Communion: moving from observation to sharing with children, families and the church body Chapter 4 Research Method Research Problem Summary The study of churchgoers‘ understanding and interpretation of communion is an important pre-step to writing curriculum that will assist church families as they teach children and students in their lives about communion. This is especially true in a larger congregation that has attendees from varied denominational backgrounds and with a varied degree of instruction on the matter. Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo, Indiana, has made a declaration to D6. ―So, what is D6 again? D6 is a strategy shift at Crossroads that is based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We want to adjust the focus of ministry from the church to the home, and become a spiritual partner to it rather than the sole spiritual provider for it,‖ (CCC, 2011a). The church leaders made the decision to come alongside parents, supporting them and providing them with the tools necessary to teach the children in their lives about God, the Bible, church doctrine and church history. Determining what the adults of the congregation know and understand will enable curriculum writers to focus attention to concepts and information which seems to be missing or perhaps even misinterpreted. Research Method and Reason Two variations of the qualitative method of gathering research will be utilized in an effort to gain both a general picture of understanding and a more in-depth picture of the understanding of churchgoers. First, all participants will be asked to a share what comes to mind when they hear or see the word, ‗communion‘. This will provide an overview of the thoughts and understandings of those surveyed. Second, six additional questions will be asked of participants before and after services on December 3-4, 2011 in order to gain a better understanding of the
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