English as a Second Language

About our FREE English as a Second Language Ministries

Serving a multicultural and multiethnic community is a passion at Sunset Bible Church. One way we do this is by offering English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. These programs are aimed at non-native English speakers who wish to improve their conversational English skills.

English @ The Station (Mondays, 9:45am-noon)

We offer free conversational English classes during the school year. We focus on natural English conversation about real life topics, including learning about culture. The students in our program comment that this is a unique opportunity to speak English with native English speakers – improving pronunciation, listening skills, conversation skills, vocabulary, cultural understanding, reading and more.

9:45am (Coffee Time)
10am-noon (English Class)

We meet at Sunset Bible Church @ The Station, 7909 40th St W, University Place.

NOTE: We do not meet on holiday weekends.
Please contact us for our current schedule of classes and other one-on-one or small group English opportunities: karen@sunsetbible.com.

Talk Time on Zoom (Saturdays, 10-11am)

Native English-speaking volunteers and participants from different countries meet in small groups to answer questions on the topic of the week. For the Zoom link, please contact Barris: barrisharms@gmail.com.

Conversation Partner Program

Meet with a native English speaker for English conversation practice once a week for about an hour (or every other week for about 90 minutes). Matches will be based on your schedule and location. 

Discovery Bible Study Program

Meet with a small group (including a native English speaker) and read a short section/story from the Bible each week. Improve your pronunciation, reading comprehension, listening, and thinking skills as you learn about God. Each time you meet, you will read the text, retell it from memory, and then answer the 4 basic questions:
1. What does this text teach us about God/Jesus?
2. What does this text teach us about ourselves/people?
3. If this is really God’s Word, what changes would I need to make in my life?
4. Who am I going to share this passage with before we meet again?
Students do not have to be experienced in the Bible to participate. Studies can be done online or in person, based on your location and schedule.

YouTube Channel: Better English in Tacoma

Visit our channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbtx7EPpnCkJ3ELIVRuWcdg) to see playlists that will help you improve your pronunciation, reading, and listening skills. View videos on your own or discuss the content with your Conversation Partner.

Other Partner Programs (Free English Conversation)

There are also several other FREE opportunities to practice English Conversation in the community. Contact the coordinators below or click this link to see the days/times each program is offered: Welcome to Better English in Tacoma! – Better English On Sixth

Talk Time @ First Baptist Church of University Place (2844 Mountain View Ave W). Contact Pastor Stacey: satmcclain@hotmail.com

ESL Classes @ Faith Presbyterian Church (620 S Shirley, Tacoma). Contact Jonathan: jonathan@betterenglishonsixth.org

Virtual (Zoom) Talk Time @ University Place Library. Contact Maureen: MRicksWildish@piercecountylibrary.org

Virtual Friendship ESL Class @ University Place Presbyterian Church. Contact Marion: davemannie@comcast.net

 

We Are Here For You

In addition to teaching ESL classes, we provide other in-person and online assistance to internationals in the community, including:

  • Advocacy, prayer, and support to those in need of help.
  • Referrals to other organizations that offer assistance/services for international friends.
  • Genuine friendship to those who may be lonely and in need of help as they navigate living in a new place with a different language and culture.
The most important thing we have to offer is a sure hope in God’s promise of eternal life with Him. 
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
 
If you would like to know more about who Jesus is and what He came to do for you, please contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you!