The class "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" will be offered during the spring semester (2012) in Hays, KS on Monday evenings at CrossPoint. This class is 16 weeks long and goes into detail on how God is accomplishing his purposes in history and in our time. We get to hear from a variety of gifted instructors and also read essays from many experienced authors. (see below for schedule details)

For those who are serious about getting the most out of the class, it is possible to take the class for college credit. (see below) It is also possible to get homework graded for a certificate from Perspectives.

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a dynamic course where you'll discover what God is doing around the world and prayerfully consider your part in His purposes.
The course will help you focus your life by examining FOUR KEY PERSPECTIVES:
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE -- Understand the Bible as one seamless book with one major theme.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE -- Discover how God has been working through history to accomplish His ultimate purpose.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE -- Learn how to overcome barriers to meaningful cross-cultural communication.
STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE -- Discover how God is achieving His purpose for world evangelism, and how you can be used strategically.

The highlights of the class are the various guest lecturers we have come speak to us. Also, the reading assignments have valuable insight and that study really gives the class much of its value.

The class starts on Monday, January 16, 2012 and ends on May 6, 2012. We meet every Monday night from 6:30 to 9:30pm, except for Monday, March 18 when we take a spring break.

We don't have exact prices at this time. Typically when a Perspectives class is offered, it costs around $250 at the audit or certificate level. There are extra fees to take the class for college credit.

Our main expense is arranging for various instructors to come to our class. Some of our really favorite instructors come from out of state, so the class needs to pay extra for air fare and travel expense. If we know we will have high enrollment, we can spread those costs out a little more and bring the price down. That's why we are intent on seeking students. We need to make decisions on class prices by the first week in September, so it is really helpful for us if students will express an interest by then.

There are two books for the class. One is a study guide that serves to lead a person through the material. The main book is a reader with hundreds of essays from missionaries and church missionary leaders.

Textbook costs are included in the price of the class. You may purchase books from us. The reader is $29.00. The study guide is $11.00. If you buy the books from us in advance and then decide to take the class, then you only pay the difference, so the total would be the same.

Typically when Perspectives classes are offered, college credit can be acquired through Trinity or Geneva College. Usually then a person will get the credit transferred to the institution where they are seeking a degree.

• Geneva College -- Perspectives offers 3 college credits through Geneva College. We offer credit from this school because they allow high school students to complete the course and get college credit.
• Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL -- Perspectives offers 3 course credits through this nationally recognized university.
• Fort Hays State University -- credit is available directly through FHSU. It is a virtual college class in the Leadership Studies department. LRDS: 490 Topics: Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

Nurses have been able to receive continuing education credit for Perspectives.

Mercy and Truth Medical Missions, Inc., 636 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS 66101 is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This Perspectives course offering is approved for 30 contact hours applicable for RN or LPN relicensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing Approved Provider Number LT0220-0238.

Most states are reciprocal with Kansas but it is your responsibility to insure that your state accepts these credits.

Attendance is necessary at all sessions for the full 30 contact hours. Contact hours will be prorated accordingly for total number of sessions attended if not full attendance. The enrollment cost (in addition to certificate level class fees) is $50.00 (no refunds or adjustments) and must be received with initial Perspectives enrollment. Please make check payable to Mercy and Truth Medical Missions. Indicate "Perspectives" in the memo space.

• Audit level students are encouraged to do a shorter selection of readings, and may read more as they would choose.
• Certificate level students have a significant amount of reading assignments from essays pertaining to the lesson. There is an open book online quiz due every week, plus a 5 page paper due at the end of the semester.
• Credit level students have a longer reading list, the same weekly quizzes, a midterm exam, a final exam, and a more carefully graded paper.

For all levels, there are five short personal responses to the lessons.

You may attend only two regular class sessions.  If you are having trouble making a decision to take the class, we suggest you come to the first class session and perhaps purchase the books to complete the first lesson. Enrollment closes after the second class session. Alumni who have previously enrolled in the class may come to as many sessions as they desire.

Our list of instructors and their biographies are listed on the national web site. Click here to see our class schedule.

You may contact any of the individuals listed below or visit the national web site at www.perspectives.org.

• Lanee Young - 785-628-5669
• Mark Thowe - 785-483-8589