Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

The role of the church in homeschooling

Volume 58, Program 28 3/16/2005

Can the church help homeschoolers? Today on Home School Heartbeat , Elizabeth Watkins, the cofounder of the Southern Baptist Church and Home Education Association, talks about the role of the church in helping homeschoolers.

Mike Smith:
Elizabeth Watkins is with me again today. Elizabeth, how can a Southern Baptist church more actively support homeschool families?


Elizabeth Watkins:
Well, the most important thing that the church leadership could do is just recognize that the Christian homeschooling movement really is from God. And I believe He's already begun a revival in His church, because the success of homeschooling is obvious to everyone. I've read George Barna's research on how many young people are walking away from their faith, and the church needs us as much as we need them. SBCHEA can assist churches in establishing homeschool ministries, family-integrated discipleship, libraries, and locating scholarship funds. The churches can offer courses in developing a biblical worldview, and especially the youth minister can provide information on summer camp alternatives, such as ones more focused on worldview and leadership development courses. In turn, we need to be a bold witness for Christ and a biblical model of the family. Because of our bold stand, we're going to be held to a higher standard.


Mike:
Elizabeth, why do churches view homeschoolers as a threat?


Elizabeth:
Well, I don't think we don't quite fit in with their program. Because it's a lifestyle choice, God is renewing our mind, and we are not wanting to be separated from our families when we go to church. And that is definitely not the norm for a traditional church structure.


Mike:
Well, thank you, Elizabeth. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.

For more details on the ministry of the Southern Baptist Church and Home Education Association, visit our website at www.homeschoolheartbeat.com. Or call us toll-free, 1-866-338-8614.