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Introducing Rob Parsons

Rob Parsons

Rob is an expert on caring for the family.

Conference Video

Watch Rob Parsons as he explains why forgiveness is key to re-establishing a relationship with our children.

Parenting Forum

We invite you to join the Parenting Community. Meet parents who experience the joy — and heartache — of parenting, just like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a prodigal?
  2. Who is Rob Parsons?
  3. Why should I attend?
  4. What is the basic message of Bringing Home the Prodigals?
  5. When and Where are the events?
  6. How much does it cost?
  7. Is Bringing Home the Prodigals coming to any other cities in the U.S.?
  8. How do I register?
  9. How can I help promote the event?
  1. What is a prodigal?
    The term "prodigal" is based on the younger son in The Parable of the Lost Son. A prodigal can be a son or daughter; brother or sister; husband or wife; friend, or even a parent. Any loved one who has wandered away from their Christian faith, their family, or their church.

    But more important than asking who the prodigals are, is asking what made someone a prodigal in the first place. This event will enlighten and inform you as to what circumstances can cause someone to be a "prodigal" as well as help you realize that some of our prodigals are not as far away as we think they are.

  2. Who is Rob Parsons?
    For more information about Rob Parsons, go to his Biography page.

  3. Why should I attend?
    As Rob Parsons has written, "There's hardly anyone who doesn't have a prodigal on their heart? I believe that our prodigals are on the very heart of God and that, by his Spirit, he is doing something that will affect the kind of churches we have, the way we view those who have wandered away, and perhaps above all, raise faith in our hearts for their return."

    Focus on the Family invites you to join us at these unique events, where Rob will share the message of Bringing Home the Prodigals through stories, worship, prayer, and an opportunity to lay the names of your prodigals at the foot of the cross.

  4. What is the basic message of Bringing Home the Prodigals?
    • Who Are the Prodigals? Is it possible we have made prodigals of some who never were in the first place - they have simply turned their backs on some petty rules and regulations that never did matter to God?
    • Before They Are Prodigals. Helping the parents of young children deal with that 'testing' child before major rebellion sets in.
    • Let Go of False Guilt. Releasing those who care for prodigals from the guilt of continually asking, "where did we go wrong," and reminding us that sometimes God has trouble with his children too.
    • It's Time to Stop Judging and Start Sharing. Urging us all to be more vulnerable and honest with each other, remembering that 'In love's service, only the wounded soldiers can serve.'
    • Release the Life-Changing Power of Forgiveness. Forgiving those who may have hurt our prodigals, forgiving our prodigals for the pain they may have caused us and ultimately, by God's grace, forgiving ourselves.
    • Get the Home Ready for Their Return. "When the father's house is filled with the father's love, the prodigals will come home." Is it possible that one of the greatest obstacles to the return of our prodigals is the state of our local churches?
    • The Patience to Wait and the Grace to Accept. Be patient with them. And be patient, too, in your waiting - and yet look out for that action you can take which may hasten the return of your prodigals. It could be a letter, a visit, an apology, or perhaps just a phone call.
    • Praying Home the Prodigals. "As those who have cried for prodigals, and especially the parents of prodigals, come to pray, they often have a wonderful advantage: they are humble. These men and women have hearts that have been broken; they are totally dependent on God."

  5. When and Where are the events?
    Focus on the Family is holding 3 events this year:

    - November 13: Greenville, South Carolina, McAlister Auditorium, 7:00 — 9:30p
       Register online

    - November 14: Charlotte, North Carolina, Ovens Auditorium, 7:00 — 9:30pm
       Register online

    - November 15: Greensboro, North Carolina, War Memorial Auditorium, 7:00 — 9:30pm
       Register online

    For more information, see our Events page.

  6. How much does it cost?

    Tickets are $9 in advance or $12 at the door.

    Groups of 5 or more qualify for the reduced group rate of $6 per person. Deadline for group rate registration is November 11, 2008. Please call 1-800-A-Family.

  7. Is Bringing Home the Prodigals coming to any other cities in the U.S.?
    More events are currently in the planning stages for spring 2009, and fall 2009. Event locations and cities have not yet been confirmed. Please revisit our Web site for updated information as further events are planned.

  8. How do I register?
    Visit our online registration page or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

  9. How can I help promote the event?
    Please tell your friends about the event and ask them to visit our Web page.

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