How Churches Can Help Homeschooling Families

Homeschooling gives parents the opportunity to provide a Christ-centered education for their children without government influence or involvement. As our culture becomes increasingly hostile towards Christ and His Gospel, more parents than ever are seeking alternatives to government (public) schools. As more and more parents take ownership of their children’s education, training them up in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, pastors must come alongside. Pastors have the unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shepherding and assisting the parents in their congregations. Parents can easily become overwhelmed with the responsibility of educating their children. A knowledgeable pastor can be an invaluable resource, bringing encouragement and tangible support to the families who need it. This article created by CHEA proves pastors with a basic understanding of homeschooling and its structure. To view, click below!

Linked below is a page full of important information on homeschooling. A pastor who is knowledgeable about the issues and structures of his homeschool community will be more effective in guiding them. We strongly encourage you to look through these materials and develop a deeper understanding of the issues and structure of your homeschool families. For more resources on the legality of homeschooling, click below.

How Churches Can Help Homeschooling Families
(And Why They Should)

The Biblical mandate for parents to train up their children is clear! God has ordained for parents to be the primary caregivers and teachers of their children. The church should be first in line to support parents in this God-given role.

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when your rise”
– Deuteronomy 6:7

Home education is flourishing as many Christian families choose to apply Biblical principles to the training and education of their children. Though private home education is certainly supported by the principles of Scripture, it is not an easy path to follow. The Biblical mandate for parents is clear. How are you going to help families as they strive to fulfill it? Families that are dedicated to private home education need support and encouragement, and the church is uniquely positioned to offer this help.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
– Ephesians 6:4

The Bible describes three spheres of authority – family, church, and civil government. Children are under their parent’s authority as part of the family sphere. It is not for the government (public schools are part of that sphere) or the church to raise them. For more information on this important topic, please see FPM’s article on authority at: fpmca.org/authority.

“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

(1 Corinthians 11:3)

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with His own blood.”

(1 Peter 2:13-17)

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor supreme, or the governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor”.

(1 Peter 2:13-17)

The church must support families who are choosing to not invite the government into their homes and family life. Support those who are walking in faith – looking to the Lord and not the world for guidance in raising their children. The church is never to take the place of parents, but must come along and offer meaningful support. Homeschooling families need to know they have the support of their pastors as they seek to follow the Lord in raising their children.

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
– Proverbs 1:8

Support home education from the pulpit (so your congregation understands the unique importance of private home education). Offer prayer and verbal encouragement to the homeschoolers in your congregation.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
– 2 Timothy 2:15

Make sure you understand the difference between private and public education. Private home education operates under private school law in California. Private home educators receive no government funds and are not under government authority. Charter schools, even those operating exclusively in the home, are part of the public school system. They receive government funds and are under government control. Visit Fpmca.org/vcd21session12/ to gain more insight on this topic.

Help your congregation understand private, Christian home education is the only way parents can truly raise their children up with a Christ-centered world view in their education. Highlight the benefit of parents educating and discipling their children in the Christian faith.

Have language in your church constitution that supports private, Christian home education.

Set up a donation-funded scholarship program to assist families who need financial help with curriculum, etc.

If your church already has a co-op or school in place, talk to their leadership about ways the church can come alongside families and the existing group.

• Consider insurance and liability.
• Consider the group philosophy

Will your group be open to church members only? Other Christians? The community at large? For example, are you looking to host a group that will be open to the community and evangelistic, or do you desire to equip families in your church and support them as they disciple their children?

Pros and Cons of Private Homeschool

Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

A Single-Family Private Homeschool

Some Practical Ways to Help

Churches can readily assist in providing for some tangible needs of homeschoolers. Simply opening your facility to private home educators can provide a significant means of support. Churches can also provide financial assistance to families through funds or scholarships for curriculum expenses.

Rent to a Homeschool Co-op (weekly, monthly, for academic classes, special events or play days). Consider alleviating the financial challenge of private education by allowing homeschooling families in your congregation to meet at no cost.
Host special events such as a Sports Day, Mom’s Morning Out, or a homeschool graduation ceremony.
Provide internships for homeschool teens (office work, A/V operation, website design, worship team, sunday school, Adventure Club, groundskeeping, building maintenance and repair).
Provide a lending library (classic literature, biographies, Christian homeschool curriculum, wholesome families movies and educational DVD’s).

Provide babysitting for ladies’ Bible studies and other women’s events. Encourage parents to lean on their church family rather than the government by supporting moms and enabling them to attend events. Moms need the opportunity to connect with other women for encouragement and fellowship.

Retirees can teach or tutor in you church’s co-op. Members of your congregation can give lessons:

Seasoned homeschooling parents can serve as mentors to families just starting out. Help facilitate this by connecting new parents with veterans through panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

• Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA) – cheaofca.org
• Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) – hslda.org