What's Your Perspective?

For years, my friend Wing encouraged me to take a 4-month weekly class called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, but I resisted because of time. Finally, I gave in this year... and boy am I glad I did!

At the beginning of the course, I received a HUGE binder with tons of articles and information on different umbrella perspectives about missions: biblical, historical, strategic and cultural. I wish I had more time to read the notebook, but have not actually read much since the third week of class. My consolation is that I get to keep the notebook, so I fully intend on reading it when I find the time.

Every week in class, a different speaker comes to share about his/her experiences with and thoughts about missions (whether afar or right in their regular lives). Just when I think there is nothing new someone can share about the topic, I am awed by a new perspective. During last night's class (at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena), I was challenged by what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and that just because I live my Christian life a certain way does not mean that it's the only way. In North America, we often see that going to church every sunday, praying a certain way and conforming to the stereotypical Christian culture are the marks of good Christians. Last night, I was challenged otherwise. When we encourage people to know Christ, are we subconsciously asking them to completely give up their own cultures and existence in their families before they can be called followers of Jesus? This is all very difficult for me to explain in writing, but I hope you kind of understand what I'm trying to say.

Whether you consider yourself to be mission-minded or not, I fully encourage you to take this course for enrichment. In our busy lives, a nearly 4-month weekly commitment is huge, but it's so worth it! (The course is offered in many cities across North America.) I seriously cannot believe I've gone through my Christian life for so long without having even thought about so many of these perspectives. Boy have I been sheltered!