Holistic Child Development Graduate Course Set To Go Global

The growing partnership with Compassion International (CI) and Nazarene Compassionate Ministry’s Holistic Child Development (HCD) ministry was further boosted recently with news of the MAC and SAM Regions’ interest in a HCD Graduate Program for their seminaries in Quito and Costa Rica.

The pilot program initiated by NCM Asia-Pacific in partnership with Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) commenced in April, 2008, with Compassion’s Dr. Dan Brewster teaching the “Child, Church, and Mission” module, followed by "Holistic Nurture of Children" (May 5 - 23) and "Child in Changing Context and Culture" (May 26 - Jun 13).

The HCD program was developed by NCM-AP and APNTS as part of the Asia-Pacific Region’s initiative in response to the Decadal Emphasis of the Church in “Connecting A New Generation.”   The HCD program is designed to be both practical and academic, leading the student towards academic credentialing or other recognition, whether at the Certificate, Diploma, or Degree level.  HCD programs will provide more opportunity for research and scholarship than most other equipping programs. Students will be expected to engage in significant, quality research on matters such as: the needs of children in light of Scripture, culture and theology; systems and structures of poverty in communities; analysis of the models of prevention and intervention and the methods of assessment and evaluation; and the relationship of Christian child development programs and strategies to the wider context of the Mission of the Church.

The program envisions a church that is revolutionized and passionate towards the pressing need prioritising children (Matthew 18: 1-3). It will equip leaders to strategically train teachers, caregivers, child advocates, and practitioners who have the gifts, skills, and capacity to directly care for children inside and outside the confines of the church. Christ-centred education; holistic approaches to children's ministry; intentional and strategic intervention; learning for life contexts; and developmental orientation, are the HCD program’s key components.
To date twenty-five individuals have participated in the graduate certificate program at APNTS, from Myanmar, Japan, Korea, PNG, and the Philippines.

Participants, stakeholders, reflected on their involvement in the inaugural course:

"When I came to APNTS, I do not have a definite direction as to what course I am going to take.  When I took the course on ‘Child, Church and Mission,’ my eyes were open to the vast need of the children, and how strategic they are as a mission field.  This course is such a blessing in my preparation to what God has called me as a missionary" (Peter Cho, APNTS student).

"It was a pleasure for me to teach the class at APNTS... I thoroughly enjoyed the students. All the class discussion was fascinating and fruitful. What fun!" (Dr. Dan Brewster, Director, Child Advocacy, Compassion International)

"The HCD course served as confirmation of our calling to minister to children.  This course is truly a blessing, and a great help in our preparation to the task of reaching, and serving as a channels of blessing to the children in our communities" (Dan Balayo, Co-ordinator, NCM Asia Pacific Holistic Child Development)

"Participation in this course had deepened my commitment to my call as minister to the impoverished children in our community" (Daisy Fuentes, Project Director, TEACH Davao, Philippines)

In addition to the expressions of interest from other regions, two bible schools in the Philippines have indicated their desire to include the course in their pastoral training program. For more information, please contact NCM AP’s HCD Co-ordinator, Dan Balayo  through dbalayo@apnaz.org.

 by: Dan Balayo - HCD Co-ordinator
 

this post was filed under Around The Region on Oct 29, 2008