Gregg Harris (My Dad) on Educational Options

This week I posted a video of comments I made to our church about the importance of maintaining unity in the gospel even when we choose to educate our children differently. I've been encouraged by the feedback I've gotten so far. My father, Gregg Harris, who was one of the pioneers of the homeschool movement from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s stopped by the blog and left a comment. I thought his words were so helpful that they deserved to be post. I share my father's thoughts here for your benefit.

Hey Josh, this is your dad. Just for the record, I heartily agree with what you have said so well in this video clip. Educational choices have always been a matter of parental responsibility, not of some extra-biblical standard. Every householder should make an informed decision before God. All should research their local schools, public and private and become fully convinced in the way in which he (or she) decides to use his God-given liberty under the Lordship of Christ to bear the best and most abundant fruit he can for the glory of God.

The only moral issue at stake is whether we are willing to walk in the obedience of our faith in God and His will as we understand it from the Scriptures. Though wisdom and foolishness are called into play, there is no moral superiority to be found in any one educational option. Though dilligence is required of all three options, only our labor in Christ will not be in vain. Then, as the relative fruit of each option is put on display in time, may we all be humble enough to change our ways as needed in order to bear even better fruit for God.

Not all options seem to be equally fruitful thus far. But as a long-time home-schooling father and Christian home-schooling advocate I can honestly say that every option, including home schooling has its problems (as you well know). So, pick your problems, and by the grace of God deal with those problems as they arise. Our family has chosen the problems that come with home schooling. But, as you have said, we pray for all of our fellow parents and their children that God will mercifully bless their efforts to be faithful. We are all one in the body of Christ and that should allow us to support one another wholeheartedly in spite of our differing convictions on how to educate our children. Good job, Josh. I am so pleased with you and your service as a father, a pastor and just as my son. I love you. - Dad

For those who don't know, my dad is the pastor of Household of Faith Community Church in Gresham, Oregon. You can also purchase messages from my dad at Noble Books. You can also read more from him at his blog.

And for Covenant Life folks, my dad will be preaching at our church on July 27, the day after he and my brothers Alex and Brett teach at the Rebelution Conference to be held at Covenant Life, Saturday, July 26. I encourage you to sign-up for that. It's going to be a great day.

Note: The picture above is of (l-r), Alex, Brett, Isaac, Joel and my Dad earlier this year.