Parental Involvement in Elementary Children's Religious Education: A Phenomenological Inquiry

ABSTRACT

Biblical texts mandate parental involvement in children’s religious education. Researchers consider it important as well. Through analysis of interviews, site documents, and a focus group this phenomenological study seeks to provide a rich description of parents’ experience with involvement in the religious education of their elementary children. This research offers an original portrait of parental involvement in religious education (PIRE). This phenomenology presents eight themes that depict various aspects of PIRE. The resulting phenomenology of PIRE is discussed is the context of the body of research on parental involvement and religious education.

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Notes on contributors

Peter W. Bunnell

Dr. Peter W. Bunnell is the pastor of children and family ministries at Summit Evangelical Free Church. He has over 20 years of experience educating elementary through adult learners, including 5 years at In-Motion Development Center in Selenge, Mongolia.

Russell Yocum

Dr. Russ Yocum has 20 years of experience instructing students Pre-K through adult. Currently, he teaches undergraduate through doctoral students in residential, blended, and online formats at Liberty University. Dr. Yocum teaches qualitative research methods and educational foundations and methods.

Anthony Koyzis

Dr. Anthony Koyzis has over 30 years of experience in teaching and leadership in higher education. Currently, he serves as Vice Chancellor of Alexander International University in Cyprus and in leadership at Larnaca Community Church in Larnaca, Cyprus.

Karin Strohmyer

Dr. Karin Strohmyer has 15 years of experience teaching students with exceptionalities and 4 years of administration supporting life-cycle transitions and self-determination. She teaches education courses at Buena Vista University while serving as Exceptional Student Services and Instruction Department Chair.