There is a kind of Gospel Language that is expressed when we follow Jesus’s instructions to love God and love others. Whether it is spoken through words or conveyed through actions, this Gospel Language can be heard and seen at churches all across the North American Baptist Conference. One of the ways it is expressed at McKernan Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta, is through MELL, their English-language learning ministry.
In some ways, MELL is an outgrowth of years of investment the church has made in connecting its pastors and leaders to the NAB’s missional and formational ministries such as Blue Ocean, where leaders from across the NAB are introduced, or reintroduced, to what it means to be a missional people who are being formed into the image of Christ and therefore seeking to draw others into that kind of life transformation. Would you consider giving to the Ministry Resource Fund, which helps, in part, make resources like Blue Ocean possible?
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Pastor Dan Schroth, the lead team pastor at McKernan who helps oversee MELL, said the missional/formational training at Blue Ocean affected the way he understood ministry as a pastor. He said it was a privilege to meet with other NAB leaders “while also working through some profound lessons on how to engage culture with the life-giving message of Jesus’s tremendous love, healing, and work of reconciliation.”
At McKernan, the English classes began with three simple words: “You. Me. English?” In the best English she could muster, Maria, a Ukrainian refugee, asked Fern Reirson, a retired teacher, to help her improve her language skills. At first, Fern was reticent, but God, and others, kept prompting her.
Soon, a new ministry was born. Over the past year, MELL has taught over 200 students across three classes with the help of fifty volunteers. Most importantly, not only do they teach English, but they introduce newcomers to Jesus. These classes have opened up McKernan as a place of safety and belonging to many who might otherwise feel like outsiders because of their language skills. Pastor Dan said, “I have been overwhelmed with how wonderfully our church has demonstrated love to many immigrants and refugees.”
When talking about the classes, Oksana, a MELL student, said, “I had the opportunity not only to learn and practice English but also to receive real support. Many people, including myself, needed this support very much.”
Another student, Olha, shared, “I thank God that we have these meetings. I feel needed and useful at these gatherings! It feels like you are working for God and that many people who don’t yet know him are hearing the Word of God, reading it, and reflecting on it.”
As Pastor Dan describes it, “We are provided an opportunity to embody and witness to the love of Jesus Christ, not in what we say but in how we love.” This is Gospel Language being spoken and lived out. Would you give $50, $100, or more to the Ministry Resource Fund? Your gift, in part, will financially support missional and formational trainings like Blue Ocean that have repeatedly proven to help pastors and leaders across the NAB rethink what it looks like to love God and love others in their churches and communities.
Give in Canadian Dollars Give in US Dollars
Give in Canadian Dollars
Give in US Dollars
You can also text to give. Just text any amount followed by “FALL” to:
204.400.2238 (Canada)
916.249.0534 (US)
204.400.2238 (Canada)
916.249.0534 (US)
Consider asking your church to partner with us in these ministry efforts. Here are some ideas for getting involved:
- Give a personal gift today and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
- Distribute materials at Sunday service or weekly Bible studies, classes, or groups.