May 14, 2025
Teaching English with a Purpose, Not Perfection
Language is a fascinating feature of human nature that happens to be one of the likenesses we share with our Creator. God gave us the skills to form rules of grammar so that we can shape our thoughts into meaningful words. In His wisdom, God used these very rules of grammar that we have created to reveal His own thoughts through His written word. Consequently, we have both the commission and the privilege of teaching His word while teaching our language. When we utilize the teaching of English grammar as a tool to share the gospel, we elevate the English language to a higher purpose.
I am often asked when recruiting teachers, “How much grammar will I have to teach?” My answer is simple. We only ask our teachers to model good communication. Another question that comes up is, “What if a student asks a grammar question that I can’t answer?” That rarely comes up, but occasionally, a student may ask a question, and we need help. So I ask Google or Grammarly. Feel free to ask me. I will find the answer.
A common grammatical mistake involves the subordinating conjunction “because.” Often, students answer a question, such as, “Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?” with, “Because God wanted to test Abraham’s faith.” Their answer is correct, but grammatically, it isn’t. It’s only a dependent clause. I encourage students early on to avoid beginning sentences with “because until they’ve had more practice. Instead, have them say, “God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac because he wanted to test Abraham’s faith.”
You don’t have to be a grammar expert to be a WEI teacher. Just remember, your students can get to heaven without perfect Englih, but they can’t get to heaven without knowing Jesus. That’s what matters most. Don’t Quit.
INVITATION:
We invite you to include WEI in your church budget planning for 2025 and future planning for 2026. Please join us in a concerted effort to lead the whole world to Christ.
Wouldn’t you like to lead someone to Christ? Chances are you can. Become a WEI teacher by logging on to our web site and signing up at www.worldenglishinstitute.org/register/teacher.
