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Is homeschool the next frontier for children's ministry?

  • Writer: David Rausch
    David Rausch
  • Mar 27
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Children’s ministry has long focused on reaching kids through church programs —Sunday school, midweek gatherings, and special events. But what if one of the biggest opportunities for ministry isn’t inside the church walls? What if it’s in the homes of families who are taking on the responsibility of educating their children?

 

Did you know...

  • As of 2024, over 3.7 million children in the United States are homeschooled, up from 2.3 million in 2016. (Source.)

  • This accounts for approximately 6.73% of school-age children. (Source.)

  • Alaska has the highest rate of homeschool families in the U.S. at 12.6% while Rhode Island has the lowest at 2.9%. (Source.)

  • Some states like Texas are considering private school vouchers that would impact public school funding and could lead to more families considering homeschooling. (Source.)


Homeschooling is on the rise--especially in America. In recent years, more families have chosen to educate their children at home, driven by a desire for a faith-based education, flexibility, and stronger family connections. Meanwhile, church attendance is on the decline. In the early 2000s, approximately 42% of U.S. adults attended religious services weekly or nearly every week. By 2023, this figure had declined to around 30%. 

 

So what does this mean for KidMin leaders? Do we need to start updating our resumes? 

 

No! (Not yet anyway!)


Instead, I think this shift presents an incredible opportunity for children’s ministry leaders to come alongside homeschooling families, equipping them with resources, encouragement, and discipleship tools.


A Ministry Shift: From Church to Home

For years, children’s ministry has operated under the assumption that kids primarily learn about God at church. While this is still true for many, homeschool families often take a more active role in spiritual instruction throughout the week. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, ministry leaders should view it as an opportunity. By supporting homeschooling parents, we reinforce their role as the primary leaders of faith in their family while strengthening our partnership with them.


How Can Children's Ministry Support Homeschool Families?

  1. Providing Bible-Based Curriculum – Many homeschool families look for high-quality, engaging curriculum to teach their children about God’s Word. Ministries can develop or recommend resources that align with their teaching philosophy and help integrate biblical truth into everyday learning. (Stay tuned for an exciting announcement from the GO! team regarding homeschool curriculum.)

  2. Hosting Homeschool Gatherings – Churches can become a hub for homeschool co-ops, providing space for enrichment classes, field trips, or group learning experiences. Hosting a weekly or monthly gathering focused on biblical learning can foster community while reinforcing faith.

  3. Equipping Parents as Disciple-Makers – Homeschooling parents often feel the weight of responsibility in both education and spiritual formation. Offering training, encouragement, and discipleship tools can empower them to confidently teach their children about faith.

  4. Creating Family-Oriented Events – Homeschool families thrive on experiences they can do together. Events like the Big Drop, Gingerbread Bash, or hands-on mission projects can engage entire families in faith formation.


The Future of Children's Ministry?

As homeschooling grows, children’s ministry leaders have the chance to expand their impact beyond Sunday mornings. By embracing homeschool families, we create deeper discipleship opportunities and equip parents to be spiritual leaders in their homes. The question isn’t if homeschool is the next horizon for children’s ministry—it’s how we will step into it.

 

What do you think? How can children’s ministry better serve parents and homeschool families? Join the conversation on the Children's Ministry Hub Facebook group. 




 

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