes, God allows us to struggle—not to abandon us, but to invite us to recognize our need for Him. He wants us to call upon Him, to trust Him, and to realize that He is always near.

4. A Test of Faith and Understanding

After Jesus calmed the storm, Mark notes:

“For they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:52)

The disciples had just witnessed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, yet they still struggled to grasp who Jesus truly was. Sometimes, we, too, experience God’s provision and power but still doubt in the next storm.

Jesus “passing by” wasn’t a sign of neglect—it was a moment to stretch their faith and open their eyes to His divine presence.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

  • If you feel like God is passing you by, take heart—He sees you, He knows your struggle, and He is inviting you to trust Him.
  • If you are rowing hard against life’s storms, don’t give up. Jesus is nearer than you think.
  • If you feel like God is waiting for you to call upon Him, don’t hesitate—cry out to Him in faith.
  • If you are struggling to understand His ways, remember that He is always revealing Himself, even in ways you might not expect.

Jesus does not truly pass us by—He comes near so we can recognize Him and invite Him into our situation. May we open our eyes and hearts to see Him, even in the midst of life’s storms.

Final Thought

Where in your life do you feel like Jesus is “passing by”? Could it be that He is actually inviting you into a deeper revelation of His presence? Call out to Him today—He is closer than you think.

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The Authority of Believers: How Matthew 10:1 Applies Today

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Mark Cole

In Matthew 10:1, we read: “Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” This verse raises an important question: Does this authority still apply to Christians today?

1. Jesus Still Gives Authority to His Followers

While this passage directly refers to the twelve apostles, the principle of Jesus empowering His people for ministry extends beyond them. In Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This suggests that the mission and power given to the first disciples continue through all believers.

2. The Power of the Holy Spirit

After His resurrection, Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” This power, which was evident in the early church, is still available today through the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 that spiritual gifts—including healing, discernment, and miracles—are given to believers as the Spirit wills.

3. Casting Out Evil Spirits and Healing Today

Throughout history, countless testimonies affirm that Jesus’ authority over sickness and demonic oppression has not diminished. Many believers and ministries have witnessed healings and deliverance in Jesus’ name. James 5:14-16 encourages the church to pray for the sick, believing in God’s power to heal. While not every Christian may be called to a specific healing or deliverance ministry, all are called to resist evil (Ephesians 6:10-18) and trust in the power of Christ.

4. A Call to Boldness and Compassion

The authority Jesus gave His disciples was not just about performing miracles—it was about bringing hope, love, and restoration to a broken world. As followers of Christ, we are called to pray boldly for those in need, stand against darkness, and proclaim the gospel with faith. Whether through physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual breakthrough, Jesus still works through His people today.

Final Thoughts

Jesus has given His followers authority—not for personal gain, but to advance His Kingdom and bring healing to others. While not all may have the same calling, every Christian is invited to walk in faith, pray for the sick, resist the enemy, and trust in the name of Jesus.

Are you stepping into the authority Christ has given you?

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Restitution: Making Things Right

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Mark Cole

One of the powerful yet often overlooked principles in Scripture is restitution—the act of making amends for a wrong committed. In Leviticus 6:1-5, God commands that anyone who has stolen, defrauded, extorted, or lied must return what was taken and add an additional 20% as restitution. This principle isn’t just about correcting financial wrongs; it is about restoring relationships, integrity, and justice.

Why Restitution Matters

Restitution teaches us that genuine repentance requires more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” It involves action—an intentional effort to right a wrong. This aligns with God’s heart for justice and righteousness. Throughout the Bible, we see that when people take responsibility for their actions, it leads to healing and reconciliation.

Take Zacchaeus in the New Testament as an example. In Luke 19:8, after encountering Jesus, he declared: “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus affirmed his repentance, saying, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus didn’t just confess—he demonstrated true change through restitution.

Key Lessons from Biblical Restitution

  1. Taking Responsibility for Wrongdoing
    • Whether intentional or unintentional, the Bible calls us to own up to our mistakes and not ignore the damage done.
  2. Restoring What Was Lost
    • Making things right isn’t just about feeling sorry—it involves returning what was taken and ensuring the person affected is whole again.
  3. Going Beyond the Bare Minimum
    • The additional 20% (or more in some cases) shows that restitution isn’t just about repaying—it’s about demonstrating true repentance and generosity.
  4. Integrity in All Dealings
    • God’s law covers theft, fraud, and even keeping something that belongs to someone else (Leviticus 6:3-4). It teaches us that righteousness involves honesty in all aspects of life.
  5. Rebuilding Trust and Relationships
    • Restitution isn’t just about financial compensation—it helps heal broken relationships and communities.

Practical Application Today

  • If you’ve wronged someone financially, materially, or emotionally, consider how you can make amends beyond just an apology.
  • In leadership, business, or ministry, practice integrity and accountability in all dealings.
  • Teach your family and community the value of restoring what is lost rather than just seeking forgiveness.

True repentance is always followed by real action. When we commit to making things right, we reflect God’s justice, mercy, and grace. Are there areas in your life where restitution needs to take place? If so, take that step today and experience the freedom and peace that comes with making things right.

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Worship Leaders: The Power Of Patience and Gentle Words

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Mark Cole

“Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.” (Proverbs 25:15, NLT)

As worship leaders, our words and attitudes carry great influence. In the heat of ministry, it’s easy to rely on authority or urgency to make things happen, but Solomon reminds us of a deeper truth: patience and gentle words hold immense power. These qualities not only shape our leadership but also transform the hearts of those we lead.

Patience Can Persuade a Prince

Patience is not simply about waiting—it is about endurance, wisdom, and persistence. The phrase “persuade a prince” suggests dealing with someone in authority, someone who makes decisions that impact others. Many times, we assume force or pressure is necessary for change, but scripture teaches otherwise: patience is the key.

In worship ministry, this means allowing time for growth and transformation. A new musician may struggle to keep up, but patient guidance will nurture their development. A worship team member may resist change, but steady encouragement and prayer can shift their heart over time. God often works through seasons of waiting, refining our character and teaching us to trust Him in the process.

Biblical figures like Esther, Moses, and even Jesus demonstrate the power of patience in their leadership. They didn’t rush decisions or force outcomes. Instead, they trusted in God’s timing and allowed Him to work through them.

Soft Speech Can Break Bones

At first glance, this seems contradictory—how can soft words break bones? The imagery here is striking. Just as a steady stream can carve through rock, gentle words can penetrate even the hardest hearts.

In worship leadership, we often face challenging conversations—correcting a musician, resolving a conflict, or casting vision for change. It’s tempting to use a firm tone to establish authority, but Solomon advises a different approach. A gentle response can disarm defensiveness, open hearts, and bring lasting change.

Consider Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultery. Instead of condemning her as the Pharisees expected, He spoke with grace, yet His words carried more weight than theirs. His soft speech ‘broke bones’—it changed her life forever. Likewise, when we lead with kindness and humility, we create an environment where people can grow and thrive.

Practical Applications for Worship Leaders

  1. Leading Rehearsals: Instead of reacting with frustration, use patience to guide your team through challenges and new songs.
  2. Handling Conflict: A calm and gentle response can resolve team tensions and build stronger relationships.
  3. Encouraging Growth: Patience with developing musicians and vocalists fosters confidence and long-term commitment.
  4. Communicating Vision: When introducing changes in worship style or structure, a patient and gracious approach helps gain trust and support.
  5. Engaging the Congregation: Gentle encouragement and consistent leadership draw people into worship more effectively than forceful expectations.

Final Thoughts

Proverbs 25:15 teaches that true influence in leadership comes not from force, but from patience and gentle words. Worship leaders who embrace these qualities create a culture of trust, encouragement, and spiritual growth. When we trust God’s timing and lead with wisdom, we not only guide our teams well but also reflect the character of Christ in all we do.

May we strive to be leaders whose patience persuades and whose gentle words transform lives.

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Don’t Be Afraid. Just Have Faith.

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Mark Cole

Fear is a powerful force. It can paralyze us, keep us from stepping into God’s best, and rob us of peace. But Jesus gives us a simple, yet profound antidote to fear: faith. In Mark 5:36, Jesus tells Jairus, whose daughter has just died, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” In that moment of deep despair, Jesus invites Jairus to trust Him beyond what his eyes can see.

The Nature of Fear

Fear often creeps into our lives when circumstances seem out of control. It whispers worst-case scenarios and magnifies our insecurities. It tells us that we are alone, that things won’t work out, and that we are not strong enough.

Yet, throughout Scripture, we see that fear is never from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” When we recognize that fear is not from Him, we can choose to reject it and replace it with faith.

What Faith Does

Faith is not ignoring reality or pretending challenges don’t exist. It is choosing to trust God in the middle of those challenges. Faith shifts our focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Just as Jesus called Jairus to believe in the face of death, He calls us to trust Him in the face of uncertainty, pain, and fear.

Here are a few ways faith helps us conquer fear:

  1. Faith Reminds Us Who God Is – Fear makes us forget God’s power, but faith brings His promises back into view. When the Israelites faced the Red Sea, fear told them they were trapped, but faith (through Moses) reminded them that God makes a way where there is no way (Exodus 14:13-14).
  2. Faith Gives Us Peace – When we trust that God is in control, we no longer have to live in anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that when we pray with thanksgiving, God’s peace guards our hearts and minds.
  3. Faith Empowers Us to Move Forward – Fear makes us shrink back, but faith propels us into action. Peter walked on water when his eyes were on Jesus, but when he focused on the storm, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30). Faith keeps us moving forward despite the waves.

Living a Faith-Filled Life

How do we develop the kind of faith that overcomes fear?

  • Stay in the Word – Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Fill your heart and mind with God’s promises.
  • Pray with Confidence – Bring your fears to God in prayer, trusting that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
  • Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People – Community strengthens our faith. Spend time with people who encourage you to trust God.
  • Take Small Steps of Faith – The more we exercise faith, the stronger it grows. Start trusting God in small ways, and watch your confidence in Him increase.

Final Thoughts

Jesus’ words in Mark 5:36 are not just for Jairus—they are for us. Whatever fear you are facing today, Jesus is saying the same thing: Don’t be afraid. Just have faith. God is bigger than your circumstances, stronger than your fears, and always faithful to His promises. When fear knocks, let faith answer the door.

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Mission To Albania

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Mark Cole

Anna and I are excited for a special mission this June! We’re traveling to Albania—a predominantly Muslim country—with LoveAlbania.com to serve through:

  • Empowering Women: Anna will lead workshops to equip women in faith and purpose.
  • Reaching Children: We’ll help at a children’s day camp, sharing Jesus and teaching music.
  • Equipping Worship Teams: I’ll lead a seminar for musicians and worship leaders.
  • Ministering in Churches: We’ll support local churches through music and teaching.

Albania has very few evangelical Christians (only 0.5%), making this a powerful opportunity to share Christ’s love.

We’re so grateful—40% of our $8,000 goal has already come in! Thank you to those who have given! To reach the finish line, we still need support for flights, housing, seminar materials, and camp supplies. Would you consider partnering with us through prayer or financial giving?

You can give at www.global-ministry.com/donate (note: “Mark & Anna Cole – Albania Trip”). All donations are tax-deductible. If you contribute, please email mark.cole@mac.com or text 403-966-1871 so we can thank you and share updates!

Thank you for your generosity and prayers. We’re grateful for your partnership in making a lasting impact in Albania!

With love and gratitude,
Mark & Anna Cole

P.S. Have questions? Feel free to reach out at mark.cole@mac.com or 403-966-1871.

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Lessons from Jesus Casting Out Demons

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Mark Cole

One of the most dramatic encounters in the ministry of Jesus is found in Mark 5:1-20, where He heals a demon-possessed man. This story, also recorded in Matthew 8 and Luke 8, provides profound lessons on Jesus’ authority over spiritual forces and His power to bring complete restoration. Here are five key takeaways from this passage:

1. Jesus Has Ultimate Authority Over Demons

In Mark 5:8, Jesus commands the evil spirit, saying, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit!” The demons immediately recognized His authority and called Him “Son of the Most High God” (Mark 5:7). Even a legion (potentially thousands of demons) had no power to resist His command.

Lesson: Jesus, as the Son of God, has absolute power over all spiritual forces. As believers, we should trust in His authority and not be intimidated by the enemy (Colossians 2:15).

2. Demons Fear Jesus and Must Obey Him

The demons in this story begged Jesus not to send them away (Mark 5:10). This shows that demonic forces are subject to His will and cannot act beyond what He allows.

Lesson: The enemy may attempt to intimidate, but he is ultimately powerless before Jesus. James 4:7 reminds us: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

3. Deliverance Brings Transformation

The man, who had been wild, self-destructive, and living in the tombs, was later seen “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15). Jesus not only freed him from demonic bondage but also restored his dignity and peace.

Lesson: Jesus doesn’t just set us free; He brings full transformation. In Christ, we move from brokenness to wholeness (John 10:10).

4. Jesus Prioritizes People Over Property

The demons entered a herd of pigs, which then drowned in the sea (Mark 5:13). The townspeople, instead of celebrating the man’s healing, were upset over the financial loss of their livestock.

Lesson: Jesus values people’s souls over material possessions. While the world often prioritizes wealth, Jesus shows us that no earthly treasure is more important than a transformed life (Matthew 16:26).

5. Our Testimony Is Powerful

After his healing, the man wanted to follow Jesus. However, Jesus told him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). The man obeyed, sharing his story, and many were amazed.

Lesson: A personal testimony of God’s power can impact many. What God has done in our lives is meant to be shared, leading others to faith (Revelation 12:11).

Final Thoughts

This passage reminds us that Jesus is still in the business of setting people free. Whether from spiritual oppression, addiction, sin, or fear, His power remains supreme. We can trust Him to bring restoration, prioritize people over possessions, and use our testimonies for His glory.

If you’ve experienced the transforming power of Jesus in your life, don’t keep it to yourself—share it! Just as the once-possessed man spread the news, your testimony can lead others to encounter the same life-changing power of Christ.

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Trusting God Through Tragedy: Finding Healing In Grief

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Mark Cole

Losing a parent or child is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. Grief is heavy, and it can shake the very foundation of our faith. When I was 12 years old, my father died in an industrial accident, leaving my mother a widow with four small children. It was a devastating loss, but in the midst of the pain, we saw God’s hand at work. He provided, comforted, and carried us through a difficult season.

Recently, a young piano student of mine lost his father to illness. His pain is fresh, his grief deep. What can we say to those walking through such darkness? How can we encourage them to trust God in the middle of such loss?

The Reality of Grief

Grief is real and painful. Even Jesus, who knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, wept at his tomb (John 11:35). The Bible does not minimize our suffering but acknowledges it. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God does not expect us to ignore our pain; instead, He walks with us through it.

Trusting God When We Don’t Understand

Loss often raises difficult questions: Why did this happen? Where was God? While we may never fully understand, we can rest in the truth that God is still good, loving, and sovereign. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God does not mean we won’t feel pain, but it does mean we believe He will guide us even when the way is unclear.

God’s Promises in Grief

  1. He will never leave us. – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
  2. He brings comfort. – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
  3. He gives us hope. – “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

These promises are not empty words; they are the foundation that holds us when everything else feels like it is falling apart.

Walking Through Grief with God

  1. Be honest with God. Pour out your heart to Him (Psalm 62:8). Tell Him your pain, your questions, and your fears.
  2. Lean on Christian community. Don’t grieve alone. God places people in our lives to support us (Galatians 6:2).
  3. Hold onto hope. If your loved one knew Christ, you will see them again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). And even in grief, God is writing a new chapter for your life.
  4. Remember God’s faithfulness. Looking back, I can see how God provided for my mother, my siblings, and me. He was faithful then, and He is faithful now.

A God Who Understands Our Loss

Ultimately, God understands our grief because He experienced it. He watched His Son suffer and die on the cross for us. But He also brought resurrection. Our grief does not have the final word—God’s love and redemption do.

If you are walking through the loss of a parent, a child, or a loved one, know this: You are not alone. God sees you, He loves you, and He will carry you through.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

Trust Him. He is still writing your story.

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From a Mustard Seed to a Global Movement: The Unstoppable Growth of God’s Kingdom

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Mark Cole

Jesus once said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade” (Mark 4:30-32, NLT).

This simple yet profound parable paints a vivid picture of how the Kingdom of God, and by extension, the Church, would begin as something small and seemingly insignificant but grow into a vast, life-giving refuge for the world. Looking at history, we can see how Jesus’ words have come to pass in extraordinary ways.

The Humble Beginnings

When Jesus walked the earth, He called a small group of twelve disciples to follow Him. They were not scholars, rulers, or warriors. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary people. Yet, through their willingness to follow Christ, they became the foundation of a movement that would change the world.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. In that moment, Peter stood up and preached boldly, and about 3,000 people were added to the faith in a single day (Acts 2:41). This marked the birth of the Church, a small but powerful mustard seed planted in the soil of history.

Expansion Despite Persecution

The early Church faced severe persecution, yet it did not wither. Instead, it thrived. Roman authorities and religious leaders sought to crush the movement, but as Tertullian, a second-century Christian writer, famously said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” The more the Church was opposed, the more it grew.

From Jerusalem, the message of Christ spread through the Roman Empire, reaching cities like Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and eventually Rome itself. The Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, became one of its greatest evangelists, planting churches across Asia Minor and Europe. By the early fourth century, Christianity had spread so widely that Emperor Constantine declared it a legal religion, and eventually, it became the dominant faith of the empire.

The Church Through the Ages

Despite periods of turmoil, division, and corruption, the Church has continued to grow and adapt. From the monastic movements of the Middle Ages to the Protestant Reformation, from missionary movements to modern-day revivals, the mustard seed continues to flourish.

Today there are over 2.4 billion followers of Jesus across every continent. The Gospel has reached remote villages, bustling cities, underground churches in persecuted nations, and digital platforms that connect believers globally. Churches meet in cathedrals, homes, and open fields. The message of Jesus continues to bring hope, healing, and salvation to countless people.

The Kingdom Still Grows

Jesus’ parable reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not static; it is always growing. Even when the Church faces opposition, cultural shifts, or internal challenges, God continues to expand His work. New churches are planted daily, new believers are baptized, and the Gospel is preached in more languages than ever before.

As followers of Christ, we are part of this incredible story. Whether through personal evangelism, discipleship, worship, or acts of service, we contribute to the Kingdom’s growth. The mustard seed that Jesus spoke of is still growing, its branches extending further than we could have imagined.

Final Thoughts

The Church began with Jesus and a small group of disciples, yet it has grown into a worldwide movement impacting billions. Just as the mustard seed grows into a great tree, the Kingdom of God continues to provide shade, refuge, and life to all who seek the truth of Jesus.

Let us be encouraged and inspired to keep planting, watering, and nurturing the faith in our own communities, knowing that God is the one who brings the increase. His Kingdom will never fail, and the mustard seed will continue to grow until the whole earth is filled with His glory.

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How a Pastor Can Grow a Church: Lessons from the Parable of the Growing Seed

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Mark Cole

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

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