Every Christian parent longs to see their prodigal child—or any lost loved one—return to faith. But what if, in our eagerness to “speak truth” and correct their course, we’re actually widening the gap between them and God?

In this eye-opening episode, Catherine welcomes Michael French—an attorney-turned-pastor with decades of experience in both traditional church settings and unconventional, deeply relational ministry. Through friendships forged in unexpected places—from tabletop games to immersive role play—Michael has reached those the Church often overlooks or even avoids: witches, warlocks, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the spiritually wounded.

Michael’s story challenges how we think about evangelism, reminding us that Jesus always led with love before calling for change. He built relationships with the rejected, the broken, and the misunderstood—then spoke truth into hearts softened by compassion. This episode will reshape how you approach the prodigals and lost loved ones in your life—and rekindle hope that no one is too far gone.

Key Insights from the Episode:

🔹 Relationship Before Evangelism
Jesus didn’t start with sermons—He started with dinner. Michael and Catherine unpack how Christ’s method started with relationship before sharing a hard truth. If we want to reach the lost, we must begin with compassion, curiosity, and shared humanity.

🔹 When Love Leads—Transformation Follows
Real change begins when people feel truly seen and heard. Transformation doesn't happen through lectures—it happens through love that listens and stays.

🔹 Truth Without Love Is a Weapon
“Love without truth is a lie. But truth without love is a weapon,” Catherine shares. The episode explores how truth, when delivered without empathy, can become a wedge—especially in families. But truth spoken in love becomes a bridge.

Practical Advice for Parents of Prodigals

• Ditch the Christianese. Speak like a person, not a pulpit.
• Model repentance. Say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me,” for the times that you delivered truth in a harsh way. That humility opens doors.
• Trust the slow process. Progress may be invisible. But even moving from “-6 to -5” matters.
• Let God clean the fish. You’re called to speak truth in love, not to fix. Let Jesus handle transformation.

A Call for Christian Parents

You never have to compromise truth—but you must lead with love.
Is your pursuit of truth drawing your child closer…or pushing them away?

🔹 What apology do you need to make?
🔹 Where can you lead with empathy instead of argument?
🔹 How can you love your prodigal or loved one without conditions—and trust God with the outcome?

This episode is your roadmap to loving like Christ: boldly, compassionately, relationally.
Because love lays the foundation where truth can take root.

About Michael French: A former attorney and long-time pastor, Michael now leads Patria Ministries, a global network of 200+ ministries across 12 countries. He is widely known for ministering in unconventional spaces and loving those who feel deeply rejected by religion. His work is a masterclass in how to hold truth without weaponizing it, and how to love without diluting it.

EPISODE LINKS:

Patria Ministries

The Danger of Speaking Truth without Love by Catherine Segars

📚 For free resources and Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle, visit catherinesegers.com.

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