Hit the  Button

Based on the sermon *Hit the Home Button* (Luke 15:11–24; John 14:6).

Icebreaker (10 min)

Question: Describe an experience when you felt lost. (physically or spiritually). How did it feel when you finally “found your way home”?

Starter Answer (Bible): The prodigal son felt broken and hungry but coming home brought restoration (Luke 15:17–20).

Starter Answer (BeTheDads.com): We all have seasons of being “lost,” but God calls us to lead our families home, by walking with Him.

Opening Reflection (5 min)

The sermon reminded us: we all drift, but God is waiting for us to “hit the home button” and return. Jesus is the only way home (John 14:6).

Discussion 1: Recognizing Our Lostness (Luke 15:17–19)

Question: What causes us as dads to drift away from God?

Starter Answer (Bible): “All have sinned and fall short” (Romans 3:23). The son came to his senses when he realized his brokenness.

Starter Answer (BeTheDads.com): From the article Lost and Found or Lost and Saved? (https://bethedads.com/2022/12/is-it-lost-and-found-or-lost-and-saved/) – we often forget eternity and focus on temporary things.

Discussion 2: The Narrow Way Home (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13–14)

Question: Why is Jesus the only way home, and how do we model this for our kids?

Starter Answer (Bible): Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Starter Answer (BeTheDads.com): From Lost and Found or Lost and Saved? – Dads must point kids to Jesus, not culture’s “wide road” (https://bethedads.com/2022/12/is-it-lost-and-found-or-lost-and-saved/).

Discussion 3: Embrace the Father’s Grace (Luke 15:20–24)

Question: How should we respond to our children’s failures?

Starter Answer (Bible): The father ran to his son with compassion (Luke 15:20–24). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Starter Answer (BeTheDads.com): From Lost and Found or Lost and Saved?” (https://bethedads.com/2022/12/is-it-lost-and-found-or-lost-and-saved/) – God’s forgiveness shows us how to extend grace at home.

Article Connection (5 min)

Read: Is it lost and found or lost and saved?

👉 URL: ” (https://bethedads.com/2022/12/is-it-lost-and-found-or-lost-and-saved/)

Key Thought: Our calling as dads is to help our families not just be “found” but truly saved—walking daily with Jesus.

Wrap-Up & Call to Action (10 min)

• Each dad shares one step to “hit the home button” this week (prayer, forgiveness, family time, Bible habit).

• Close in prayer: Thank God that He runs to us with grace.

Leader’s Guide and Tips:

Welcome to Session 12: “Being Dads that Know How to Turn Back and Head Home.” In this session, our goal is to help you understand your role in leading your family spiritually. We will explore key biblical principles, reflect on personal experiences, and discuss practical steps to extend grace, recognize our own lostness, and guide our families towards a closer walk with Jesus. By the end of this session, you will have actionable insights and strategies to strengthen your family’s spiritual journey.

Discussion Sections:

1. Recognizing Our Lostness (Luke 15:17–19)

Question: What causes us as dads to drift away from God?

• Interactive Element: Create small groups and have each group discuss and list common distractions or challenges that cause dads to drift away from God. Each group can then share their findings with the larger group.
• Practical Example: Share a personal testimony or invite a guest speaker to talk about a time when they felt spiritually lost and how they found their way back to God.

2. The Narrow Way Home (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13–14)

Question: Why is Jesus the only way home, and how do we model this for our kids?

• Interactive Element: Role-play scenarios where dads can practice explaining to their children why Jesus is the only way home. This can help dads feel more confident in having these important conversations.
• Practical Example: Provide real-life examples of how other dads have successfully modeled their faith to their children, including specific actions and behaviors.

3. Embrace the Father’s Grace (Luke 15:20–24)

Question: How should we respond to our children’s failures?

• Interactive Element: Conduct a group activity where dads brainstorm and role-play different ways to respond to their children’s failures with grace and compassion. This can help dads develop a more empathetic approach.
• Practical Example: Share stories or case studies of how extending grace in difficult situations has positively impacted family relationships.