Farming provides a vivid illustration of God’s design for gospel ministry. If we are committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, we need to immerse ourselves in the farming analogy emphasized by God. As we do so, we will find ourselves at various times in our ministry exhorted, comforted, rebuked, or encouraged.

Five key passages in the New Testament teach this analogy. Four are the words of Jesus and one is His words through the Apostle Paul.

• Parable of the sower (Mark 4:2–9, 13–20)
• Harvest realities from 1 Corinthians 3:5–9
• The Samaritan harvest (John 4:34–38)
• The patient farmer (Mark 4:26–29)
• Prayer for laborers (Matthew 9:36–38)

Many principles about making disciples were shared at GFA’s 2024 Ministry Advance Training Retreat. God desires that His people remind themselves and each other continually of these farming analogies so that they can cultivate tender hearts toward Him.

Please listen to the following recording and view the handout.