BCHEF Guidelines

Purpose

Bartlesville Christian Home Educators Fellowship (BCHEF) is an interdenominational fellowship of like-minded parents/guardians with a common conviction that children can best be nurtured, trained, and educated in the home. Members seek to cultivate mutual support and encouragement for this rewarding and challenging endeavor.

Member Priorities

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Members of BCHEF are encouraged to properly balance their priorities. Their relationship to God as Creator, Savior, and Lord should be the overriding priority above all else.

Second, the family should follow. The weaknesses in our society are directly related to the weaknesses in our families.

Third, do not expect BCHEF to replace the local church. BCHEF’s purpose is not to perform the role of, or assume the responsibilities of, a local church body. There are many spiritual, emotional, financial, and other needs that the local church can meet that are not within the means or desire of BCHEF to meet. Some aspects of these needs will naturally be met because of the Christian nature of the group, but support in the realm of home education is our primary focus.

Finally, somewhere down the list is BCHEF. Not because BCHEF is unimportant, but because God’s priorities must come first. Do not let participation in BCHEF compromise the higher priorities. It would be better to have less participation that to have these priorities out of line.

Membership

Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Now we urge you brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good, for one another and for all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-5)

By nature and name, BCHEF is a Christian organization. Expect it to be so and expect it to have the characteristics of a Christian organization. Persons who would be uncomfortable in this atmosphere may want to seek other means to satisfy this support role in their home educational efforts. Members may belong to as many support groups as they wish and be a member of BCHEF also.

Anyone wishing to join BCHEF must fill out the required paperwork and pay the membership fee for the current school year. All new members are subject to approval by the BCHEF Council. BCHEF reserves the right to deny membership to any person(s) for any reason, stated or unstated.

Leadership

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 11:14)

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Leadership in BCHEF is accomplished through the Council, consisting of several husband and wife couples. As vacancies in the Council need to be filled, the current Council members nominate and fill those positions. Council members are required to sign the Statement of Faith, have at least one year of home education experience, and have been a member of BCHEF for at least one year. The following offices shall be filled at all times:

Chairman/President – To preside over meetings and to oversee the activities of the Council.

Secretary – To record business conducted at Council meetings and prepare minutes of the Council meetings.

Treasurer – To maintain the financial records of BCHEF, ensure payment of bills for the organization, provide regular financial reports, and prepare the annual budget.

Activities Coordinator – To maintain the calendar of both BCHEF Council sponsored and member originated events and activities.

Newsletter Editor – To edit and publish the monthly (excluding the summer months) newsletter.

Leadership’s role is to guide not to govern. Therefore, every effort is made to minimize written rules and regulations, and to allow members to operate using Godly principles and conduct in their participation in the group.

The Council maintains a Calendar of Events and Activities which is published in the Newsletter. Members should contact the Activities Coordinator if they wish to enter activities and events in the Calendar.

If need be, the Council (with God’s direction and counsel from appropriate individuals) may question activities which might be inappropriate to the overall character of the group. The Council may take on the role of mediator if conflicts concerning the purpose and direction of BCHEF arise within the group.

The Council’s role is not to be the activity planner. All members have that responsibility. The Council may, from time to time, plan and coordinate events and activities, but primarily has the function of setting policy and providing the general direction for the group.

Please recognize that the Council members are human and make mistakes. All members should operate under the principle of grace. When advice and criticism is delivered in love, it is easier to accept than when in anger and bitterness.

All Council meetings are open to the full membership unless there is a sensitive matter that should be addressed scripturally in a private manner. It is appropriate to contact a Council member in advance if you plan to attend a meeting so that the proper facilities will be available for all who attend. Please see the current BCHEF Directory for the names and telephone numbers of all current Council members.

Activities

Now there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are differences of things-worked, but the same God working all things in all persons. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for our benefit. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body being fitly held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

All members are responsible for the success of the group. This is your fellowship. You are the primary planners and coordinators for activities. Anyone can plan an activity. It may be a regular activity or a one time special activity. It is always a good idea to have someone to back you up in case of emergency or other reason that would cause you to be unable to fulfill your obligations. Weigh the cost. Please finish the activities you begin. Do not expect anyone to take up something because you started it. It is your vision, not theirs.

As you plan activities, be sure to contact the Activities Coordinator on the BCHEF Council for the following reasons:

  1. Communication – People do ask Council members what is going on. The Council needs to be informed so they can answer or refer questions to the appropriate party.
  2. Coordination – The Council prefers to not have schedule conflicts for member families. Insofar as it is possible, the Council should be a clearinghouse for scheduling, to avoid such problems.
  3. Experience – The council can provide guidanceto

    events and activities to help them be more successful. Council members have experienced and witnessed many of the mistakes that have occurred in the past and can help others avoid the same pitfalls. Most policies are based on past experience. Open communication helps everyone stay informed. By keeping the Council informed, you could be aiding the development of needed new policies and procedures to help others.

Volunteer Positions

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)

BCHEF and its membership is built on a base of voluntary service. All who serve the group are greatly appreciated. Only those events and activities for which members volunteer to originate, plan, and sponsor will be held. All others, regardless of the value or need, will not be held. Look to your particular talents, gifts, abilities, and callings and provide service to the group as you are able. BCHEF is only as good and as varied as the members make it.

Guidelines for Planning/Hosting an Activity

  1. Give ample notice. You will get a better response if people have adequate notice to schedule and plan to attend. This includes submitting the necessary information to the newsletter editor. Please include sign-up and payment deadlines.
  2. Be specific. Be sure to give the beginning and ending times, location, costs, where, when, and whom to pay, what attendees will be doing, age limit or range for children, dress code, and the number of parents and children to which the activity or event is limited.
  3. Accept responsibility. If you host an activity or event, then you have the right and the responsibility to define and enforce the rules. Defining the rules at the beginning makes it easier to enforce them later. Be kind but firm in dealing with any violations.
  4. Be professional. If you have made a commitment to plan an activity, then do your best. Think through the activity and try to anticipate problems and plan solutions for those problems. Begin and end on time. Communicate any problems to parents. Stick to your rules.
  5. Be creative. If you have a great idea for a field trip, pursue it. Don’t wait for others to do it. Don’t be afraid to charge a fee if you feel it is necessary. We can all use those creative ideas, and your contributions will be welcome.
  6. Encourage people to RSVP. There may be instances where plans may have to be changed or weather makes a field trip impossible. Having a short list of those who plan to attend makes it easier to contact interested parties with any last-minute changes.

Guidelines for Attending an Activity

  1. Respect the need for deadlines. A deadline allows the host to make all the necessary arrangements. Many field trips require a commitment ahead of time. Last minute changes can be difficult for the host, as well as for the organization or agency where the activity is held. A deadline for the beginning of an event is often necessary to allow enough time for the planned activities.
  2. Be prompt with payments. If a cost is involved please make sure you pay what you owe when you owe it. Do not expect the host to cover your cost. If there is a fee, pay it promptly and cheerfully. If you cancel your attendance later than the deadline, please be aware that you may still be responsible for the cost of the activity or event.
  3. Read the Newsletter. We try to make sure all the necessary information is available for every activity or event in the monthly Newsletter, as well as additional emails specific to the event. Make sure you know the details from the Newsletter before you call the host for information.
  4. Be considerate. You are responsible for the behavior of your children. Do not expect other parents to assume your responsibilities. Please remember that you represent homeschoolers to the public. Don’t let the behavior of your children bring reproach on the group. The host or another parent does have the authority to intervene if a child’s behavior becomes dangerous or destructive and the parent is unavailable. Please do not be offended if this happens. Order and controlis

    important any time children are gathered together in a group.

  5. Attend with your children. Parents are required to attend most events and activities with their children under the age of16,

    unless other arrangements have been made with the host. Certain events may allow for independent attendance or attendance with an older sibling, but this must be confirmed with the host in advance. If older teens are attending independently, they must be licensed drivers with a working vehicle.

    BCHEF

    Council members cannot be held responsible for giving your children a ride to or from events.

  6. If at all possible, remember to RSVP. Please realize that if you do not RSVP, you are not guaranteed a spot on the contact list if any last-minute changes for the event should occur.

Scriptural Guidelines for Behavior

Do all things without grumbling or disputing that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. (Phillipians 2:14-15)

By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. (John 13:35)

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The Bible is our standard for behavior. Each parent is responsible and accountable to God for their own behavior and behavior of their children. Please judge yourself against the Word of God and stand above reproach in all things.

Guidelines for Conflict Resolution

Should any conflicts or disagreements arise, let the following scriptures guide you to restore relationships and communication:

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgement. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity…Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:25-32

And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he shall refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer. (Matthew 18:15-17)

Should serious problems arise, use scriptural wisdom and consult the Council when necessary.

Newsletter Guidelines

The BCHEF Newsletter is a service to BCHEF members to provide information about activities, events, and ministries, legislative issues, and other articles of interest for home educators. Only submission by members will be considered for publication.

The Newsletter is scheduled to be published by the first of every month. In order to accomplish this, all submissions must be received by the editor by the deadline listed in the Newsletter. Submit information in writing or by email to minimize communication errors. The editor does have the right and responsibility to edit submissions for size and content.

Some classified advertisement is available in the newsletter and email updates. These will be free of charge if they pertain to education resources. If space is available, other classified ads can be included (prices may vary).

Legalities

Membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is strongly recommended. HSLDA is specifically organized to help home educators with legal assistance. BCHEF can provide members with information on the Oklahoma law but will not provide any legal advice.

BCHEF members take full responsibility for the education of their own children. This includes all curriculum choices and purchases, and the ability to educate their children/charges as required by Oklahoma law. Home schooling should never be used as a subterfuge for truancy. BCHEF does not provide tutoring or supply books or resources. However, individual members of the group may make themselves available from time to time as tutors. Members may take advantage of many of the educational opportunities available within BCHEF, but a full and well-rounded education remains the parent/guardian’s responsibility. BCHEF is not here to fill all of your child’s educational needs, but to enrich the full education that you are already offering them.

Financial Responsibility

When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)

BCHEF is funded through membership dues and donations. Membership in BCHEF provides the privileges of a monthly newsletter (during term) and many opportunities for involvement. Those who partake of the benefits of membership should support the organization and pay dues as requested. Please contact a Council member if you have a financial situation that requires special payment arrangements.

Membership dues are $20/family/year. For those who join BCHEF in the second semester, this fee will be discounted to $10 in the second half of the school year. Those who submit membership forms and fees by the first Saturday of August will be eligible for a FREE daily planner (designed by Joanna Lowe), along with other early-bird benefits.

The Council has the responsibility of preparing a budget for each school year. All expenditures of BCHEF funds must be approved through the Council.

Confidentiality

The information in the BCHEF Newsletter and Directory are confidential. Do not give out the names, addresses, or phone numbers of BCHEF members without their express permission. Do not provide a non-member with exclusive member content, even if this person was once a BCHEF member. If in doubt, check with a Council member regarding membership status before sharing any membership information. You are welcome to share basic information about our group’s activities to those who are interested in home education or in joining BCHEF. Please refer all interested parties to the public facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bartlesvillechristianhomeeducatorsfellowship) and email address (bchefcouncil@gmail.com). Out of respect for the privacy of other members, do not let the contents of your Newsletter or any private emails be shared outside the group.

Guests

Family members and other relatives are always welcome to attend activities. If you plan to bring a guest to an activity or event, please be sure to notify the host.

Certain events are intended for BCHEF Members only. Please check with the host before bringing a guest to these events.

Certain events welcome the participation of Non-members. These events will be advertised accordingly.