Literacy Missions

One of the great outreach opportunities available to Kentucky Baptists is teaching English as a Second Language.

Over the past decade, thousands of people from around the globe have chosen to make Kentucky their home. Many of them are eager to learn English or improve their conversational skills in order to become full, participating members of their communities. You can welcome new neighbors by helping teach English as a Second Language or becoming a conversation partner; providing refreshments, transportation, childcare, prayer support, encouragement or special music for international ministry; befriending these new neighbors; or inviting them to your home for a meal. As we reach out to meet this literacy need, learners become open to hearing the gospel from the caring people who are concerned enough to teach them.

Learn more

Teaching someone English is a gift that lasts a lifetime! The Kentucky Baptist Convention provides training and support for individuals, churches and associations who are interested in ministry through ESL. Whether your church is just getting started, or you would like help developing an on-going ministry, we are here to assist you as needed. We provide the following training:

• Implementing a Church-Based ESL Ministry (8 hours): This all-inclusive training covers all elements of ESL, including logistics for implementing a class, instructional tips, lesson ideas, cultural considerations, gospel intentionality, resources, and practical examples. This workshop is ideal for new ministries or existing ones with few experienced ESL volunteers and includes time for discussion and consulting with ministry leader(s).
• Best Practices in Teaching ESL as a Ministry (4 hours): This workshop is focused on teaching tips, practical examples, and lesson ideas for engaging all levels of ESL learners in a church-based setting, including how to engage them in spiritual conversations. This workshop is ideal for new and existing ministries and will be adjusted to the specific needs of the church requesting it.
• Keeping ESL-Based Ministries Gospel Focused (2 hours): This training focuses specifically on gospel conversations and relationship building with non-native speakers and how to maximize the classroom for gospel-sharing opportunities.