The name of the Mustard Seed comes directly from the Bible. Matthew 17:20 says that if ye have faith even as small as a grain of Mustard Seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move and nothing will be impossible to you.

The Mustard Seed is a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 1981 to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of adults with special needs, The Mustard Seed provides a loving and protected environment with meaningful activities which allow the Seedsters to fulfill the potential God has created within them. In 1980, The Mustard Seed founders began meeting in local churches to take steps toward the above goals. At an early meeting, God sent a music therapist, who organized a handbell choir, which has continued to perform in churches, schools, and civic organizations since 1981.

The founders of The Mustard Seed were few in number; however, these individuals were people with vision and faith. The founding members were parents of adults with developmental disabilities and others who saw the need for a Christ-centered ministry in the community. Prior to The Mustard Seeds inception in 1981, many parents and guardians of adults with developmental disabilities had few options for the care of their loved ones. These visionaries knew that their special persons had great potential for growth and the right to their own life experiences.