This Diploma consists of taking two courses by directed study. The syllabi for both courses can be found below along with links to the necessary textbooks which must be purchased.

Course 1

World Christian Perspective for the Missionary Studies Diploma

I. Course Description
This is a course designed to raise your personal awareness about missions. It includes information relevant to the modern practice of missions. It is a solid introductory course for anyone thinking about being a missionary or for those who want to better understand the needs and challenges of missionaries.

II. Prerequisites
There are no academic prerequisites for this course. Enrollment is open to any registered student.

III. Required Textbooks
     

IV. Other Resources
    A. Recommended Reading
        1. Your church’s missions handbook or missions policy
        2. Recent newsletter from missionaries in your church (if you don’t know any missionaries or your church doesn’t have any, you can find newsletter by doing a search on google.com).
    B. World News
        1. Monitor the news that you see on television with an eye toward missions.
        2. Think about the ways in which human need can aid the spread of the Gospel.

V. Course Objectives

VI. Course Requirements
    A. Read the following sections of the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement book and answer the questions at the end of each selected section (Sections are listed in the table of contents. Each section is 3-4 pages long.): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 17, 21, 23, 26, 30, 42, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 67, 72, 75, 76, 86, 97, 111, 112, 113, 114, 118, 120, and 124. The answers to the questions should be typed. Make sure to type both the question and your answer.
    B. Select five countries from Operation World and begin to pray for them each day. Read the sections that give details on the countries you have selected.
    C. Do an internet search for evangelical missionaries who may be ministering in one of the countries you have selected. (Missionaries in Muslim countries may not be able to respond to you.) Email a missionary and let them know you are praying for them. Explain the course you are taking and see if they have any prayer requests. If you do not receive an answer email another missionary. Some missionaries do not have daily access to the internet. Include a copy of their response with your coursework for this class.
    D. Set-up an interview with your pastor concerning your church’s strategy and participation in world missions. Ask the following questions: Do we have a strategy of missions? Who are our missionaries? Where are they ministering? What kind of ministry are they involved with? Do they plan and hold evangelistic events? Do we have an organized way of praying for world missions? Who leads our missions outreaches? Do we have any short-term missions trips scheduled? What could I do to raise awareness about world missions in our church? [If you are the pastor, you may just answer the questions.] Your answers should be typed in the appropriate format.
    E. Type a two-page summary of your view of world missions. You may include any changes that have occurred in your thinking as a result of this course.
    F. Submit all assigned work to CFDSHomework@yahoo.com. Homework should be typed and sent as an email attachment.

Course 2

Course on Cross Cultural Leadership for the Missionary Studies Diploma

I. Course Description:
Cultures of various people of the world are studied for the purpose of orienting the student with the issues in cross-cultural leadership and leadership development. The importance of cultural sensitivity and communication are emphasized.

II. Prerequisites:
There are no academic prerequisites for this course. Enrollment is open to any registered student.

III. Required Textbooks
       

IV. Other Resources

   Recommended Reading
        1. Recent newsletters from missionaries in your church (if you don’t know any missionaries or your church doesn’t have any, you can find newsletters by doing a search on google.com).
        2. Evangelical Missions Quarterly. See www.billygrahamcenter.org/emis for more information.

V. Course Objectives
The student who successfully completes this course will be able to do the following:
    A. Explain Jesus’ emphasis on loving God and loving their neighbors as a the basis for spirituality and leadership.
    B. Promote prayer and humility as the rightful attitude of a leader.
    C. To understand the biblical and practical philosophy of Christian leadership as it relates to other cultures and people groups.

VI. Course Requirements
All work must be submitted to CFDSHomework@yahoo.com. It should be completed in Word and then attached to an email.

When all work is completed and the mentor is satisfied with you knowledge of the subject, a PDF diploma will be emailed to you.  If you prefer to have a diploma mailed to you, you will need to contact your mentor regarding the suggested donation for printing and shipping a diploma.  This course is free, but you should consider helping to support the missionaries who make this course possible (see www.HopeForCentralAmerica.com for more info)!