Obstacles to Opportunities

English as a Second Language (ESL) Ministries face a myriad of challenges: quality volunteer acquisition, training and retention, program funding, student participation and growth – to say nothing of lasting spiritual fruit. Often ESL ministry directors start off with little more than a heart for the Lord and their community, a handful of classes, and some teaching experience. However, growing and maintaining a successful ministry requires a broader skill set than most leaders receive. Similarly, many teachers in ESL ministries need additional training and support to facilitate the kind of English growth students hope for and spiritual fruit a sponsoring organization or church desires. Even teachers who have earned their TESOL Certificate benefit greatly from continuing education opportunities. TESOL Ministry was established to help ESL ministries, program directors and teachers overcome obstacles and embrace opportunities. Using technological tools and the skills many have been forced to acquire because of the pandemic, we are connecting our community in a new and exciting way to provide resources, networking opportunities, materials sharing, training, and exchange of ideas. In addition to connecting the ESL ministry community, we will provide information on an ongoing basis from experts and professionals in various fields to help you tackle the different types of challenges you face: whether you are leading an ESL ministry or helping a neighbor learn English. Welcome to TESOL Ministry!

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About the Author

Shannon Mann
Burdened by the reality that academic resources and expertise often remain out of reach for many volunteer ESL programs, ministries and individual tutors, Shannon Mann started TESOL Ministry in 2022 with the aim of bridging this gap by fostering partnerships to provide high-quality resources and training for community based ESL programs. Under her leadership, TESOL Ministry works with a variety of partners to enhance these vital ESL/EFL programs, improving communication and cultivating stronger, more vibrant communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovative teaching strategies and a passion for engaging diverse learners, Shannon works to empower and equip volunteer educators around the world with online resources, workshops, and collaborative projects. In addition to leading TESOL Ministry, she is currently serving as the Facilitator for CELEA’s Community-based ESL Group. She teaches ESL at Durham Technical Community College and in the TESL Certificate Program at Judson College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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Devotionals for Servants in ESL Ministry
Articles

Devotionals for Servants in ESL Ministry

Inspired to pray more? Gather your team or read individually, this 8 session devotional tailored for those serving in ESL ministry is designed to help you deepen your walk with God and love for others. 

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Prayer Guide – Prayer Summit 2025

 Looking to pray more with your ESL ministry?  Use the 2025 Prayer Summit Prayer Guide! If you have a large team, divide into smaller groups. Designate a facilitator to keep the group on task. Invite individuals to pray out loud for the various requests, but allow those who aren’t comfortable

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Articles

Unlocking Understanding: Be the ESL Teacher your Students Love to Learn From

Teaching English as a second or foreign language can feel like navigating a pedagogical minefield. You want to be engaging, informative, and even a little funny—without leaving your students scratching their heads in confusion. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with your students while keeping the classroom

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drawing of Jesus and Bible Characters
Articles

Bible Study or Engaging Bible Characters?

by Tom Steffen, D.Miss. The setting was central Luzon in the Philippines. The audience was composed of a group of multi-aged Ifugao, most, if not all, could read at some level. The topic for the Bible study was contrasting the attributes of God and Satan of which I presented propositionally.

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