Ever wonder about what God thinks about Donald Trump? Or what he thinks about the fighting that is tearing apart Syria? Or what he thinks about global warming or other issues that are debated in our time? Those are not exactly the perspectives being taught in the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course being offered once again in Madison, but the course does offer a good handle on figuring out what’s happening in the world in the context of God’s purposes.
The Perspectives course has its roots in the Urbana Student Missions Conference sponsored every three years by Madison-based InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It is not connected to InterVarsity, although InterVarsity president and former Urbana director Tom Lin is among several InterVarsity-connected people who will be leading some of the sessions.
The next Perspectives course begins Sunday, January 22. It will address Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic perspectives on what God is doing in the world and how individuals can be part of it. There will be 15 Sunday sessions led by key mission leaders. In addition to Tom Lin they include:
• Robert Nordstrom, advocate for the least evangelized peoples of the world
• Scott Bessenecker, author of The New Friars
• Dr. Manohar James, founder of Serving Alongside/Redeem India
• Dr. Christine Jeske, author of This Ordinary Adventure and Into the Mud
The course can be taken on four levels: key readings, certificate, undergraduate, and graduate. Costs range from $250 to $500, depending on the level; partial scholarships are available. Credit is transferable from Trinity International University to many other colleges and universities. In the past, some University of Wisconsin departments have accepted Perspectives transfer credit from Trinity.
Perspectives will meet each Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, through April 30 at Faith Community Bible Church, located at 3 N. Park St. in Madison, WI. Since the first week is free, individuals are welcome to “test the waters” before registering. Anyone who is a member of their church’s missions community should seriously consider taking this course.
Registration is ongoing at . While the website answers many questions, potential students should also feel free to contact Lee Wanak, Madison Perspectives Coordinator, at 608-807-2275 or MadisonPerspectives2017@gmail.com.
YouTube Promo Video
Vimeo Promo Video
James Mason, the national director of the Perspectives Program, spoke at Urbana 15 on “The Unreached People Group Challenge” and offered a taste of what Perspectives is all about.