1. What is Encountering the World of Islam? Encountering the World of Islam (EWI) is a semester-long course developed by a team of people led by editor Keith Swartley. The vision of EWI is to present the body of Christ with a fresh perspective on Muslims. The course is designed to help believers connect relationally with the Muslim community and to respectfully explain our hope in Jesus Christ, while not repeating prideful errors of the past.
Encountering the World of Islam guides you on a journey into the lives of Muslims around the world and in your neighborhood. Through this course and book, you will learn about Muhammad and the history of Islam, gain insight into today’s world conflicts, and dispel fears and myths about Muslims. You will also discover the frustrations and desires of Muslims and learn how to pray for and befriend them. Encountering the World of Islam provides a positive and biblical perspective on God’s heart for Muslims and equips you to reach out to them in Christ’s love.
Highlights in each lesson provide insight into Muslim culture, the Qur’an, and Muslim women.
Discussion questions and other assignments will deepen your understanding of Muslim interests and concerns.
Charts, maps, and illustrations illuminate the text and provide additional context.
An extensive, easy-to-use glossary clarifies Muslim terminology.
Participants leave the class with a working knowledge of the Islamic faith, how to get involved in reaching out to Muslims, and how to explain their beliefs to Muslims.
2. Why is this subject so important?
Islam was founded more than 600 years after the resurrection of Christ. It is considered, by some, to be the greatest test of Christian relevance in the world today. Sadly, Christians rarely reach out to Muslims. Many Christians hold mistaken stereotypes that make Muslims seem unattractive. Some Christians find it difficult to relate to Muslims. Others simply don’t know how to interact with their Muslim neighbors. Encountering the World of Islam can help break down these barriers.
3. What topics does EWI cover? History: What was the historical setting for the birth and expansion of Islam? What factors allowed for its growth throughout the world?
Theology: What does the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, say about people’s relationship with God and with each other? What about sin, death, Jesus, the Trinity, community, and conversion?
Culture: What are culture and worldview? How do Muslims see the world? What about the role of women, the veil, and jihad? What is the everyday life of Muslims really like?
Strategy: How can Christians relate the gospel in a culturally sensitive way to Muslims near them and throughout the world? How can we begin reaching out to the Muslim world regardless of whether or not our current circumstances ever change?
4. Who teaches this course?
This course has 10 lectures taught by:
Articulate Muslims
Christians working with Muslims
Christians who come from a Muslim background
5. When and where is this course offered?
We would love to offer the course everywhere, but we are dependent on God to raise up local coordinating teams and hosting churches. See the Host a Class page for more information. For information about currently scheduled courses, see Locations.
6. Is there a registration deadline?
Registration deadlines are set independently for each class. See the Locations page for the deadline for each site. Some courses give discounts for early registration. Seats are often limited, so sign up early!
7. How much does the course cost?
Tuition charges for each class are set independently based on actual local costs. See each Locations page for details. Course costs include registration fees, credit fees, overhead, cost of books and materials, and honoraria and travel expenses for instructors. Average tuition costs can be around $300 for non-credit students. Credit fees are dependent on the schools that are extending credit.
Perhaps you are thinking, “That’s a lot of money!” Keep in mind that Encountering the World of Islam (EWI) is a full semester program. A comparable course at any American university would cost more than $1000 without materials. Remember also that the figures above reflect how much it actually costs to run the course. Very few courses offer 8-12 dynamic, expert speakers over a semester period.
All the same, don’t let money stop you from taking the course! We suggest that you speak to your church or pastor about financial help. Very often, your church may be willing to sponsor a percentage of the total cost as an investment in your ministry training. After you have spoken to your home church, you can speak to your local course coordinators. They can often work out a flexible payment schedule so that you don’t have to pay for the course in one lump sum. In some cases, coordinators may also have information about other financial aid or scholarships.
8. What’s the difference between certificate and credit? Certificate: To earn a certificate, you will need to attend course lectures and read the Textbook Readings (about 30 pages per lesson). You will make weekly postings and replies in a class discussion forum, take four online quizzes, report on and discuss meeting twice with a Muslim, visit a mosque, and present an oral report. If you have to miss classes, audio files and lecture notes are available in the online classroom to keep you up to date in the class.
Credit: The best option for earning academic credit is to arrange an independent study at the school where you are already enrolled. Talk to your academic adviser about your school’s requirements (online distance learning students may obtain a sample academic syllabus by contacting the EWI office; students attending a local EWI course will need to contact their class coordinator). At a minimum, you will need to attend the course lectures and read the Textbook and Online Readings (55 pages each week). Additional readings may also be assigned depending on whether you are seeking undergraduate or graduate credit. You will participate in weekly discussion forum postings, take four quizzes, and present an final report, which may include a written paper.
9. How much of my time will the course take?
Our weekly class meetings will last approximately three hours, giving you a great chance to fellowship with Christians from other churches.
Each week’s reading material takes approximately one to two hours, with more time likely needed for credit students.
Homework assignments take approximately one hour for certificate level and two hours for credit level students to complete.
The course runs for 12 weeks.
Yes, EWI is a big time commitment, but we are confident God will use this course to change your life!
10. What is the Encountering the World of Islam book like?
To find information on the book, please go to the Book page.
11. Are EWI classes available online?
Yes! EWI Online covers the same topics as Encountering the World of Islam and requires textbook readings, viewing (streaming video) or listening (downloadable audio files) to lectures, online discussions with other class members and a course mentor, meeting a Muslim and visiting an Islamic center in your local area, and taking four quizzes and one exam online. In order to preserve EWI’s interactive nature, EWI Online will NOT be self-paced, but each course will begin and end on specific dates, with weekly due dates for assignments, quizzes and exams. If you sign up for EWI Online, you will want to check your calendar before selecting a course. EWI Online courses will be offered in 12-week sessions in fall, winter, spring and summer. A certificate of completion will be issued to all online students who complete the EWI Online course requirements.
12. Does EWI represent the official Pioneers approach?
The views and opinions expressed on this website, in the related course, textbook, and other publications, are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Encountering the World of Islam, Pioneers USA or its affiliates, members, donors, groups hosting the course, and/or the employers of the instructors, or any contributor to this site, course, and textbook. This material may have been previously disseminated in print, internet, or another medium. In particular, views expressed are intended to spur discussion and not to advocate for a particular point of view.
1. What is Encountering the World of Islam?
2. Why is this subject so important?
3. What topics does EWI cover?
4. Who teaches this course?
5. When and where this course offered?
6. Is there a registration deadline?
7. How much does the course cost?
8. What’s the difference between certificate and credit?
9. How much of my time will this course take?
10. What is the Encountering the World of Islam book like?
11. Is EWI available online?
12. Does EWI represent the official Pioneers approach?
1. What is Encountering the World of Islam?
Encountering the World of Islam (EWI) is a semester-long course developed by a team of people led by editor Keith Swartley. The vision of EWI is to present the body of Christ with a fresh perspective on Muslims. The course is designed to help believers connect relationally with the Muslim community and to respectfully explain our hope in Jesus Christ, while not repeating prideful errors of the past.
Encountering the World of Islam guides you on a journey into the lives of Muslims around the world and in your neighborhood. Through this course and book, you will learn about Muhammad and the history of Islam, gain insight into today’s world conflicts, and dispel fears and myths about Muslims. You will also discover the frustrations and desires of Muslims and learn how to pray for and befriend them. Encountering the World of Islam provides a positive and biblical perspective on God’s heart for Muslims and equips you to reach out to them in Christ’s love.
Participants leave the class with a working knowledge of the Islamic faith, how to get involved in reaching out to Muslims, and how to explain their beliefs to Muslims.
2. Why is this subject so important?
Islam was founded more than 600 years after the resurrection of Christ. It is considered, by some, to be the greatest test of Christian relevance in the world today. Sadly, Christians rarely reach out to Muslims. Many Christians hold mistaken stereotypes that make Muslims seem unattractive. Some Christians find it difficult to relate to Muslims. Others simply don’t know how to interact with their Muslim neighbors. Encountering the World of Islam can help break down these barriers.
3. What topics does EWI cover?
History: What was the historical setting for the birth and expansion of Islam? What factors allowed for its growth throughout the world?
Theology: What does the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, say about people’s relationship with God and with each other? What about sin, death, Jesus, the Trinity, community, and conversion?
Culture: What are culture and worldview? How do Muslims see the world? What about the role of women, the veil, and jihad? What is the everyday life of Muslims really like?
Strategy: How can Christians relate the gospel in a culturally sensitive way to Muslims near them and throughout the world? How can we begin reaching out to the Muslim world regardless of whether or not our current circumstances ever change?
4. Who teaches this course?
This course has 10 lectures taught by:
5. When and where is this course offered?
We would love to offer the course everywhere, but we are dependent on God to raise up local coordinating teams and hosting churches. See the Host a Class page for more information. For information about currently scheduled courses, see Locations.
6. Is there a registration deadline?
Registration deadlines are set independently for each class. See the Locations page for the deadline for each site. Some courses give discounts for early registration. Seats are often limited, so sign up early!
7. How much does the course cost?
Tuition charges for each class are set independently based on actual local costs. See each Locations page for details. Course costs include registration fees, credit fees, overhead, cost of books and materials, and honoraria and travel expenses for instructors. Average tuition costs can be around $300 for non-credit students. Credit fees are dependent on the schools that are extending credit.
Perhaps you are thinking, “That’s a lot of money!” Keep in mind that Encountering the World of Islam (EWI) is a full semester program. A comparable course at any American university would cost more than $1000 without materials. Remember also that the figures above reflect how much it actually costs to run the course. Very few courses offer 8-12 dynamic, expert speakers over a semester period.
All the same, don’t let money stop you from taking the course! We suggest that you speak to your church or pastor about financial help. Very often, your church may be willing to sponsor a percentage of the total cost as an investment in your ministry training. After you have spoken to your home church, you can speak to your local course coordinators. They can often work out a flexible payment schedule so that you don’t have to pay for the course in one lump sum. In some cases, coordinators may also have information about other financial aid or scholarships.
8. What’s the difference between certificate and credit?
Certificate: To earn a certificate, you will need to attend course lectures and read the Textbook Readings (about 30 pages per lesson). You will make weekly postings and replies in a class discussion forum, take four online quizzes, report on and discuss meeting twice with a Muslim, visit a mosque, and present an oral report. If you have to miss classes, audio files and lecture notes are available in the online classroom to keep you up to date in the class.
Credit: The best option for earning academic credit is to arrange an independent study at the school where you are already enrolled. Talk to your academic adviser about your school’s requirements (online distance learning students may obtain a sample academic syllabus by contacting the EWI office; students attending a local EWI course will need to contact their class coordinator). At a minimum, you will need to attend the course lectures and read the Textbook and Online Readings (55 pages each week). Additional readings may also be assigned depending on whether you are seeking undergraduate or graduate credit. You will participate in weekly discussion forum postings, take four quizzes, and present an final report, which may include a written paper.
9. How much of my time will the course take?
10. What is the Encountering the World of Islam book like?
To find information on the book, please go to the Book page.
11. Are EWI classes available online?
Yes! EWI Online covers the same topics as Encountering the World of Islam and requires textbook readings, viewing (streaming video) or listening (downloadable audio files) to lectures, online discussions with other class members and a course mentor, meeting a Muslim and visiting an Islamic center in your local area, and taking four quizzes and one exam online. In order to preserve EWI’s interactive nature, EWI Online will NOT be self-paced, but each course will begin and end on specific dates, with weekly due dates for assignments, quizzes and exams. If you sign up for EWI Online, you will want to check your calendar before selecting a course. EWI Online courses will be offered in 12-week sessions in fall, winter, spring and summer. A certificate of completion will be issued to all online students who complete the EWI Online course requirements.
To learn more, go to Online Classes.
12. Does EWI represent the official Pioneers approach?
The views and opinions expressed on this website, in the related course, textbook, and other publications, are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Encountering the World of Islam, Pioneers USA or its affiliates, members, donors, groups hosting the course, and/or the employers of the instructors, or any contributor to this site, course, and textbook. This material may have been previously disseminated in print, internet, or another medium. In particular, views expressed are intended to spur discussion and not to advocate for a particular point of view.