Sample Chapter

About

Take heart! God’s grace is for prodigal children (and parents too).

When eighteen-year-old Barbara rejects her parents’ Christianity, God’s grace pursues all three—through grief and conflict to joyful reconciliation. This honest, vulnerable account, written by father and daughter, offers invaluable lessons for parents and children at any age or stage—and for anyone with a prodigal loved one—showing how struggles may be faced with humility, courage, and hope.

Includes questions for group study and discussion.

This third edition has a redesigned cover and interior and features a new foreword from Barbara Miller Juliani.

Endorsements 

“Without exception, this book has encouraged the faith, patience, and wisdom of weary mothers and fathers.”

—Edward T. Welch

“Jill and I saw this remarkable story unfold firsthand. It’s not just the story of a prodigal daughter but also of a father who was acting like the elder son. Dad’s (Jack’s) willingness to first take the beam out of his eye transformed him into the kind of dad a prodigal would want to return to.”

—Paul E. Miller

“Barbara’s ‘comeback’ has meant so much—bearing fruit for the kingdom and sharing the grace of Christ with her family, church, and beyond. I will ‘come back’ to this book again and again as one to share with families who are estranged.”

—Nan Powlison

The Authors

C. John Miller

C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was founder and director of World Harvest Mission (now Serge), and led mission trips to Ireland, Uganda, and other countries. He was the founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations, and the author of several books, including Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless and Come Back, Barbara. His life has been chronicled in the 2020 biography Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller by Michael A. Graham.

More by C. John Miller

Barbara Miller Juliani

Barbara Miller Juliani is vice president and editorial director of New Growth Press, as well as the editor and author of several books and minibooks.

More by Barbara Miller Juliani