Do you have a child who has broken off communication with you? Perhaps they are no longer living a life that aligns with Scripture or have turned their back on you and the Lord entirely.
For this conversation, I have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Stuart Scott, one of my professors who later became a friend. Dr. Scott has a long list of credentials and background but currently, he is an author, the Director of Member Care at ACBC, and the Professor of Biblical Counseling at Bob Jones University and Seminary in Greenville, SC.
In this episode, we are going to share how to encourage those with wayward children, what to say and what to avoid when talking to those who may be feeling this pain, some tips for parenting unbelievers, and more.
Listen in!
Resources:
- Purchase Wayward Children: Finding Peace, Keeping Hope on Amazon or through P&R Publishing
- Learn more about our 5-Project Biblical Counseling Blueprint Model™
- Explore the rest of our website – bcmnational.org
Key Takeaways
- God doesn’t promise our children will stay in the faith. There is a verse (Proverbs 22:6) that every parent clings to as a guarantee that their children will not turn away from their upbringing. However, this verse is not a promise, but a part of wisdom literature. Just because a child turns away from the faith or never makes a profession of faith is not a reflection on the parents. We should not shame parents for a child’s unbelief.
- Offer a compassionate and understanding response. When ministering to those with wayward children, we need to listen more than we speak and ask questions more than we offer advice. There are times to speak, but first we need to respond compassionately and pray with them.
- No one should go through this alone. We need to be people who weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Make sure those in your flock with a wayward child find a supportive community that will be there for them. As believers, we should be offering to come alongside one another in all circumstances.
Meet Stuart
Dr. Stuart Scott is an author, the Director of Member Care at ACBC, and the Professor of Biblical Counseling at Bob Jones University and Seminary in Greenville, SC. Stuart holds a Master of Theology in Biblical Counseling, a Doctor of Ministry, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education. He brings over 35 years of experience in counseling and pastoral ministry, including nine years as associate pastor of family ministries and counseling at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA, serving under John MacArthur. He has been married to his wife, Zondra, for over 36 years and has two grown children and two grandchildren.
