We’ve been privileged in these last few years in our position as CHEC’s Support Group Leader Liaison to speak with many different leaders around Colorado and some beyond the borders of our state.

Without a doubt, the most pressing concern is how to get and retain good volunteers so that our groups function well.  Most other service type groups suffer from this same complaint.

The second most pressing concern deals with the different ways to homeschool and how we include or exclude folks who don’t fit into the category of Christian homeschooling.  Many Christian groups desire to be an outreach to homeschoolers and open membership to those legally homeschooling, however they reserve leadership positions for fellow Christians.  Other groups choose to limit membership to only like-minded Christians, or those who are like-minded in method of teaching (such as Charlotte Mason, Classical, Principle Approach, etc.)

Homeschooling has grown so much that we can now have groups that represent different priorities, styles of teaching and philosophies, and that is a good indication of the maturation of the movement.

One of the “types” of homeschoolers that are often excluded are those who chose to do COVA-type programs at home.  Those who chose this method are technically under the auspices of the public school system and not homeschooling; however the impression they have and many out in the world have is that they are homeschooling because instruction is taking place in the home.  They have a fragrance of what homeschooling is like, but they are not in charge and in control of the learning program, and so the full aroma of the freedom of homeschooling eludes them.  Excluding them from Christian homeschool support groups causes consternation because they believe they are homeschooling, even though they are not.

The movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson portrays a strong man who is devoted to his conviction of freedom from the English throne.  There are many historical inaccuracies in the movie, even when you consider that artistic license was used to create a more compelling story.  Unfortunately, not just with Braveheart, but with many cinematic offerings, the general public does not know differently so their knowledge of historical figures and events is completely influenced by the movies they watch.  This philosophy holds true for homeschooling as well.  The mainstream media’s biased reporting of events has been accused of influencing this past election.  People’s perceptions are shaped by language and behaviors that are familiar to them and come from trusted sources.  Studying and discovering that their perceptions may be wrong are pursuits that people don’t have the time to indulge in, so they are left with the powerful images and words before them.  All these examples show us that we must be vigilant in our words and deeds in presenting the truth so that we do not lose the battle of perception.

As leaders, we need to be certain what our convictions are, implement them in our groups and then lead by example not only in our groups, but also in our lives.  Imitation, although the sincerest form of flattery, is still not the real thing.

Abiding in His gracious peace, love and mercy,

Mike and Paula

Psalm 100:5  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

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