Book Review: Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids by Larry Fowler

Book Description:

Imagine this scenario for a typical teenager in your church: 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 roller coaster 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.

My thoughts:
When I saw Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids by Larry Fowler and was instantly interested since the story of Joseph is one my favorite and my husband and I have been trying to instill the Word of God into our children.

It was very interesting to see the contrast between Joseph and the Prodigal Son that the author shows in the beginning of the book. Of course, I believe most Christian parents are wanting to raise their child to be like Joseph vs. the Prodigal Son. Then the author shows how we need to have a clear vision for our children by showing 5 specific character qualities that were woven through out Joseph's life and the importance of weaving them into our children's lives. At this point the book takes a turning point and shows how churches are not working together in their children's ministry and that the need that all that children and youth ministries need to work with parents concerning the spiritual development of their children. I wasn't quite expecting this turn and I have been thinking over the ideas presented. I noticed there is another book, How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph: A Practical Guide for Growing Great Kids by Linda Massey Weddle and may help in implementing this idea since it is a little unclear on the "how". Overall, I found that this book have given me a lot of food for thought and I will probably revisit it in a few months.