Perspectives of Arkansas - Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

"I took the Perspectives course in 2001 with the desire for God to do three things in my life: 1) to give me insight on how to pray more effectively for missions and how to encourage others to pray, 2) to give me a heightened passion for and an understanding of God’s world-wide plan, and 3) to give me a fresh vision for the remainder of my life. Before the first lecture had been completed, the Lord had already begun to answer all these requests. During the next three months, my perspective on God’s work in the world and my part in it was radically revolutionized! I am excited about what God has in store for everyone who takes this course with a commitment to listen and respond to whatever God may say!"

- David Greenman, member of Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock

Who should take Perspectives?

The short answer is anyone who is serious about gaining a deeper understanding of God's ultimate purpose in the world and who wants a closer walk with Him. Anyone who wants to learn how to strategically invest their lives in seeing God glorified. Anyone who wants to gain insight and direction and be able to make an impact in this generation.

If that is you, no matter what your age or position, then you should take Perspectives!

What makes Perspectives unique?

There are many ways to answer that question. Perspectives has a unique focus. Perspectives has a proven track record in opening students' eyes to the Bible, history, culture, and God's purpose in a way unlike any other course. On the practical side, Perspectives is 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?

Certificate level earns a certificate of completion from the US Center for World Mission, and is required by several mission sending agencies, committees, etc. for candidacy. The work is roughly the same as an undergraduate credit, about 3 hours reading per week, with weekly quizzes on the reading, and a paper (4-6 pages) due at the end of the class.

Undergraduate credit is roughly 3-5 hours reading per week, with weekly quizzes on the reading, 2 exams, and a paper (10-15 pages) due at the end of the class.

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 (20-40 pages) due at the end of the class.

Will this credit transfer to other schools?

No school, not even Harvard, can guarantee that their credits will transfer. We have had no trouble with the graduate credits transferring to any other seminary or Biblical institution. For undergraduate credit, the student should approach the Registrar of the school to which they hope to transfer the credits and present the course syllabus. While most Christian schools will accept the credit without question, secular institutions will probably send the syllabus to the appropriate department for review. Don't fear, many secular schools have accepted the credit if it is compatible with the requirements the student needs to fulfill.

Contact your coordinator to find out what institutions in our area are currently accepting transfer credit.

I am not sure I want to take the class for credit or certificate, can I wait and decide later?

Yes. You may add or drop credit up until the beginning of the third class (lesson).

Can I just show up and register at the class?

Yes. We encourage early registration but sometimes that is not possible. The first two classes are open registration and we encourage ALL to attend the first two classes since they are FREE sessions.

Why is there a cost for this class?

The cost for the classes goes to paying for the speaker expenses (e.g. airfare), speaker honorariums, credit fees (for those that are taking it for credit), registration application fees, grader fees, and the general running of the class which would include promotional expenses and administrative expenses. The US Center for World Mission reviewed and approved a budget for the program back when the class was just a gleam in the Course Coordinator's eye, and a log of all receipts and disbursements is sent to the Center at the end of the class.

Does the Perspectives program offer scholarships?

We have no individual scholarships. We encourage members to approach their local mission committees for scholarships. Most churches have been open to providing partial scholarships for their members. We do allow students to sign a payment schedule contract if they are unable to pay in full the first night.

If I have paid/taken the Perspectives class before at another location, do I need to pay again?

No. Alumni can attend any class nationally for FREE. However, if you wish to upgrade your status from Audit to Certificate or Credit or from Certificate to Credit, then you will have to pay the difference in the two prices.

Is the class open to high school students?

Yes. Keep in mind that Perspectives was developed with college students in mind as the core target audience, and our presentation in class will be consistent with that design. If you can handle it, come on!

What if I miss a class? Can I sit in on it at another location?

Of course! We'd love for you to do this, in fact, we encourage people to do so.

Where are classes meeting?

For a map of class locations, click here.

Who will teach the classes?

Professors, missionaries and pastors from all over the US, in addition to local missions experts and pastors. For a list of speakers this spring, click here.

How often do classes meet?

Once a week for 3 hours for 15 weeks.

Will I be allowed to bring visitors to the class?

We encourage attendees to bring their family and friends to the class. Guests are welcome to visit twice during the semester.

Will childcare be available?

We don't plan to provide childcare. Couples attending Perspectives together will get a "family member discount" offsetting a small portion of their childcare expenses.

What will the course consist of?

Depending on your level of enrollment, you will do between 2 and 6 hours outside of class. Students will do readings, weekly open-book quizes, 2 multiple choice/short essay exams and an integrative project. The amount of material, length of exams and project will increase if taken for college credit.

Perspectives sounds good, but what if I decide it's not for me?

No problem! If you’re not sure, simply come to the first two sessions and check it out for free. We’re convinced enough of the quality of the course and speakers that we can offer this and know you’ll probably want to experience the rest of the sessions. Registration payment is due prior to attending the third session.

Perspectives of Arkansas
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2006