Cornerstone offers one day ESL conference

USA (MNN) — English as a second language is quickly becoming a great way to not only help someone learn English, but to share your faith. Cornerstone University wants to help teachers, missionaries and church lay leaders in the United States be better equipped to do this kind of work. It’s part of their 5th annual ESL Ministry Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Cornerstone offers an Associates and Masters Degree in ESL. Doctor Michael Pasquale heads up the program and the conference. “This is designed to help those that want to begin an ESL program in their church or to help develop their ministry or even help individuals as they prepare to go overseas or do work here in the States.”

According to Pasquale, as an ESL teacher is more effective in helping a student, it does more than help their ability to speak English. “In the classroom, the more effective a teacher is of presenting English, the more that relationship will be built and can effectively share Christ.”

As the international population grows throughout the United States, this type of outreach can be a vital tool in leading people to Christ. “Community resources are drained. School resources are drained and it’s a great opportunity for churches especially to be involved in reaching out to this very needy group (by) teaching English and even working in schools and community centers and just opening that bridge to people’s lives. Our theme for this conference is “Connecting with Community.”

The cost of the conference is $60 at the door. Early registration is $55 and groups rate of two or more is $50. Pasquale is hoping for more than 100 people from all over the country this year. If you would like more information see the mission conferences sidebar on our home page.