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  • B January 15 2023
April 12, 2018

“Prodigal Church: Why is it important?”
 On Sunday, April 22nd I will begin a 4-part preaching series entitled, “Creating a Prodigal-Friendly Church.”  The series is based upon Jesus’ parable that is recorded in Luke 15: 11-32.  When I grew up it was called the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  After years of study I now call it the Parable of the Lost Son.  So what is the difference?  What does a ‘Prodigal’ look like?  Why should we care about ‘Prodigals’?

 Through conversation and from our survey results it has become obvious that our congregation has a desire to reach out and bring people into our congregation. Other congregations and religious leaders in America are also looking for ways to reach out to those who are not engaged in church.  But, how do we do that?
 There are many suggested ‘fixes’ to that challenge, but first, I think, we need to get a good idea of what we are doing, why we are doing this and who is being served.

 So, first question: Who is a ‘Prodigal’?  In Jesus’, parable the younger son (“Junior”): always takes advantage of his father’s good will, is lazy, dishonors the family’s good name, is reckless with his resources, loves to party, is self-centered and dishonest.  Is that the type of person we want to welcome to our church?  I’m sure we would welcome all people but that is not the person I am thinking of when I talk about Creating a Prodigal-Friendly Church. 
​

 I am simply referring to our children. 
 I have three adult children who don’t attend church.  Sure, they are busy with multiple jobs, relationships, volunteering, and helping make the world a better place.  I love them dearly and they are great ‘kids’.  So why didn’t they catch the church fever?  Mine are ‘preacher kids’ and probably have a unique experience but I’m thinking their reasons are not unlike other ‘kids’ from their generation and the generations behind them.
            
Okay…I’ve got a lot to say about this topic (more than one article can hold) so we’ll continue the conversation in the weeks to come.
 
I invite you to join us every Sunday morning but especially beginning April 22nd as we look at this important topic.  I invite you to bring some friends, especially if they are concerned about passing the faith to future generations.
 
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Mike

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