Basics in Ministry

I have been thinking about ministry models and the like over the last few weeks, in regard to reaching 'small' or reaching 'large' groupings first. if you are quick this comes in the thought of 'Funnel' ministry models or as some might say and upside down funnel where you start small and go large.
the general funnel method is pushed by many people and influential people at that. They talk about Jesus ministry and the fact that it started on a big scale then ended up with just Jesus on the cross

'We see this in the life of Christ - at the mass events there were thousands to hear and eat - only 70 were sent out, only 12 in his discipleship group, only 3 in the inner circle and only 1 at the cross.'

So we are encouraged to run mass events that will drawer in the crowds but when most do this they fail keep Jesus as the centre of the program. Jesus drew a crowd and he spoke of Commitment and sin and the need to repent. when we run large events to bring non christians to church we leave all that out. why? cause we don't want to offend and we think that by making it 'fun' they might come back. Jesus layed it on thick and fast, He never made it 'easy' for people to follow Him.

But when i read the gospel of Mark, Luke and John it talks about Jesus calling his disciples and working out from there. Matthew just goes into the beatitudes and does not seem to make much mention of the 'calling of the disciples'. this is in fact like an upside down funnel.

I guess my question comes back to the way they say that Jesus started out big and came down in numbers, what is their scriputural backing for this because as i read it it works the other way:
Jesus calls 12 - works with them, and has a tighter bunch of 3, and sends out 72, yes at His death there is on Himslef left, yes he preaches to the crowds but to what extent do we say they are part of His "followers"? He is asked questions and He does not give 'soft' answers he tells it straigh and even offends people. why in today are we so affraid of offending someone?

God Bless