Bringing Christ-Centered Homeschooling to Life: Insights from Amy Sloan

“Having Christ at the center of our homeschools means more than just isolated Bible lessons. It’s about integrating scripture into every aspect of our day and modeling a Christian life for our children.”

Amy Sloan

I recently sat down for a thought-provoking conversation with Amy Sloan, of Humility and Doxology, delving into the significance of making Christ the center of our homeschool. Offering a wealth of wisdom from her personal experiences, Amy shared valuable insights on nurturing faith, cultivating relationships, and embracing the unique journey of homeschooling. In this article, we will explore the key takeaways from this inspiring interview, highlighting a few powerful quotes from Amy that encapsulate the essence of her message.

“What I’m seeing even more clearly now is just what a gift it is to be able to bring the gospel to bear across everything we’re doing. This is our life, this is God’s world.”

A Comprehensive Christ-Centered Education:

Amy emphasizes the importance of nourishing our children’s hearts, minds, and souls in homeschooling. It goes beyond simply having isolated Bible lessons. Instead, integrating the teachings of Christ into every aspect of life lays a firm foundation for children to deeply understand and connect with their Creator and Savior. By making scripture a seamless part of their daily routines, homeschooling families have the opportunity to instill fundamental Christian values, build a sound Biblical worldview, and foster a genuine love for God’s Word in their children’s hearts.

“We need to prioritize Christ as our ultimate goal, rather than viewing homeschooling as an idol. It is a powerful tool, but not the end-all solution.”

Balancing Priorities and Embracing God’s Sovereignty:

Amy reminds us of the danger of placing too much focus on homeschooling, inadvertently turning it into an idol. While homeschooling undoubtedly offers numerous benefits, it is essential to remember that our ultimate goal is to glorify Christ. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, rather than being consumed by the pressure to achieve specific outcomes through homeschooling, we find peace and freedom from fear and anxiety. Trusting in God’s sovereignty, we can rest assured that He is at work in our children’s lives, even when the journey becomes challenging or veers off the expected path.

Homeschooling to Nurture Faith and Family Bonding:

Throughout our conversation, Amy shared her personal experiences as a homeschooling mom (and second-generation homeschooler herself). She and her husband made the decision to homeschool even before they got married, recognizing the immense value in personalized education and the opportunity to prioritize their faith within their home. By homeschooling, they have been able to spend quality time with their children, witness each of their educational milestones, foster deep sibling connections, and integrate their faith into every aspect of learning.

Navigating Challenges and Encouragement for Parents:

Amy compassionately acknowledged the challenges parents may face during difficult seasons with their children, irrespective of age. She encourages parents to create safe spaces for their children to express their emotions, actively listen to their concerns, and nurture understanding rather than always trying to fix their problems. Sharing her personal struggles, Amy underscored the significance of family worship and the non-negotiable daily practice of devotions as a means to seek God’s guidance and strength – but she also recognizes that, ultimately, the outcome of homeschooling and parenting isn’t up to her. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, is the one who helps us understand and apply the Word of God. It is the Spirit who transforms hearts and enables obedience

Conclusion:

Hopefully, my conversation with Amy will serve as a guiding light for parents embarking on the homeschooling journey. With a resolute focus on Christ-centered education, Amy encourages parents to cultivate a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates scripture, family relationships, and individual faith growth into their homeschooling experiences. By embracing Christ as the ultimate goal, relinquishing control, and trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit, parents can navigate challenges, nurture their children’s hearts, and create an environment where their faith can flourish.

To listen to the full conversation with Amy Sloan, follow the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast on your favorite podcast app and embark on an empowering journey toward Christ-centered homeschooling. Also, please take a minute to share this article or Amy’s interview on social media. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry.

Recommended Resources: 

HumilityandDoxology.com

Homeschool Conversations With Humility and Doxology Podcast

Humility and Doxology on YouTube

Humility and Doxology on Instagram

Humility and Doxology on Facebook

Related Podcast Episodes: 

Teaching the Classical Method – Amy Sloan on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast (Homeschool Surivival Series)

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we bring Christ to the center of our homeschooling in comprehensive ways beyond isolated Bible lessons?

2. What are some tangible ways we can integrate scripture into our daily routines and activities?

3. How can we model repentance and humility to our children, showing them the need for Jesus in our own lives?

4. Have you ever struggled with defining your relationship with your child by a challenging season? How can we avoid this tendency?

5. How can we consistently show unconditional love to our children, even in challenging moments?

6. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate love and affection to our children on a daily basis?

7. How can we ensure that we give equal attention and quality time to all of our children, even if some are easier to parent than others?

8. What are some benefits of homeschooling that you have personally experienced or observed?

9. How do you prioritize integrating your faith into your homeschooling, and how has it impacted your children’s understanding of God’s world?

10. How can we combat the misconception that the “right” curriculum or parenting model guarantees specific outcomes for our homeschooled children?

Read the Full Transcript:

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Unveiling the Truth: Tim Barton on Education and Culture

In the latest episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, Yvette Hampton sits down with Tim Barton, president of WallBuilders, to delve into the crucial links between education, culture, and the Christian faith. Tim Barton, armed with an impressive collection of original documents from America’s founding era, sheds light on the historical foundations that shaped the nation and challenges prevalent narratives that undermine its core values. Join us as we dive into this enlightening conversation on education and culture.

Watch or listen to part 1

1. Taking Action and Making a Difference:

Barton, in his passionate and persuasive manner, emphasizes the importance of Christians getting involved in political and social issues. He stands firm on the need for believers to actively engage with organizations like Planned Parenthood. Barton remarks, “It’s about showing Jesus to people.” He encourages listeners to take action and “raise up leaders who can actually make a difference” in shaping a godly society.

Watch or listen to part 2

2. Equipping the Next Generation:

Drawing inspiration from biblical characters like Daniel, Esther, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Barton underlines the significance of preparing the next generation for the battle of life. He challenges the conventional idea of sending kids to fight battles that even adults struggle with and focuses on the importance of homeschooling. Barton encourages homeschooling parents to set a good example, saying, “We want children to understand truth, but we want them to understand why truth is true.” By homeschooling, parents can equip their children with both knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the confusing narratives prevalent in today’s society.

Watch or listen to part 3

3. Battling Misinformation in Education:

Barton raises numerous concerns about the infiltration of critical race theory and the 1619 Project into schools and even churches. Acknowledging that many parents may believe these divisive concepts are not being taught in their children’s schools, Barton warns that these ideologies might be unknowingly infiltrating classrooms. This issue is further exacerbated by the influx of families turning to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic; he advises caution in using government-funded sources that may promote these harmful ideologies. He expresses concern about the potential impact of these ideologies on the values and beliefs of families and the broader society.

4. A Call to Courage:

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Despite the challenges faced in the present day, Barton believes that it is one of the best times to be a Christian in America due to a growing hunger for truth. He urges Christians to have the courage to stand up for what is right and not be intimidated by the opposing voices. Additionally, Barton emphasizes the importance of raising the next generation with not only the truth but also the ability to defend it through apologetics. He aims to promote love while speaking the truth boldly.

Conclusion:

Tim Barton’s insights on education and culture provide invaluable guidance for Christians who seek to make a positive difference in society. His emphasis on actively engaging in the political process, equipping the next generation, and combating misinformation serves as a clarion call for believers to rise up as influential forces of righteousness. By understanding and embracing the historical foundations of America, Christians can stand firm in their faith while embodying Jesus’ love. To hear more thought-provoking discussions on education, culture, and the Christian faith, tune in to the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast.

Recommended Resources: 

WallBuilders.com

New England Primer (America’s first textbook)

The American Story: The Beginnings, by David Barton and Tim Barton

The American Story – Tim Barton on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast

Rick Green (Wallbuilders) on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast

Garritt Hampton on Wallbuilders Live!

Schoolhouse Rocked – Yvette and Garritt Hampton on Wallbuilders Live!

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important for Christians to get involved in political and social issues, and what role should they play in influencing society?

2. How can we raise up leaders who are equipped to make a positive difference in the world? 

3. Why is it important to prioritize homeschooling and setting a good example for kids, especially in today’s society? 

4. How can parents ensure that their children are not being indoctrinated with false ideologies, and how can they prepare them for discussions about truth in today’s society? 

5. What can we learn from the story of King David, and how can it apply to our lives and leadership today? 

6. How can we encourage balance in understanding American history, despite attempts at cancel culture and biased or incomplete narratives? 

7. How can Christians get involved in the political arena, and why is it important to start small and focus on local issues first? 

8. How does Wall Builders aim to educate people on the truth of American history and heritage, and what resources do they offer? 

9. What was the original purpose of education in America, and how has it evolved over time? 

10. How can we promote religious freedom and morality in public spaces, and what are some examples of this being put into practice?

Read the full interview transcript:

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