The What

Overview: ​

Imagine if your church could offer Christ-centered education to every family—without becoming a private school, without straining the budget—and actually bring mothers and fathers back into discipleship at home. That’s the vision of Psalms 78 Ministry.”

“Scripture is clear: education is discipleship. From Deuteronomy 6 to Psalm 78, God calls parents and the faith community to teach children diligently. The first classroom was the home, the first teachers were parents, and the first textbook was God’s Word.
But our culture treats education as ‘neutral.’ Jesus says there is no neutral: ‘Whoever is not with Me is against Me’ (Matt. 12:30). When learning leaves God out, kids don’t just miss Bible class; they absorb a worldview that shapes identity, morality, and purpose—without Christ at the center.
We’re not condemning faithful Christians in public schools—we honor them. We’re simply saying the Church can do more than wish for prayer to return to classrooms. We can reclaim education as discipleship and make it accessible to ordinary families.”

“What is it? Not a private school. Not solo homeschooling.

It’s a church-based educational community with two settings that work in rhythm:

1. Co-Op Learning Days at the church—two days a week of worship, core subjects through a biblical worldview, and fellowship, led by gifted believers in the congregation.
    

2. Shepherd Homes—small, home-based learning pods on other days where facilitators supervise core work from parent-chosen curriculum and offer enrichment tracks (service, creation care, craftsmanship, leadership, the arts).
   Parents remain the primary educators; the church provides covering, community, and discipleship. This model removes barriers—serving working parents, those who don’t feel equipped to homeschool alone, and families who can’t afford private school. It also provides a dignified income path for moms or dads who want to come home and serve as Shepherd facilitators.”
    

“The result? Kids are discipled in truth. Parents are strengthened. The church becomes a weekly hub of worship, learning, and mentorship. Education shifts from a private struggle to a shared ministry—‘in the temple courts and from house to house’ (Acts 2:46). We’re not just changing study habits; we’re forming hearts and advancing the Kingdom.”

 

How Co-Op Learning and Shepherd Homes Work Together

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The beauty of this model lies in its rhythm — a seamless blend of community learning and home discipleship that mirrors the heart of the early Church.

• Co-Op Learning Days (2 days/week on the church campus): Families gather for worship, collaborative academics, and fellowship. These days offer structure, accountability, and connection for both students and parents.

• Shepherd Homes (remaining days in home pods): Children continue learning in a smaller, home-style environment where faith-based instruction and enrichment take place.

The partnership creates a balance between corporate discipleship and personal mentoring:

• At the Co-Op: Students learn together, worship together, and build friendships that reinforce their faith. They see the Body of Christ working in unity and experience the joy of learning within a broader community.

• At the Shepherd Home: Learning becomes personal, relational, and hands-on. Children explore the world through God’s truth in daily life, guided by caring facilitators who nurture their faith and curiosity.

“They met together in the temple courts and broke bread in their homes…” — Acts 2:46 (NIV)

Together, these settings provide a complete educational and spiritual ecosystem — one that teaches children what to know, how to live, and who they are in Christ.
Through this model, churches can ensure that children are both grounded in Scripture and connected to community — growing in wisdom, character, and love for God.

 Co-Op Learning Days (Church Campus)

Gathering Rhythm: Families gather twice a week for collaborative learning at the church.

Subjects Covered: Bible, language arts, science, math, history, and life skills — all taught through a biblical worldview.

Who Serves: Volunteer teachers and mentors from the congregation use their God-given talents to serve. Worship, prayer, and discipleship are woven into the day’s rhythm.

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Benefits of Co-Op Learning Days

1. Builds Stronger Christian Community
   Co-Op days draw families together in fellowship and shared purpose. Parents, students, and mentors form deep relationships, supporting one another in faith and daily life. These gatherings become a living example of the Body of Christ working in unity — each part using its gifts to build up the next generation.

2. Encourages Discipleship Beyond the Classroom
   Through worship, devotions, and shared meals, students learn that faith is not limited to Sunday — it’s a daily journey. Mentors model prayer, service, and humility, showing children how to live out their faith practically.

3. Provides Diverse Learning Experiences
   Because co-ops unite families with varied skills and backgrounds, children are exposed to a rich learning environment — artists, tradesmen, scientists, and homemakers all contribute. This variety mirrors the early Church, where believers shared knowledge and wisdom freely for the good of the community.

4. Supports Parents and Prevents Burnout
   Homeschooling can feel overwhelming. Co-Op days give parents the support of shared teaching responsibilities and a regular rhythm of connection. Families are strengthened through collaboration, encouragement, and accountability.

5. Creates Opportunities for Spiritual Mentorship
   Older students and adults alike become role models for younger children. Co-Op gatherings allow mentorship to flourish naturally — linking generations and strengthening intergenerational faith.

6. Enhances Academic and Social Development
   Students practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a structured yet grace-filled environment. Group projects, presentations, and discussions prepare them for real-world engagement while reinforcing Christian character.

7. Strengthens the Church’s Mission
   The Co-Op is not merely an educational option — it’s an outreach of the local church. It draws families who might not otherwise enter the building, offers discipleship to unchurched children, and positions the congregation as a hub for community transformation.

In essence, Co-Op Learning Days turn education into a living expression of the Church’s mission — discipling children, equipping families, and strengthening the Body through shared service and fellowship.

Shepherd Homes (Home-Based Learning Pods)

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality… Be shepherds of God’s flock under your care — not because you must, but because you are willing.” — Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 5:2–3 (NIV)
“Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in My name welcomes Me.” — Mark 9:37

Purpose:
Shepherd Homes exist to come alongside families who desire Christ-centered education but may find traditional options out of reach. Many parents cannot afford private school or face challenges managing homeschooling while working. We honor the role of parents as the primary educators while providing the structure, supervision, and enrichment needed to help children thrive.

Our role is to support families who need extra help — whether due to work schedules, financial limitations, or educational support needs — so that every child can grow in wisdom, faith, and purpose.

Biblical Aim:
We believe education is more than academics — it is the passing down of a legacy of faith, wisdom, and purpose. Inspired by Psalm 78:1–8, our mission is to equip the next generation to know God, remember His works, walk in obedience, and rise into godly influence.

Whole-Child Focus:
True education begins with wisdom, not just knowledge. Our program is designed to shape the whole child — heart, mind, body, and spirit — helping each one discover their identity in Christ and the unique calling on their life.

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Enrichment Tracks

Each Shepherd selects from a list of Enrichment Tracks to offer, designed to complement core academic subjects and strengthen spiritual and practical life skills. Psalms Ministry will assist in developing these tracks and/or help you design your own.

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Integrated Academics:
Across all enrichment tracks, core academic subjects — including reading, writing, science, history, math, and social studies — are naturally integrated. Learning becomes a faith-based, hands-on experience that connects God’s Word with everyday life.

Culture of Worship:
Each Shepherd Home functions as a living classroom of faith — a place where children are discipled, families are strengthened, and education once again becomes an act of worship.

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The Movement

This is more than an educational option—it’s a church family returning education to discipleship.
With Co-Op Learning Days and Shepherd Homes working in rhythm, children are formed in truth, parents are strengthened, and the church becomes a weekly hub of worship, learning, and mentorship—“in the temple courts and from house to house” (Acts 2:46).

Simple to grasp. Not a private school, not solo homeschooling—a church-based educational community where parents remain the primary educators and the body supplies covering, community, and discipleship.
Built for real families. It removes barriers for working parents, those who don’t feel equipped to homeschool alone, and families who can’t afford private school—while creating dignified, ministry-based income paths for Shepherd facilitators.
Aimed at the heart. Kids don’t just master subjects—they learn what to know, how to live, and who they are in Christ.

 

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.” — Psalm 78:4–7

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