Mission to North America (MNA) has joined forces with the Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM) to publish a curriculum for English as a Second Language ministries. “Neighbor to Neighbor: Uniting Through English” is a 34-lesson curriculum developed for English language learners. The first two installments – introduction course (low fluency level) and Level 1 (middle beginner) – are now available. MNA plans to release five levels of curriculum in all. The project combines years of experience and pedagogical expertise to bring to life an outreach tool intended to tangibly carry out the Great Commission.
The student books refrain from explicit references to Christianity or the Bible, though the material aligns with Christian values. “‘Neighbor to Neighbor’ is a life-skill curriculum. It’s not an ESL Bible Study,” MNA ESL Ministries Director Nancy Booher explains. “This is because churches need to be able to ethically advertise free English classes.”
The teacher’s editions, however, do contain spiritual guidance for instructors. Each lesson contains a devotion for the teacher’s heart and a reminder for the teacher to pray for the students. Free devotional systems are available online, and teachers are encouraged to create an in-class devotion adapted to best suit their students.
“We emphasize in our training the importance of praying for your students and their families and building genuine loving relationships with them both inside and outside of the classroom,” Booher said.
What distinguishes “Neighbor to Neighbor” from other ESL material is that each lesson stands alone. The program is designed for an open registration model so a student can join at any time and still benefit. Lesson plans are provided for teachers, along with practice activities. MNA’s ESL training provides options for teachers to create pronunciation exercises adapted to their students’ language groups.
English classes may be the entry point into the church for English language learners, but MNA provides resources and suggestions for building a robust ESL ministry that extends beyond the classroom, including ESL Sunday school classes, moms groups, and holiday celebrations. Booher said some churches even incorporate sermon preview and sermon review classes that provide translated Scripture and explain vocabulary and any cultural references.
Ultimately these programs aim to facilitate genuine relationships. Booher cited a statistic that 85% of immigrants have never been in an American home outside their ethnic group, despite coming from cultures that place a high value on hospitality. The blessing of these relationships is mutual.
“When you meet your students, you fall in love,” she said. “As you begin to meet the nations and love them and incorporate them into our congregation, there are blessings on both sides.”
ESL ministry holds particular relevance and opportunity for American churches at this moment in history. “The United States is in a unique position in that the world comes to us as well as our going out to the world,” CDM Publishing Coordinator Marlys Roos said.
“Neighbor to Neighbor” can be purchased at the PCA Bookstore. CDM recommends ordering early (two weeks to one month in advance). Learn more about MNA’s ESL ministry here.