Successful Models for Language Outreach

Language classes create essential opportunities of bringing in a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds that genuinely add to the environment of the church. Students, professionals, teachers, seniors, mothers, and children have all shown a desire to learn different languages.

While each church certainly has their own teaching ability and style, it becomes obvious that some methods are far more effective than others. Therefore, several examples that have produced results a short amount of time were reviewed. Several common themes were present in the way each church approached evangelism, content, and teaching that is certainly attributed to their success. 

To begin, each class had an incredible attention to detailing regarding the flyers and advertisements posted around the area. The churches all had placed flyers in key locations such as libraries, coffee shops, and marketplaces. To ensure they reached a maximum audience, the posters were checked at least three times a week as they have a tendency to be removed rather quickly. If the class desires to grow, it needs to be advertised consistently in all the locations possible. 

Secondly, each church had a very patient approach to teaching the class. Offering too much content and rushing the lessons is not recommended. Learning a language is all about practice and reinforcement of the skills being developed. If the lessons move along too quickly, no one will learn and will quickly lose interest or become discouraged. Be sure to match the pace with the student's abilities and review as often as possible. Only make intermediate and advanced classes as needed after the basics are sufficiently reviewed.

Finally, remember the focus of bringing individuals to church and Jesus Christ. By following the above strategies, creating a large class is actually very easy. However, creating a class that will open their hearts to the gospel and eventually become more involved in the church should never be overlooked. This aspect needs to always be the most important of the language class. The churches have accomplished this by slowly introducing the Word of God into the curriculum they are teaching. Whether it is a weekly Bible verse, or having a Bible study before the actual lesson, the Gospel needs to be present at some point during the class.