English as a Second Language

Spread God’s love by…teaching someone to speak English.

Nearly 32 million people in the United States speak languages other than English. More than 600,000 refugees and immigrants come to the United States every year. More than 450,000 international students study in United States colleges and universities each year.

Through English as a Second Language ministry, local churches can begin to meet, minister to and build relationships with people from many backgrounds whom they would not normally encounter.

Through ESL ministry, local churches can begin to share Christ with people who have never heard the gospel.

Through ESL ministry, local church volunteers can have the opportunity to minister to people from many lands “right in their own backyard.”

Most churches preparing to begin an ESL ministry use the North American Mission Board’s 16-Hour Basic ESL Workshop to equip church volunteers for their mission.

Although potential ESL teachers need to be committed followers of Christ with good people skills, they do not need to have extensive teaching experience or knowledge of another language.

The 16-Hour Basic Workshop will include training in the fundamentals of organizing an ESL ministry, preparing and teaching ESL lessons, witnessing to internationals, and other essential ministry skills.

For more information about ESL ministry or the 16-Hour Basic workshop, contact Ellen Udovich by phone at 800-466-5290 ext. 216 or by email at eudovich@bcmd.org