Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids

by Larry Fowler

Imagine this scenario for a typical teenager in your He's separated from his family and sent to live in a hedonistic, no-holds-barred culture. He's stripped of his spiritual support, left alone, and treated unfairly. Then, at his most vulnerable point, his ego is stoked with power and success. Throughout this rollercoaster ride, would he continue to serve God? This very test was given to the Old Testament Joseph, whose faith remained rock solid. Yet it seems that our youth are ill-equipped to face the moral vacuum in today's culture. Worse, research shows that when young people leave home, many also leave the church. So how can we forge sons and daughters of faith and fortitude? The vital answers are found in the story of Joseph. Drawing from this timeless narrative, author Larry Fowler offers a biblical plan for building teens who will love and serve Jesus Christ. Biblically based and up-to-the-minute relevant, Raising a Modern-Day Joseph is an essential guide to raising a generation that can pass life's tests with flying colors.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Ebooks, Family, Discipleship, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Daniel Stitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Raising a Modern Joseph" raises an important and thought-provoking question: where do you expect your child to land when they’re finally outside of your control? This central theme is explored in depth, making it a compelling read for parents and youth workers alike.

The author presents two potential outcomes for our children once they leave the nest. Will they become like the Old Testament Joseph, who, when outside his parents' control, became deep and rich with integrity and justice, forever trusting in the Lord? Or will they become like the prodigal son, who, once leaving the nest, squanders all the riches his parents blessed him with through sin and debauchery? This comparison is heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. It highlights a concern that not enough parents consider deeply.

One of the book’s strengths is its critique of the current cultural trend where parents push their children into college and good jobs without adequately preparing them for the moral and spiritual challenges they will face. This approach, the author argues, often leaves children morally bankrupt and more likely to follow the path of the prodigal son rather than that of Joseph from the Old Testament.

The book emphasizes five life segments that parents should focus on: respect, wisdom, grace, destiny, and perspective. The author outlines these major segments well, discussing the disciplines and mentalities that parents and youth workers should cultivate in a child’s life. This framework is a valuable guide for anyone involved in child-rearing or mentoring.

However, I found the book lacking in concrete examples of how to instill these qualities in our children. While the author gives a few brief suggestions, a deeper dive into each of these segments would have been helpful. Practical scenarios and more detailed guidance on implementing these principles in everyday life would have enhanced the book’s usefulness.

For parents seeking practical day-to-day tips on raising children who will pursue God with all their hearts, I recommend pairing "Raising a Modern Joseph" with another book, "Habits of the Household." This combination could provide a more comprehensive approach, blending the overarching principles of "Raising a Modern Joseph" with the practical advice found in "Habits of the Household."

Overall, "Raising a Modern Joseph" is a thought-provoking and important read. Its emphasis on the moral and spiritual development of children is a crucial reminder in a world that often prioritizes material success over character. Despite its shortcomings in practical application, it provides a strong framework for parents and youth workers dedicated to raising children of integrity and faith.

[Gabriela Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book several times, it is a great resource. I've met the author in person, we've invited him to speak at our church on a Sunday morning and then asked him to stay for a luncheon and a special meeting with our church's Awana leaders.

I find this book to be an excellent resource for leaders as well as for parents. Must read the other one that pairs up with this one - How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph: A Practical Guide for Growing Great Kids by Linda Massey Weddle - as it continues to address the same topic in a practical way.

[Ed Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read and resource

[Brad Layland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be practical and helpful. I have a highschooler so much. The book was devoted to raising a child as if you were starting at zero. But the framework was good.

[Danessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In today's world, there are tons of resources, books and articles that one can find to learn how we should best raise our children. And as a concerned parent, all of us are seeking wisdom and guidance to accomplish this difficult task. However, I am convinced that even with all the materials that are available online and off-site, the Holy Spirit still remains the greatest roadmap for bringing our children up.

The author Larry explains it best, "When it comes to raising our kids, there is a spiritual parallel to GPS. It's the work of the Holy Spirit in a young person's life. Once our children trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, the Spirit lives within them and seeks to guide them as they yield to Him."

It is easy to comprehend Larry Fowler's biblical plan for building teens who will love and serve Jesus Christ, as he draws the comparison between Joseph and the Prodigal Son (from the Bible) in this book. Raising a Modern-Day Joseph is a comprehensive yet practical guide to raising a generation that is spiritually strong in their faith growing up.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fowler brings up current issues that many ministries and parents face. This is a crucial topic for churches and parents to face. The ongoing epidemic that churches must be the spiritual upbringing for children is a myth and greatly addressed in Fowler's work. I will be implementing some ideas from this work and if I ever am in charge of a children's ministry, would highly consider this work as the basis.

I respect Fowler's Life Threads that a Child must learn though I desired him to fill the gap more of what's missing in those 5 threads that every child needs to learn. I desire a relationship with God to be more conversation and relational throughout the journey and not personal just at salvation. But I am not yet a parent and respect what this man of the faith has to input.

[Walt Walkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a straightforward, common sense look at what it means to be truly thinking about and through ministry. Though I know Fowler is targeting kids, the kind of goals he outlines would be good for reinforcing in adults. We cannot go about ministry haphazardly and somehow hope that it works. We need to have a plan that is infused and informed by the Holy Spirit. Though I think there are some weaknesses and questions about what Fowler proposes, I think he is right on the money overall.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy-to-read, though a bit slow moving at times, Fowler makes the case for parents and churches to work together to teach their kids spiritual (Christian) values ; parents in the home, youth workers in the church. He also shares what to look for in a church program and the need for church depts. to have a comprehensive goal and strategy for what we want our kids to learn.

[Ryan Boomershine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it generally. It's a quick read and strong at pointing parents to keep the end in view, comparing Joseph to the prodigal son, codifying some deliberate steps to take along the way (even if I want to reword them).