Prodigals

"Greg’s book is a vulnerable and thoughtful exploration of each sentence in the story of the prodigal. His writing is so honest that I was invited into the same kind of honesty about my own place in Jesus’s powerful parable.”  

—Sara Gaston Barton, Pepperdine University Chaplain and author of A Woman Called

“Broken heartedness and rejection, especially when dealt through misguided faith by friends or loved ones, carry a pain that is both traumatizing and spiritually confusing. However, God’s grace, as exhibited by the father who welcomed back his prodigal son, is an anthem that can shatter the years, and even decades, of deep-recessed, soul-scarring pain. Greg Taylor’s book reminds us heart-wrenching hurt is nothing new in the world. But, what is new is our continued rediscovery of God’s grace, which, like the eternal home He has prepared for each of us, has no end. Thank you, Greg, for the reminder that all of us are lost . . . but are capable of being found again.”

—Andy Taylor, editor, Montgomery County Chronicle

“I'm a prodigal. You're a prodigal. We're all prodigals. Greg's latest book firmly but graciously reminds us of our prodigal nature, but, unlike so many authors who have interpreted this most significant parable, Greg will help you find your way home.”

—Dr. Jack R. Shock, Distinguished Professor of Communication, Harding University

“Greg Taylor opens up Jesus’s story of the son returned from the far country in a way you’ve never seen it opened before. He makes room for all of us in the younger son’s story. Our wanderings, our self-deceptions, our restlessness, our prodigality. Most of all, we see the Father’s love and, through it, how to find home.”

—Leonard Allen, Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry, Lipscomb University, and author of Poured Out

“In the tradition of Nouwen and Keller and with a vulnerability that identifies with both sons in this parable, Greg illuminates every line in the parable through the lenses of its historical setting, its theological meaning, and his own experiences as a minister, missionary, and parent. This book moved my heart, encouraged me with its vision of God, and generated a healthy conversation with my own soul. Whether you have read Nouwen and Keller or not, this book will help you understand both God and yourself. Take it up and read.”

—John Mark Hicks, Professor of Theology, Lipscomb University, author of Around the Bible in 80 Days and Searching for the Pattern

“In a time when so many are feeling lost, Greg Taylor’s patient examination of the Prodigal Son parable is a timely reminder that Jesus is in the business of finding those who are lost and welcoming home all of us who are prodigal sons and daughters.”

—Amy Bost-Henegar, pastor, preacher, chaplain

“Weaving together personal stories, the stories of others, and scholarly commentary, Taylor takes us on a journey through the parable, tearing down walls between prodigals and non-prodigals and inviting us to imagine that we are all prodigals trying to find our way home. He writes with a vulnerability that allows the reader to confess their shortcomings without shame, thus opening a path to a closer relationship with God and community.”

—Rev. Dr. Karen L. Robu, Associate Minister, Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita, KS; Assistant Professor of Communication Arts, Director of Theater, Bethel College; author of the play Suffering Church

“Greg has personally lavished God’s prodigal love on me by giving this Cerebral Palsied minister of the gospel my first published writing, which mobilized me to write a book. Now, Greg Taylor does not let you miss out on God’s generous love like the younger prodigal wastes his fortune. I say ‘younger’ because my heart and mind are transformed by these pages. I see prodigal living in each person in this relevant story, including me. This mind-altering book destroys the ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality. I’m now mobilized by rediscovering the prodigal love and grace of God. God has been prodigal, lavishly generous with his love to us all! Greg shows us how. I’m so thankful for this critical life-giving resource on my twenty-five-year-old ministry bookshelf.”

—Todd Lollar, Founder of Mobilize Ministries, author of Weak Is the New Strong: God’s Perfect Power In You

“Greg somehow manages to both call out my natural older brother tendencies and reveal there’s more younger brother in me than I care to admit, while also challenging me to become more like the extravagant father who makes this story worth telling in the first place.”

—Wade Hodges, Lead Minister, Greenville Oaks Church of Christ

“As someone who comes from a Christian family, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the well-known parable of the prodigal son from a refreshingly unique perspective. From revelations about mission trips in Uganda to how faith impacts family relationships, Prodigals honestly and transparently portrays the experiences of a man who wants others to take an introspective journey.”

—Deon Osborne, Managing Editor for The Black Wall Street Times

“Greg’s use of the chapter headings as a way to walk through the parable was masterful. Beautiful. Perfect. His personal stories were so enjoyable and were lovely glimpses of faithfulness. The message I came away with is this: We are not gatekeepers of the kingdom of God; only messengers. God behaves how God behaves, and if God welcomes the prodigal, praise be to God—for I am the prodigal.”

—Brent Abney