OK, that is my attempt at a modern parable, a modern analogy if you will for the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Matthew 13 Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to the tiniest of seeds that ends up becoming "Larger than (all) the garden plants" because it becomes a tree, a tree so large that birds make nests in it. And from what I think right now, I think the scripture might mean so high that predator birds like hawks and eagles make nests in it. That means it is REALLY tall.
And Jesus compares the Kingdom of Haven to leaven or yeast -- yeast looks like nothing much. It looks dead. The amount you use for a batch of bread is hardly a handful (not even). But as you wait expectantly, you see it work through all the dough and bring out life. You have to wait watching for if you forget it about it it won't work as you need it to work. You gotta do your part once it has worked its way through the dough.
And Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to one costly pearl found by a merchant who was seeking pearls. So instead of continuing his search for pearls, he sells all he has for the ONE pearl which he finds more valuable than anything else in his life. In fact, it also changes his life's mission. I don't know what the pearl merchant did once he had the one great pearl but it wasn't pearl hunting any longer.
And Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a huge dragnet cast into the sea. It is pulled onto the beach full of fish. And when it is full it is then sorted through to find the good and bad fish.
What do these have in common?
They look insignificant, worthless even in some instances; it all takes time and waiting and work to find the treasure. It takes resources. The last one is different than the rest for it is a different part of the the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus explains the angels will sort out the good and bad -- that means we don't have to. Just bring all the people in and share the Kingdom. God will deal with the hearts.
Sometimes we try to do church activities the way the world does things -- bigger and brighter and louder to make huge impacts. But this isn't how Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is grown. It is grown through beginning small, being faithful in planting those tiny seeds and giving them to grow. Having faith that what we do will make a great pot of coffee.
Small, tiny, little, quiet -- those are adjectives that describe the beginnings of God's work.
Don't despise small beginnings (that is found in the Old Testament -- I think in Ezekiel).