Years ago as a new homeschooling mom of 3, I determined I would not have a future Christian homeschool group that included those who were not serving in their local church. At a minimum, an actual believer must attend worship services regularly. The reason is that the major purpose of (my group name) is to foster relationships with like- minded followers of Christ, and my conviction of what that means requires consistent dedication to what the Lord has established clearly for those who identify with Him, namely, being part of a local body of believers.
This sermon outlines the why of this, and may help as you strive to teach/reach your friends and family.
I sent this to those in my homeschool group recently. Might I lose members? Possibly, but I genuinely have a conviction about this matter. I cannot create Christian community with those outside of God's will on this. It is a starting point issue, meaning, we're all being sanctified and growing so will be in different places as we serve and learn, but this matter is a "get in the door " issue. People need to be under the authority of a local pastor to be in my group. That gives me a measure of protection as I say, "Hey, here are fellow Christians for your kids to interact with and Christian moms for you to be friends with." My group is not evangelical in nature.
Warren Wiersbe said it well, "It's dangerous for a believer to separate himself or herself from the rest of God's people and hope to learn the will of God."
an excellent study
