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The Bible teaches that God created two relational insti-
tutions: the family, and the Church. While God also cre-
ated the institution of human government, its purpose
is more judicial rather than relational. Both the family and the
Church are given responsibilities and instructions for care, nur-
turing, support, and reproductive growth of their respective
entities. Government, in its proper biblical role, defends against
evil, ideally making society safe for both the family and the
Church to flourish.
While the two are distinct, there
are so many parallels between the
Church and the family, that Gene
Getz described the family as “the
church in miniature” (The Measure of
a Family, p. 13, 1976, G/L Publications ).
The apostle Paul also used the imag-
ery of family to describe the Church
(e.g., Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 2:19,
and 1 Timothy 3:15). And within the
framework of God’s plan for people,
their missions are parallel: to educate
and disciple their members.
Jesus gave what we call the Great
Commission to the Church (Matthew
28:18-20). As the Church, we are to go into all the world, make
disciples of all the nations, baptize those disciples, and teach
them to observe Christ’s commands. As parents, we are to bring
up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephe-
sians 6:4). Paul’s command is no different than the command giv-
en through Moses to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:6-9,
or the admonition of Asaph in Psalm 78:5-8.
In other words, the family does in miniature what the Church
does on a larger scale - integrating faith and Christian practice
into every aspect of life and learning. For the family to do so
rightly and well, the family must be a part of a larger, local ex-
pression of the Church. It is the Church that is the pillar and sup-
port of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It is the Church that is given the
role of evangelizing and discipling the world. And the reality is,
if we are in Christ, we are part of the Church.
The family does not replace the Church, and the Church does
not replace the family. They are partners, sharing in the respon-
sibilities of discipleship. It is because of the recognition of this
biblical partnership that Homeschool Iowa, the Network of
Iowa Christian Home Educators, is excited to launch its church
and pastoral relations initiative. While home-educated students
make up a rather small percentage of the K-12 population (2.3
million, or just over 4%, see
homeschooling/), the integration of faith and academics in an or-
ganic learning setting represents a miniature replication of how
the Church organically matures believers by speaking biblical
faith to every area of life.
As homeschooling caught hold in Christian families in the ‘80s
and ‘90s, it can’t be denied that there were some bumps in the
road and, at times, strained and even broken, relationships with
local churches and their leaders. This is unfortunate, though a
somewhat common theme in zealous movements throughout
history. But the good news is that history also records how God’s
work continues, how relationships are restored and strength-
ened by God’s mercy and grace, and how iron sharpens iron for
the benefit of all concerned when the Spirit is given control.
The long-term goal of our church
and pastoral relations initiative is to
develop a better, mutually supporting
network of churches, church leaders,
and homeschool families in the state
of Iowa. Many churches have devel-
oped resources that help families in
education and discipleship of their
children. Many homeschool families
have found their churches far more
supportive than they first knew or
expected. Homeschool Iowa wants to
help build bridges between these two
perfect partners -- the local church
and the homeschooling family -- to
help strengthen Christ-centered edu-
cation and discipleship for generations to come.
If you are a pastor or church leader, I’d love to connect with
you. If you’re a homeschooling parent with a supportive local
church, let’s talk. If you’re either a church leader or parent who’s
having a bit of a challenge with “the other side,” I’d like to visit
as well. God’s plan is for the Christian family and the Church to
both demonstrate faith, hope, and love to the world and to one
another until Christ returns. I hope you’ll join me in this new ven-
ture of intentionally and strategically working together toward
that end.
John Desaulniers, Jr, is
Homeschool Iowa’s Church and
Pastoral Liaison. He is a former
pastor of churches in Illinois and
Iowa, and he and his wife, Diane,
served on the Network of Iowa
Christian Home Educators board
for many years. They have four grown homeschooled
children and three young grandchildren. John spent
more than thirty years in the Christian book industry
and now works with churches in Iowa and neighboring
states to help them build relationships and strengthen
ministry in their congregations and communities. He
can be reached at
Perfect Partners
BY JOHN DESAULNIERS, JR.
...the integration of faith and
academics in an organic learning
setting represents a miniature
replication of how the church
organically matures believers
by speaking biblical faith to
every area of life.