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Few conversations in the church today are as emotionally charged as the debate over public school, private school, and homeschooling. Since COVID, this discussion has intensified—especially among Christian parents and pastors who feel the weight of discipling the next generation in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

In this episode, Ryne and Keith explore how youth pastors can engage this conversation with wisdom, humility, and real ministry experience—without turning schooling choices into spiritual litmus tests.

Why This Conversation Feels So Heated Right Now

The tension around schooling isn’t happening in a vacuum. Two major shifts are driving the intensity:

1. A renewed emphasis on holistic discipleship
   Today’s parents are taking greater ownership of discipling their children—not just spiritually, but relationally, emotionally, and intellectually. Many are determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations where theological soundness didn’t always translate into healthy family life.
2. A significant shift in public school culture and worldview
   Public schools have not “always been the same.” What was once broadly compatible with a Christian worldview has, in many regions, shifted into open resistance—particularly toward Christian clubs and faith-based expression. Importantly, this resistance often comes not from students, but from administrative systems and policies.

Because of these changes, parents are asking deeper questions: What environment is shaping my child? Who is discipling them daily? And how involved am I in that process?

Avoiding Blanket Statements and Fear-Based Decisions

One of the strongest takeaways from the conversation is this: Scripture does not mandate a single schooling option for Christian families. Declaring one choice as universally “sinful” or “faithful” goes beyond what the Bible teaches. Ryne and Keith are clear—decisions rooted primarily in fear are rarely wise. While discernment is necessary, fear-driven choices can unintentionally shield kids instead of preparing them. Christian parents are called not just to protect their children, but to train them to become resilient, discerning followers of Jesus who can engage the world faithfully.

Every Child, Every Year, Every Context Is Different

A recurring theme is that schooling decisions should be:

• Child-by-child
• Year-by-year
• Context-specific

What works for a five-year-old may not be right for a fifteen-year-old. What’s healthy in one school district may be harmful in another. Even within the same family, different children may thrive in different environments.

Ryne shares how his family’s journey shifted from public school to homeschooling during the pandemic—first out of necessity, and later out of conviction. Even now, their approach remains flexible, including online Christian academies and the possibility of public school later on.

What Youth Pastors See That Parents Often Don’t

Youth ministry offers a unique vantage point. Pastors regularly observe patterns across all schooling backgrounds—and those patterns often defy stereotypes.

• Homeschooled and private school students:
  Many are spiritually grounded and relationally strong, especially girls. However, some older boys struggle to feel needed or challenged, particularly in environments that are highly structured, insulated, or predominantly female-led.
• Public school students:
  While often more immersed in cultural pressures (especially in middle school), many high schoolers develop deep spiritual maturity precisely because they face resistance and must actively defend their faith.

Across the board, one truth stands out:

Some of the most godly students—and some of the most spiritually apathetic—come from every schooling background.

Schooling alone does not produce disciples. Intentional parenting and discipleship do.

The Parent’s Role Is Primary—No Matter the School

Regardless of schooling choice, parents remain the primary disciple-makers of their children. Schools—public, private, or homeschool—cannot outsource that responsibility.

That means:

• Staying engaged with your child’s environment
• Showing up to games, events, and community spaces
• Knowing what your kids are being exposed to
• Training them to engage culture thoughtfully, not naively

Ryne emphasizes that parents should observe environments firsthand—whether that’s a public school football game or the social dynamics of a homeschool co-op. Awareness matters.

Guidance for Youth Pastors

For youth pastors navigating this conversation with families:

• Lead with grace, not judgment
• Share real ministry experience, not ideological talking points
• Encourage discernment without fear
• Support parents even when their choices differ

Youth pastors are uniquely positioned to help families think clearly—but must resist shaping the conversation around what benefits the youth program rather than what benefits the child.

Final Takeaway

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Christian parents and pastors are called to seek wisdom, remain flexible, and stay deeply involved in the spiritual formation of their children. Schooling decisions can change—and sometimes should. What matters most isn’t where kids go to school, but who is discipling them, how intentionally they’re being trained, and whether decisions are being made in faith rather than fear.