perspectives

so i still don't have too much time to go into perspectives, but here's a quick synopsis.

the course is actually called "perspectives on the world christian movement," and we meet once a week for 15 weeks. the premise is to teach different perspectives on global missions, starting with the biblical (God's plan to take over the world (;p) as revealed through scripture), then historical (what the church has and has not done to help), and strategic (what we need to be doing now). there are multiple courses offered nationwide (and in other countries) each semester, and everyone uses the same reading and homework materials, but, of course, the speakers are different for every location. so far, we've had fuller seminary professors, missionaries, and representatives from missions organizations. it's actually a bit of work, but the readings have been great, and some of the speakers have been amazing.

the reason why i highly advocate this class is because i believe that no matter where God calls us to serve, the church must have and must pursue a global vision...recognizing that God's heart and plan has always been for all nations to know Him and be in relationship to Him, and, as His people, sharing in that heart, longing for all nations to come before Him in worship, and longing to be used for this purpose. that means that the church is called to go to the world as witnesses, to help to send others to go as witnesses, and to PRAY...for His Name to be hallowed, His Kingdom come, His will be done in all the earth...

it's tough to maintain this vision while we're here, in our comfort zones, serving our local churches and communities. which is why i think perspectives is such a great resource - it totally opens your eyes to the global picture, to scriptural truths that reveal God's heart, and to how we can be used, both here and in the world.

i'm still not doing the class justice, but if any of you are interested in coming out to one of the classes, please let me know. we meet on monday nights, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at bel air presbyterian. we're nearing the end of our semester, but the next few classes should be really good. i'm especially looking forward to hearing don richardson (author of peace child and related to the richardsons in indonesia, right?) speak on the 21st of this month. he'll also be speaking at bel air pres the sunday before, so if any of you are interested in coming out either of these times, let me know...