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Prodigal Preaching - 9/26/2008 4:17:30 PM
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YouthPastorJD
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Joined: 9/26/2008
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I am a 27 year old youth pastor who is going to be preaching to my church this next weekend on parenting. I am a single male with no kids other than my youth group kids. So I need some input. In light of the Prodigal son tell me what you think I should focus in on. A message for the students and for adults. I am just curious as to weather what I have lines up with what you seasoned parents are thinking.
One thing I do know is that the message of the prodical son is one that screams unconditional love and a passion for grace. Let me hear your perspectives.
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RE: Prodigal Preaching - 9/26/2008 5:03:38 PM
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deedeeowens
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As a parent with one "prodical daughter" I think the hardest part of hearing that story is the fact that I'm still waiting. Everyone is happy when the prodical son returns and has learned his lesson, but that part hasn't happened yet in everyone's life. My daughter is still out there, refuses to speak to me or her father, and has turned her back on God. Of course I'm waiting with unconditional love and forgiveness, but I've had to learn to wait until she's sorry. I've bailed her out too many times, and rescued her from her consequences. The prodical son had to hit rock bottom. His dad didn't show up with a hand out when he was out of money, and he wasn't there with food when his son was eating with the pigs. The son had to hit rock bottom first and come back home on his own with a humble spirit. I think waiting for God to deal with her in his own time is the hardest part for me. That's what I've learned from the story of the prodical son.
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RE: Prodigal Preaching - 9/26/2008 5:37:45 PM
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pbaribeault
Posts: 1054
Joined: 4/29/2005
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I hate to sound elitist... but I'm not one who welcomes much parenting advice from non-parents. I view such lectures as indulgently as well-meaning bumbling (when I'm in a good mood) to downright contempt and anger (when I'm in a poor mood or if the content is 'off'). While I don't frown on tips or ideas offered in humility, I really think that whoever asked you to 'preach' on parenting is setting you up in a no-win situation.
Firstly, one does not 'preach' on practical skills. One preaches on the Word of God, using proper exegesis. The parable of the prodigal son is about God's longing for and welcoming of the lost people who are not following Him. I think you probably know that. Since it is not intended as an exhortation about parenting, it would be unfaithful to the Word to make out as if it were. If you must use this text, state it's primary meaning briefly at least, then using the passage that we should be becoming more like God/Christ in our actions, that you are extending the application of the passage to wonder how us earthly parents might behave more like God in this example.
Secondly, preaching to parents about how to fulfill their calling and covenant to their offspring is equally as difficult a task as if you had been asked to preach to military officers about how to be good officers -- yes, there are some things we all know about how to be a good military officer: preserve your integrity, be honest, work hard, guard your quiet time with God, use the brain God gave you, pray for those under you etc. Similarly, you can offer some theological basics like this to parents, but it really won't be something we haven't heard before... which is not to say something won't hit home with a variety of people... I just react badly to this kind of thing. Maybe it's my temptation to prideful thinking.
In any case, where I'm going with this is not just to verbally pummel you. I have a suggestion. Perhaps you might preach on something more like "How God values children" or "Why God puts children into families" or "The sacred covenant of parenting" -- These things are Bible topics that any scholar/preacher, parent or not, can dive into and offer genuine insight on.
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RE: Prodigal Preaching - 9/26/2008 10:03:27 PM
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ladyingrace1979
Posts: 365
Joined: 3/14/2008
From: Fresno CA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: YouthPastorJD
I am a 27 year old youth pastor who is going to be preaching to my church this next weekend on parenting. I am a single male with no kids other than my youth group kids. So I need some input. In light of the Prodigal son tell me what you think I should focus in on. A message for the students and for adults. I am just curious as to weather what I have lines up with what you seasoned parents are thinking.
One thing I do know is that the message of the prodical son is one that screams unconditional love and a passion for grace. Let me hear your perspectives.
Your last line tells you what you should be preaching on. The story of the prodical son is [not a parenting lesson, nor is it a guarentee that all prodical children will return. It's a parable about God's love for us, you and me, all of us were the prodical. Preach love and grace brother.
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RE: Prodigal Preaching - 9/27/2008 8:02:00 AM
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29redballoons
Posts: 675
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Georgia
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I disagree that one without children cannot offer input as in the form of a sermon. Now, do not be one to criticize others while saying.. "I would have...", "I would not have..." Those statements you cannot make without walking in the path of others who have been there done that...but as far as a sermon...if the Lord lays it on your heart...preach on Brother.
I agree with the second post...I think for me the hardest part of the parable would have been the waiting and not knowing where, how, or the what ifs of my child.
BUT, what a blessing to see that child finally crest the hilltop!!!!!!
_____________________________
Red
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RE: Prodigal Preaching - 9/27/2008 9:19:00 AM
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Sadey
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Joined: 7/25/2007
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You could approach it from the direction of what you see them doing right as you deal with their kids in youth activities. You could list the attributes that you appreciate in the kids you deal with and how they line up with scripture. An encouraging sermon about what they are doing right might be a breathe of fresh air.
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