I am personally taking the Perspectives course this semester. I have been wanting to do so for a number of years. I have read much of the Perspectives material and have even used some of it for teaching, preaching, leading conferences and working with leaders. However, I had never formally taken the course. I am glad to finally be doing so.
Taking the course consists of attending a three-hour class per week. Each week a different guest presenter teaches the class. These folks are mission practitioners or mobilizers from around the country who bring expertise and experience to the class content. Additionally, there are reading material and assignments to be completed each week. The course maybe taken at one of three levels: Key reading (lightest load); certificate level; or college/graduate credit (heaviest load). Thus far I have attended two classes and I have enjoyed the presentations and the reading material.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the course is not intended to enlist participants to be international missionaries. It is not a course about "missions" in the common use of the term. It is a class that presents God's redemptive purpose in the past and present. As the participant's global vision is enlarged, he or she has the opportunity to discover or affirm his/her role in God's purpose. For a small minority of participants this may mean answering God's call to international missions. For an overwhelming majority of participants it means living more strategically where we are now.
The cost for the course at the key reading or certificate level is $250. This is the cost incurred by the Perspectives entity. Calvary is not making money from this. In fact, Calvary is not technically offering the course. Calvary is simply partnering with Perspectives by hosting the class on our campus (the class has been held in Mission and at RGBI previously). We feel hosting the class is a win-win situation. It makes it convenient for our Calvary people to take the class on our campus. We serve folks from other churches who are taking the class by providing an adequate and comfortable setting to hold the class.
As the Calvary pastoral staff we strongly feel like this class will help us be on the same page as we lead in our particular areas of ministry in the church. That is why we have decided to take the class as a pastoral staff team. Additionally, we feel like all of our Calvary leaders would benefit from taking this class as we continue to cast and develop vision. That is why we are offering partial scholarships to those Calvary leaders who wish to take the course. In addition to this partial scholarship provided by Calvary, there may be other scholarship funds available. If you or someone you know desires to take the course but cannot afford it at this time, please contact Pastor Chad Mason. We do not want anyone who desires to take the course to keep from doing so because of finances.
Lesson 3, this next week, will be the last opportunity to attend the class without registering or paying. It will also be the last opportunity to sign-up for the course. I want to encourage you as one of our Calvary leaders to come and listen, consider taking the class. Of course, signing up on week 3 will mean that you will have some catching up to do with the reading and assignments. I think it's worth your consideration. I strongly recommend the class to all of our Calvary leaders.
You may either choose a Monday night or Tuesday morning session for the class. Monday nights the class meets from 6:30 to 9:30 and Tuesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. For more information visit Perspectives.org.
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