In some book about ESL/EFL teaching as Christian ministry, the above statement is recorded. Apparently the writer had made a presentation about Christians teaching English as a second or foreign language, and afterwards someone from the audience came up and asked him this question.
Yes, Virginia, there is a way to teach English to non-native speakers and make it ministry. In fact, there are many ways it can be done.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Ministry, am ordained and have worked as a student preacher, missionary overseas and also located minister (albeit miserably, on this last one). I also have a TEFL/TESL certificate and taught EFL in Brazil, and later ESL in Newark, NJ. Though I've often criticized myself for not having something besides ministry to "fall back on," this is not entirely true. ESL/EFL teaching has been my "spare tire." Like most spare tires, you shouldn't depend on it too long, but it will help get you by in a pinch.
When I went to Brazil in January 2001 I had big dreams of doing bivocational ministry, receiving part of my financial support from American congregations, and the other portion from employment as an EFL teacher. The mission support was pretty secure and dependable, the EFL work was not. Working at a private language school, I was employed at the whim of the rather fickle owner of the school. She liked having people kiss up to her more than she valued quality teaching, and cut my hours because she didn't like my "attitude" (she never spoke to me and was rarely at the school, so I have no idea what she was talking about). Leaving that school, many of my students hired me for private tutoring. For a time I earned more doing that than I ever did teaching in the school. Ultimately, though, higher inflation and a weakening dollar, together with the closure of one of my supporting congregations (a small church in rural Arkansas) forced me to move the family to the United States.
After the very unpleasant ministry New Mexico (read about it here and here), I was out of the ministry. Spiritual broken and financially broke, I turned ESL teaching. No other doors seemed opened, and I certainly wasn't prepared to do anything else. Jerry Docarmo, a very good man and owner of Harvest English Institute, hired me right away and pushed for me to get more hours teaching so I could take care of my family. There were no benefits and the pay was a bit lower than ideal, but it helped keep us going, together with my wife's income cleaning houses, until I could get a job with better pay and benefits.
Though inwardly I was in chaos while teaching at Harvest, the experience was almost therapeutic. I had regular, daily contact with Brazilian students (though I'd lost sight of my vocation, the drive was still there) and people from other lands, and in many classes there was a strong sense of community being built. Some of my students even started coming to me for personal counsel and advice. However hurting, I was still ministering in a way.
In the past I have stated my opposition to using English as a Second Language (ESL) classes as a tool of evangelism. Using ESL or any other interest or need purely as a way to convert people smacks of the bait-n-switch technique, the one where you offer one thing to draw people in and then switch something else in to sell to them. I still object to this method of evangelism. At least, I won't do it. If I offer people classes in English as a second language, you'd better believe that's exactly what they are going to get. This doesn't mean that I'll hide my faith, but that I intend to provide people what I offered.
That said, I think ESL and EFL classes can be missional in a variety of ways.
First, EFL teaching allows Christians to serve as ambassadors of God's peace. People from one culture going to another culture and peacefully, respectfully offering something as valuable as the primary language of modern international trade and politics have every opportunity to build bridges. That's what language is all about: communication.
Second, ESL teachers in the U.S. and other English-speaking nations show the Christian virtue of hospitality, welcoming the stranger. For immigrants, both those with legal status as well as those without, their new surroundings can seem strange and even hostile. The sanctuary of the classroom and a kind, diligent teacher can make all the difference in their adaptation.
Third, ESL and EFL teachers do not need to keep their beliefs entirely to themselves. Sure, there will be limits depending on school policy and governmental intervention, but as the teacher forms strong relationships based on trust with students, his or her faith will have to come into the discussion. Bible studies can be offered and conducted in private, one-on-one with students who are interested in knowing more.
As of yet, I can't figure out how to run and ESL/EFL program in a church setting without it being made into a bait-and-switch scheme.
Recently I have had to admit, to myself, my wife and to God that our present income simply isn't enough. We live in a very small apartment and struggle to pay our minimal bills. We're not carrying as much debt as many people, but even that relative little is beyond our ability to maintain. So, this week I've started contacting area language schools to see if any need teachers. I've seen ads online, so I know there are schools around that are hiring. Taking this second job will mean less time with family, and longer days for me. I'll be working all day at AT&T and, if there are openings, weeknights until 10pm and possibly for a few hours on Saturday.
Still, though this will surely be difficult, perhaps it is the right thing for the reign of God. I may be more effective ministering in an ESL school than in a small group Bible study.
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