Surprising and Slow

SPEAKER: Sarah Knepper

PASSAGE: Mark 4:1-9, 26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Sarah Knepper unpacks Jesus’ parables in Mark 4 to show that while we want quick, predictable results, the growth of faith doesn’t work that way. The farmer, the seed, and the sun stay the same—but the soil is different every time. Jesus’ parables of the sower and the growing seed show us how the work of sharing the good news is often far less predictable—and much slower—than we expect. But our role isn’t to produce growth, but to faithfully share. God is the one who makes it grow.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged or unsure how to talk about your faith, this message will remind you: you don’t need all the answers—just your story and a willingness to share it. Because every faith conversation matters more than you think. And every time you speak, you’re partnering with God in what He’s already doing.

Here is a next step we all should take: Who are three people in your life that are not yet part of the family of God?