Getting Started

What's Involved in Starting an ESL Ministry?  

We have tried to demystify the steps involved in launching an ESL ministry so you have the whole picture as you pray about starting this ministry. See this graphic below for an overview of the steps involved along with an estimated timeline. Each step is detailed in this website with suggestions, resources, and links. 

Recommended Meetings by Launch Stage

Below are some suggested meetings/events that may be helpful for you, your volunteer team, and your church leadership. None of these meetings is required, per se, and some can be combined to minimize time commitment for volunteers. For any meeting, Refuge staff is happy to come and lead trainings/discussions as would be helpful for you or provide some tips to the site director alone for each meeting. 

1) Get Church Approval 

• Potential site director discusses with elder(s) and church leadership about heart and vision of ministry and the alignment with church mission.

• Meeting with site director, elder(s) or church leadership with Refuge Director to learn more about Refuge and ESL ministry.

• Observe one or two existing ESL sites. Email info@refugeintl.org to schedule an observation of one of our existing sites. 

2) Forming a Team 

• Interest meeting to discuss roles, expectations, and vision for potential volunteers. 

3) Plan Class Logistics 

• A volunteer team meeting to determine roles, class times, ministry vision, and outreach dates 

• Training Meetings: 

  • Teacher training, which is available on video or Refuge can come to do teacher training in person. 

  • Hospitality training: an overview of culture and embedding gospel witness throughout your ministry

  • God's Big Story training: tips and advice for using God's Big Story or other gospel-focused material during hospitality time 

4) Outreach and Launch 

• An outreach day where volunteers go door-to-door to advertise the class 

• Final team meeting: review assessment procedures, registration, volunteer roles, and last-minute reminders before launch

• Assessment and Registration night: an optional night to pre-register and assess students three weeks before starting classes 

5) Evaluation and Upkeep 

• Team reflection meeting at least once per term to discuss what's going well and what might need to be adjusted for your ministry

• Refuge feedback: We would be happy to come as well and provide feedback if requested for an outsider opinion