The words of Paul are employed as basis of this excuse. Paul said, “Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.” So the human sower feels little need to do other than scatter a few witnesses, a pleasant comment here and there. The human sower is not, however, to be capricious or inattentive to the seed sown. He looks for receptive ground and not an interstate freeway on which to sow.

Seed-sowing theology unfortunately concludes that the seed tossed onto the ground is all the human responsibility necessary. We could not agree less with this kind of thinking. This approach to witnessing fails to build relationships, and at worst, disregards individuals as persons. Seed-sowing theology tends to separate evangelism from discipleship. Decisions are garnered, but disciples may not be nurtured to maturity.

Another theology, stronger than seed sowing theology, is the theology of harvest. In a theology of harvest we believe the sower must continue to sow, but must also cultivate, water, and eventually harvest. Relationships are sustained. New converts are welcomed into the family of faith. Growth is encouraged and expected.

God takes our human efforts and gives the increase, the harvest. We need not wonder if God will do His part. We certainly must give attention to whether we're doing ours.