Reach the world right here.

God has brought “every tribe, tongue, and nation” to the doorstep of SBC of Virginia churches. Today, we have a unique opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission and “make disciples of all nations” by reaching our non-English-speaking neighbors through English as a Second Language (ESL) ministries.

Reach the world everywhere.

Southern Baptists have a great heritage of going to every part of the world to share the Good News. ESL can open doors for the Truth, in areas where traditional evangelism methods are not permitted. Training you receive can help you reach non-English- speaking friends and neighbors in Virginia, but it doesn’t stop there. ESL can help you reach the nations.

Interested in getting involved?

Want to start an ESL ministry in your church? Interested in training to be a teacher? Please contact Tom and Cindi Melvin, at esl@sbcv.org to find out more, register for a workshop, or schedule an ESL Basic Workshop at your church.

ESL Trainings

To teach ESL at the local church level, teacher certification is required.  SBC of Virginia churches host trainings, known as ESL Basic Workshops, at various times throughout the year. Workshops are typically held on a Friday night and Saturday and result in teach certification through the North American Mission Board. Topics addressed at the 12-hour interactive workshop include:

  • Organizing an ESL ministry
  • Understanding a student’s English fluency and placement interview
  • Techniques for teaching English
  • Lesson planning
  • Introducing vocabulary
  • Teaching pronunciation
  • Dealing with cultural misunderstandings
  • Incorporating Biblical material into class sessions 
  • Sharing the gospel with students
  • Recommended resources