Children as Missionaries in Public Schools
When I first began homeschooling, I quickly realized that it came with a lot of questions—and even more opinions. Yes, even beyond, “What about socialization?!”
One argument I heard more than once was this: “Christian kids should be in public schools so they can be salt and light to the other students.” I understand the sentiment. I truly do. Evangelizing our culture is part of the Christian mission. But I firmly disagree.
When I first began my homeschool journey, I attended a party where I met a friend of a friend—a public school teacher and a devout evangelical Christian. He was pleasant enough at first, but when he discovered I was a homeschooler, his demeanor changed. His tone became sharp, and his words serious: “You homeschoolers are part of the problem.”
I was a little stunned. What problem?
He explained that each year, on the first day of school, he would ask his students to raise their hands if they were Christians. (Yes, I was surprised by that, too, but that’s another topic.) He said that over the years, fewer and fewer hands went up. He believed it was because so many Christian parents were pulling their children from the system to homeschool. To him, we were retreating from the battlefield.
He asked, “How are we supposed to convert the non-believers if all the Christians leave?”
Children Need Formation—Not a Frontline
It was a sincere question. But also a deeply misguided one, in my opinion at least.
Because here’s the thing: that’s a heavy burden to place on children. Especially when they are still forming their identities, their character, and their understanding of the faith.
Children are naturally impressionable. Their job at this stage in life isn’t to be missionaries. Their job is to grow in wisdom, virtue, and faith under their parents’ loving protection and guidance.
If anyone is called to be salt and light in the public square, it’s us, the adults. The parents. We are the ones spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually equipped to engage the culture and lead others to Christ.
The Home is Our Training Ground
Children need formation before mission. They need a strong foundation. Ideally, they need a home and an education immersed in truth, beauty, and goodness. A place where their Catholic worldview can take deep root before they face a world eager to pull it out by the roots.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we bubble-wrap our kids and hide from the world. Far from it. But it does mean that we recognize the difference between preparation and deployment.
Let’s raise children so rooted in their faith that when the time comes, they can be that salt and light. Not because they’ve been sent too soon into battle, but because they’re mature, grounded, and ready to fight the good fight with clarity and courage.
Your Mission First: Raising Disciples
Until then, we disciple our children first. That’s our calling as parents. And it’s not something we can, or should, outsource to systems that don’t share our values.
So no, our kids aren’t missionaries in public schools. They are souls entrusted to our care. Let’s not send them into the storm without first giving them the necessary armor and an anchor in Christ.
Would you like to continue the conversation? If so, join me and other homeschooling parents in the Homeschool Connections Facebook Group or the HSC Community. We’d love to hear how you prepare your children to be salt and light.
