Timeline for Starting your own esl site

Presentation to pastor(s)/elder(s) on Refuge's vision with Refuge Director 

Additional presentation(s) if needed to wider circle of church leadership 

Recommended visit of existing ESL site 

Church leadership approval to move forward with partnership

Reach out to congregation to find interested members and key leaders 

• Sample interest form to send out can be found here

• If desired, Refuge staff can present to church as a whole or to a smaller group of interested leaders

At minimum, churches should identify (1) site director and (2) lead teacher  

For additional recommended members of leadership team, see this page here. 

Once leadership team is established,  a "next steps" meeting is encouraged to establish: 

• Target start date 

• Weekly class day and time 

• Neighborhood assessment of local community and potential students 

• Budget 

  • Set materials fee

• Classroom and hospitality room locations

• Childcare logistics- volunteers and physical space 

• Order curriculum materials 

• Teacher-specific ESL Orientation videos 

  • *A separate teacher meeting could take place to discuss classroom specifics and watch training videos together. 

• Names of possible congregation members to serve as volunteers 

Ask church leadership for opportunities to publicize the ESL class in various church communications 

• Refuge can provide marketing materials 

Involve church in regular prayer for the ministry formation and long-term relationships with internationals 

Recruit additional volunteers to fill remaining team needs and/or canvassing opportunities 

Recommended meeting with whole volunteer team 

Finalize: 

• Canvassing and outreach plan 

• Facility issues (rooms, supplies, accessibility, weekly set up and clean up, intake area, flow of traffic)

• Ask Refuge for any remaining volunteer needs 

• Roles for launch night 

• Print materials 

  • Assessment tests, registration forms, and multi-lingual welcome packets

• Prepare supplies 

As a team, review needs, issues, and sustainability of class 

Plan for integration of students into church community 

Consult with Refuge as needed 

Attend quarterly connection forum with other site directors to brainstorm common issues and solutions