Frequently Asked Questions

By clicking on any of the questions in this list, it will take you to the question and answer for that question below.

Other questions? Contact your class coordinator (contact information is on the class web site), or Regional Director if you do not have a local class.

Who should take Perspectives?

The short answer is anyone who wants a closer walk with the Lord, who is serious about gaining a deeper understanding of His ultimate purpose in the world. It’s for anyone who wants to learn how to strategically invest their lives in seeing God glorified; for anyone who wants to gain insight and direction that will help them to impact their generation.

If the above describes you, no matter what your age or position, Perspectives is for you!

What makes Perspectives unique?

There are many answers to that question. Perspectives has a unique focus. Perspectives has a long and singular track record in the business of opening students’ eyes to the Bible, world history, international culture, and God’s purpose for it all in a way that no other course can offer.

Perspectives is also unique in that a different expert teaches each of the 15 sessions. This allows you to be exposed to people who specialize in the area they cover.

What are the enrollment types?

Note that not all classes offer all the following levels. Check the registration form for your class to see what levels are available to you. Link to registration page on ‘my class’.

Certificate level earns a certificate of completion from the US Center for World Mission. It is the recommended level (over key reading) for getting the full impact of the course. The instructors are fantastic, but about 90% of the course is in the text, and at this level students are kept accountable to read. This level is required by several mission sending agencies, committees, etc. for candidacy, and is required if someone wants to coordinate Perspectives in the future. The work involves about 2 – 3 hours reading per week, with weekly homework over the reading, and a project due at the end of the class.

Undergraduate credit is roughly 3-5 hours reading per week, with weekly homework over the reading, 2 exams, and a paper (10-15 pages) due at the end of the class. As with graduate credit, if students are planning on transferring credit, it is their responsibility to check with their advisor to ascertain their school’s policy on transferring credit into their program.

Graduate credit is roughly 5-7 hours reading per week, with weekly quizzes on the reading, 2 exams (including several essay questions), and a paper (18-20 pages) due at the end of the class. Depending on the credit-granting school, there may be additional work required. As with undergraduate credit, if students planning on transferring credit, it is their responsibility to check with their advisor to see ascertain their school’s policy on transferring credit into their program.

Key Reading is not offered at every location. Students attend class, read a few key articles each week, and complete five personal responses (reflections on what they are learning) throughout the semester.

How much does Perspectives cost?

The costs vary depending on your enrollment option and location. Every class web site has a page for displaying the current fees for the local class. Please refer to your local class site.

Perspectives Alumni:
If you have taken Perspectives on the World Christian Movement in the past, you can take the course again for free or a very minimal cost. Look for the Alumni – Key Reading option when registering.

Why does Perspectives cost so much?

In reality, the Perspectives course is a bargain. Each session costs a little more than going to a movie, but offers a far better return than mere entertainment. You are getting a glimpse into the eternal purpose of God in a way you will never forget. If you look at it in terms of investment instead of cost, the value of the course will far exceed the money invested.

The fees for the class are based on the travel expenses for speakers, administrative costs, costs for class materials, etc. This is necessary to ensure the quality of the program.

How do I register?

All students must register online, although they have the choice of paying online or in class. Students can pre-register or go to the first class and register on the spot. Use the Find A Class search to find your local class, and then register on the class page.

Who will teach the classes?

Perspectives instructors are professors, missionaries, ministry experts and pastors from all over the US, in addition to local missions experts and pastors. Each local class will post up a list of scheduled instructors on the local class web site.

Will childcare be provided?

Use the ‘Find A Class’ search to find a local class near you. The local class coordinator may post up additional details for the class on their local web site, including if they are offering child care. Contact them for more information.

Where will the classes be held?

Every Perspectives class is unique to the area they are hosting. Many classes are hosted at local churches, event centers, and school auditoriums. Use the ‘Find A Class’ to search for a local class near you to learn more.

How often do classes meet?

Check your class schedule on your class home page to see the dates and times for your class. Most classes are held once a week for 15 weeks, plus an additional week or two for a break or special activity.

I took Perspectives in the past. Is there a discounted rate for me to take it again?

If you have already taken Perspectives, you may take the class at Key Reading level for free or a minimal cost. It will cost the grading fee to take it at Certificate level (around $30), and the grading and credit fee to take it for college credit. Please pre-register as an alumnus online (go to ‘Register Now’) if you plan to attend most classes. Check with your local class for the details.

What happens if I can’t attend the class one week?

You will miss out on an outstanding speaker and fellowship with your classmates! In addition, there are often a limited number of classes you can miss if you take the class at credit level before your grade is lowered. Contact your site coordinator if you have specific questions about this. It will be outlined in the syllabus.

Perspectives sounds good, but what if after I attend the first session I decide it’s not for me?

No problem. You may attend the first two sessions for free, and if you decide you can’t continue with Perspectives, you may stop. Some classes have a non-refundable registration fee, so if you register in advance you will not get that back. Check with your site coordinator for details. Otherwise, you have nothing to lose.

What are the course requirements, grading scale, and other details for credit and certificate?

That is listed in the syllabus. To see if you can get a copy before the class, contact your site coordinator.

Can I take Perspectives for credit?

Perspectives has either been approved as a course by or has transferred in the past to many universities and seminaries. However, whether credit is offered or not, and who it is offered from, varies from class to class. Check your class’ enrollment options for more information.

I am a teacher at a Christian school. Can I get continuing ed credits?

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement has been approved by ACSI for Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Biblical Studies and Educational Studies. Earn 3 Biblical CEUs and 4 Educational CEUs for use toward a Teaching Certificate Renewal. For application and instructions, click here (doc).

Can I start a Perspectives class in my area?

If you complete the requirements for doing so, yes! You need to have a coordinator who has completed Perspectives at Certificate level and been trained at a Perspectives Coordinator Workshop (PCW). Contact us for more details.