Work It Wednesday: How to Get High School Credit for Ministry

I love homeschooling. It's real life. It's a lifestyle of learning. It's families growing closer. It children growing up to be world changers. It's  the opportunity to explore so many possibilities. It's a blast! 

My husband and I are firmly committed to our local church. We have lived this way since we both gave our hearts to Christ as teenagers. 

We love ministry! As our children grow up, they join us in ministry. They help in the nursery, teach Sunday school, mix sound, play on the worship team, sing on the worship team, mentor other believers, lead Bible studies, and serve in practical ways all before they turn 18. 

Shouldn't they get some high school credit for that?

I believe that they should! 

Teens lean so much with hands-on ministry. Our teens have learned about sound technology, singing, music, child development, counseling, mentoring, web design, making flyers, creating brochures, leading meetings, building, decorating, hosting conferences, speaking at conferences, and more! 

Ministry has not just been an opportunity to serve others and the Lord, it has been an open door to knowledge and wisdom they will reap the benefits of for years to come. 

So how do you turn ministry into high school credit?

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I gave my children course credit for some of their ministry. 

Here's an example. Jimmy served on the sound time all through high school. He logged many hours setting up equipment, mixing sound, and managing the rest of the team. 

Here's how I turned it into a one-credit sound technology course. 

I listed all the workshops he participated in and books he had read. 

I bought some worship/sound instructional Dvds for him to watch. 

I listed the times he was mentored by the sound team leader. 

I listed all the times Jimmy mentored new sound team members. 

I listed all the times he mixed sound or managed the stage--this was the application or lab section. 

Once I had this list I saw that it was full of instruction.

If at this point you are putting together a class and you don't have anything on your list that is instructional, you can find some books, Dvds, YouTube videos, and magazine articles, as well as mentoring opportunities. 

Finally, I gave him a few extra assignments to help him be more effective in sound ministry like watching some worship/sound YouTube videos and interviewing some sound team leaders. 

I used all the hands-on ministry as lab or application time. You can do the same thing with whatever course you are putting together. 

For example if your daughter is teaching Sunday school, teacher training sessions would be instructional. You could also have her read some books and articles.  

Remember, homeschooling is about equipping our sons and daughters for real life. What a great opportunity they have to explore so many things before they venture out on their own. 

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If you are homeschooling teens, I have written a book just for you. 

Laura and I have spent countless hours talking to other moms who are just about to homeschool high school. We give them practical tips and share the wisdom we have acquired. 

We want to share that with you. 

Unlocking the Mysteries of Homeschooling High School is like combining all of those talks into one longer talk. Well, actually, a book. If you would like to learn more about Unlocking the Mysteries of Homeschooling High School, visit this page. You can purchase the print book at Amazon and the E-book at PayHip or Currclick. 

Until next time, Happy Homeschooling!

Warmly, 
​Meredith Curtis

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