How flocks increase

The best way for a shepherd to increase his flock is to keep them healthy and safe from predators. The sheep must only follow their Shepherd to stay within that circle of protection. If they wander out they are not forsaken but searched for and brought home. The sheep will then "naturally" reproduce other sheep. Our Shepherd has given us, His flock, the privilege of being the instruments of the expansion of His flock. We plant the seed of the Word of the Gospel, God brings forth the increase.

Acts 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 
Acts 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

2Cor. 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 
2Cor. 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 

photo courtesy of Flikr by A. Roger Davies