The youth exodus is a very real concern for Christian parents, and it is a deeply personal concern for me. I launched CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD three years ago with the goal of assuaging this falling away from the faith in our youth.
 
But what does a parent do when they have a child who is questioning or has left the faith? 
 
How do you parent the prodigal child?
 
In the latest episode of CP/CW, I answer these questions with hard-earned, first-hand experience by offering these vital guidelines:

1. Pray. Rid the obstacles in your child’s life in prayer.
2. Love your child unconditionally, regardless of what they think, say, or do.
3. Recognize and respect what stage of parenting you are in: Caregiver, Cop, Coach, or Counselor. 
4. Prayerfully establish Godly boundaries. Blessings come from boundaries. 
5. Apologize for mistakes. Humility is a bridge builder.
6. Do not try to convince or convict your child. That is the Holy Spirit’s job.
7. Do not coerce or control your child. That is how the enemy works.
8. Remember that your child does not need a sermon. They need an encounter with God. 

Laced throughout this advice are keen insights and critical direction on how to build a strong relationship with a teen or adult child who is on the prodigal path. There are things that can help to draw a child closer to God, and there are things that may seem right but are, in fact, counterproductive. They may push a child further from God.
 
When a child questions the faith, we must patiently answer their questions. If they leave the faith, we must love them with no strings attached and fervently pray for them to have an encounter with God. Loving our kids like Christ while not compromising truth is the most important way we can minister to them in a place of wandering or doubt.
 
To hear this  vitally important message, tune in to Episode 99 of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD . To listen on  Life Audio, click on the image below:

Or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CPCW a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. That would make my day!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

EPISODE 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Get Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle including a Scripture Prayer List for Children Who Have Left the Faith: Subscribe HERE.