Why should churches partner with Principle Approach® homeschoolers?

Are you a pastor who is considering hosting a homeschool group in your church (or maybe a Christian school)? Are you hoping to help meet the need for Christian children to receive a Christian education in this way? You’re in the right place to learn about why churches should partner with Principle Approach® homeschoolers.

Many pastors are keenly aware, as are many Christian parents, that many youth tend to leave the church in their twenties. Plus, several Christians find themselves asking: Are Christians the Losers in History? To be sure, we know how it all ends. But, right here and right now, are we the losers? Many think that we are and the effect is apathy or a nihilist view of life. Needless to say, this is concerning to both pastors and parents.

There are many positive things about several educational philosophies and methods homeschoolers use. However, the Principle Approach® is distinct in that it teaches how to think and reason Biblically. Academics were never meant to be divorced from Creator God—He’s the Author of each and every subject. Indeed, this impacts every facet of life.

Therefore, we’d like you to “meet” Dan Smithwick of Nehemiah Institute. He invented the PEERS Worldview Test—Politics, Economics, Education, Religion, and Social Issues. Of course, these five areas incorporate all of life. As such, they are important to pastors and Christian parents. For this reason, Christian children need to learn how to think and reason Biblically in these areas.

In fact, Nehemiah Institute has partnered with the Foundation for American Christian Education on this important mission. As you listen to this conversation, please consider why hosting a Principle Approach homeschool group could be a great idea for your church.

You may learn more about the challenges of our nation’s character in this podcast episode with Dr. Brenda MacMenamin. In this episode, Dr. Brenda MacMenamin shares about what her experience is like working with Dan Smithwick.

Christian Churches Share the Same Heart and Mission

Many pastors are frustrated with the public school system and the fruit that it bears. And, this is where the Principle Approach® is key to:

• helping children love learning
• to think and reason Biblically
• see Christ as the Focal Point of history (His-Story)
• think internal-to-external and cause-to-effect
• make Biblio-centrical learning a life-long habit
• develop the Christian character and leadership our nation needs
• nurture Christian self-government in the individual

Stephanie Holler is a pastors wife and she’s a founder of True Foundation—a homeschool hyrbrid group—in Tulsa, OK. She explains why they’ve chosen the Principle Approach® vs. any other educational philosophy and method out there. True Foundations is out of Real Church in Tulsa, OK. This is just one of several homeschool groups, churches, and private Christian schools using the Principle Approach®.

Nation Makers is an Easy Place for Churches and Homeschool Groups to Start

Christine Lovett of Real Church, Tulsa, OK explains the impact Nation Makers has had on her and her husband (who is a pastor). By the way, this personal testimony may inspire more pastors to implement it in their church membership courses.

While this is being used as a part of their church membership course, it’s an easy place for parents forming homeschool groups to start on their Principle Approach® journey.

Nation Makers may be purchased through our store here.

The Principle Approach®is a Natural Extension of Parenting and the Church

In general, homeschooling is a natural extension of parenting. Since parents are to disciple their children and the church is to support the family, the Principle Approach® is a natural extension of the church mission. More than telling students that subjects are Gospel-centered, it teaches students how to think and reason that it is so. Additionally, it teaches students of Natural Law and Nature’s God.

Family has an important role to be salt and light to the world. Needless to say, this is the original design for family—whether a family unit or the family of Christ as a whole. God’s word is power and truth and we’re to impact the world with it. Therefore, training disciples how to think and reason Biblically in all areas of life needs to be central to one’s education.

James V. Kilkenny is the founder of Christian Heritage School and Teachers for the Nations at the YWAM in Tyler, Texas. He is with Jesus now. But, he was intentional about choosing the Principle Approach® philosophy and method of education for discipleship.

Joshua and Sarah Vaughn are the founders of KLIP International Christian school in Reedley, California. This is what Joshua has to say about choosing the Principle Approach® for their homeschool which transitioned into a Christian school.

Principle Approach® Curriculum and Resources for Churches and Homeschoolers

Individuals may apply the Principle Approach® philosophy and method to the Christian curriculum they are using. But, if individuals are looking for a curriculum which already applies it, they may appreciate the Noah Plan® curriculum. Additionally, there are other resources to use in one’s homeschool as they apply this philosophy and method in their homeschools.