Reach the world right here.

God has brought every nation recognized by the United Nations to the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This gives SBC of Virginia churches a unique opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission by reaching out to the world right here through a church-based English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry.

The primary goal of a church-based ESL ministry is to provide opportunities to intentionally share and demonstrate the Gospel of Christ while helping people speak or improve their English. 

Interested in getting involved?

Want to learn more about starting ESL classes in your church or schedule and ESL Basic Workshop?

Contact esl@sbcv.org.

Language barriers limit opportunities, isolate families, and often keep people from hearing the hope of the gospel in ways they can understand. Your church can start an ESL ministry that meets real needs with flexibility, intentionality, and care—opening doors for relationships, community, and gospel hope.

Join Mayson Donaldson as she equips you to start an ESL ministry that serves English language learners while creating space for meaningful relationships and gospel conversations.

You’ll learn how to welcome the nations God has placed in your community—through practical care, relational connection, and the unchanging love of Christ.

In this course, you’ll be equipped to:

  • Identify the language learners in your community—and the real barriers they face
  • Design ESL classes that are flexible, relational, and built around real-life needs—not rigid programs
  • Recruit and equip volunteers (no teaching background required!) to serve with confidence and care
  • Create a sustainable ministry model that supports both learners and leaders over the long haul
What is an ESL Basic Workshop?

ESL Basic Workshops are designed to equip local church volunteers to demonstrate and share God’s love with non-English speaking neighbors through church-based ESL classes. 

Workshops, typically held on a Friday night and Saturday, are led by Workshop Leaders who are members of SBC of Virginia churches and trained through National Literacy Missions Partnership and the North American Mission Board.

Attendance at all sessions results in an ESL Basic Workshop Teacher Training Certificate.

What topics are covered?
  • Organizing a local church ESL ministry
  • Student placement interviews
  • Techniques for teaching English
  • Planning an ESL lesson
  • Dealing with cultural misunderstandings
  • Incorporating biblical material into class sessions
  • Sharing the gospel with students
  • Curriculum options
Registration Fee
  • $25 per person for SBC of Virginia churches
  • $50 per person for all other churches 

The cost provides all training materials.

Pre-Workshop Assignment

The completion of a pre-workshop assignment is requested after registering for an ESL Basic Workshop.