The Holistic Child Development department at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary sponsored an all-day KidUnique seminar April 23.

The training was facilitated by missionary and APNTS holistic child development student Aisling Zweigle. Participants included interdenominational leaders from Filipino churches and child outreach ministries. Other APNTS students and nongovernmental organization employees were also present.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to identify ways they can intentionally build discovery-rich relationships with the children God has placed in their churches, homes, and communities. Zweigle presented the key principles of pastor and author Dan Webster’s book, KidUnique: Helping Kids Discover Who They Are. Webster’s book highlights the barriers that hinder relationships with children and how mentors can show up and not just sit on the sidelines of a child’s life.

Aisling included additional child development research as evidence of the ways the church can draw young people to Christ. The group took what they learned about observation, exploration, affirmation, and revelation with kids and used activities to deepen their learning. Together they explored how to share love with children in their own context.

KidUnique has inspired pastors, teachers, parents, coaches, grandparents, and mentors.

“Thanks so much, Aisling, for your great perseverance in sharing your knowledge on how to develop kids and let them know who they really are," one participant said. "It was such a fruitful seminar indeed. I learned a lot!”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region