We are excited to announce that after an absence of several years, the Perspectives Course will again be offered for Browncrofters this summer. From June 1st to October 4th, this course will be offered in a unique cohort style, offering the advantage of schedule flexibility for listening to the weekly class lectures online, plus monthly in-person meetings for encouragement and sharing insights.

The Perspectives Course digs deeply into four dimensions of God’s plan at work to reach people of all different backgrounds with the gospel of Jesus. The Biblical perspective lays out God’s unchanging plan to reach the world. The Historical perspective extends from the times of the Bible to today, including the task remaining to reach those who have not yet been reached. The Cultural perspective helps prepare us for sharing with those whose backgrounds are different from our own. And the Strategic perspective explores the individual ways we can participate in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission.

While many missions agencies strongly encourage applicants to take the Perspectives Course as part of their preparation to become missionaries, the class has a broader purpose as well. It helps believers to understand God’s plan and their part in that plan. It builds empathy for those who do not know Jesus as Savior and helps equip us to relate to them cross-culturally – whether around the world or around our community. In considering how God has used others, it inspires us to take next steps.

I took the course in 2016 and found it so valuable that I spent the next seven years serving as a class facilitator, a grader, and an instructor for the in-person cohort in Rochester. This experience provided me with tools that aided me in making decisions as a member of Browncroft’s Missions Team. It guided me to be more effective in engaging in Browncroft’s global partnerships to reach unreached people. It helped me have more meaningful experiences on Browncroft’s short-term trips. It helped shape my priorities in living and giving.

Browncroft’s annual missions emphasis month (Send Me) will be in May and will feature a Saturday mini-conference. Check out this link to register for that event and to see all we have planned throughout the month. As you listen to our ministry partners’ experiences and spend some time with them, we hope that you will be seeking God’s guidance regarding what He might have for you. Taking the Perspectives Course might be the right next step for you to consider.

As is the case for many things that are meaningful, the Perspectives Course requires time and effort. You can expect to spend about six hours per week listening to the online class lectures, doing the assigned reading, and completing homework assignments. You will also have an opportunity to attend monthly meetings with other Browncrofters taking the course.

There is a class fee of $225, plus $43 for the Perspectives Reader and Study Guide. For students associated with Browncroft, Perspectives is offering a coupon code (BCC-028858) for a discount of $30. If cost is a barrier you can also apply for a Browncroft Perspectives scholarship that will cover a portion of the costs.

We are scheduling the Browncroft Perspectives cohort from June through early October to build on the momentum of the Send Me month in May, while also recognizing that summer is a less busy time in the church calendar. We are very happy that Sara (who was sent on mission by Browncroft with her husband George in the late 1990s) will lead the Browncroft cohort meetings. You will benefit from her stories and insights. We are looking for 7 to 12 Browncrofters to take the course. We hope you will prayerfully consider this opportunity. If you have questions about the course or are ready to sign up, visit the registration page. You can contact me at gary.kneezel@gmail.com for more information about the course or the scholarship.

Want to know more? Come to one of the brief informational meetings in room A12 on Sunday, May 10th following each of the three worship services.