Network of churches extends English Language Learners classes
JACKSON — Y no nos cansemos de hacer el bien, porque a su debido tiempo segaremos, si no nos rendimos.
Most people in Tennessee probably can’t understand that sentence. It’s a Spanish translation of Galatians 6:9. There’s a large pocket of Tennesseans, however, who won’t be able to read the rest of this article.
But those working in the mission field agree having a language barrier shouldn’t hinder people from spreading the gospel, according to Jeff Palmer, community outreach director for the Madison-Chester and Crockett Baptist Association.
“If we have a desire to make Christ known to everybody, anybody, anywhere … let’s find ways to connect with them and to be able to share the gospel right now today,” said Palmer.
There are around 7,000 people in the Madison, Chester, and Crockett County area alone who live in homes where English is not the primary language, according to data from Mission Insight.
Recognizing a need, a cooperative effort between multiple Tennessee Baptist churches with volunteers from different congregations, began an English Language Learners (ELL) program last year in the MCCA area.
The program aims to provide English language instruction to the growing international, non-English speaking population in the region, with the goal of sharing the gospel and meeting a community need.
Palmer said the program was a success in 2024; 27 students of various ages registered and 16 completed the course. Now the program has been renewed for 2025 with plans to expand.
Through direction from Compassion Ministry specialist Beth Moore, the program will receive funding from the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, which has enabled them to conduct a spring and fall semester. The 2025 Semester began Feb. 6 and will include introductory and intermediate levels.
“Most non-English speakers feel helpless and cut off, and they seem reluctant to engage in conversation and relationships because they can’t communicate,” said Palmer. “We’re helping them in a way that they can begin to build a vocabulary that facilitates the sharing of Christ and our faith.”
Palmer, like many missionaries, knows this feeling all too well — the feeling of being unable to read and understand the language around you. He served over 30 years with the International Mission Board, spending significant time in Southeast Asia.
“When you step out in a place that you cannot communicate … it’s a little bit of a humbling experience,” said Palmer.
Woodland Baptist Church in Jackson, with the support of its executive pastor Mark Branson, spearheaded the ELL program to help non-English speakers improve their English communication skills. Woodland Baptist hosts a Spanish-speaking congregation that meets separately.
Most of the students in the program are Spanish speakers. But the initiative started with the intention of serving all language groups, especially since BlueOval City is bringing in other ethnic populations, such as South Koreans.
Another local church, Engelwood Baptist, already provides an ELL program. But Palmer and Branson did some research before starting the new program.
“We decided that there was still a lot of non-English speakers within Madison County. Even though there were programs to teach English, there still was opportunity,” Palmer said.
Palmer has also done ELL work with FBC Mt. Juliet and was familiar with the process of starting this program.
“It’s a biblical command. You care for the strangers and the sojourners among you. They’re right up there with the widows and the orphans,” explained Palmer.
Volunteer teachers, like Evelyn Gilbert, are motivated by a want to help those struggling with a language barrier and to share Christ’s love.
“The biggest reward was just how grateful they were that we were willing to do this for them,” said Gilbert, who served as a preschool teacher before becoming the administrative assistant for the association.
“The one I was most proud of was the lady that was 63. I mean, that’s difficult. And I would tell her on a regular basis how proud I was of her. She was just doing this because it was a desire of her heart,” said Gilbert.
Palmer added, “We had three men who were construction workers that drove from BlueOval City every Thursday night, and they were three of my favorites because they didn’t know anything about church at all. And so, we had some really interesting conversations … and they were excited about learning English.”
Plus, the program’s cooperative nature and the involvement of multiple churches suggests a sustained and impactful effort.
“It was kind of fun watching the bonding of the teachers and students over the 12-week semester. Starting out, we didn’t know what to expect. And then by the end of the semester, they’re just all best buddies,” Palmer noted. B&R
