English Classes

In 2007, one of the goals of the Lutheran Urban Mission Agency (LUMA) was to encourage Kansas City area Lutheran churches, especially in ethnically changing neighborhoods, to reach out to the ethnic population around them. The Kansas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) conducted a demographic study to assist with this endeavor. The study found that 70% of the residents of the neighborhood (“The Argentine”) surrounding Immanuel Lutheran Church were Hispanic.

Deacon Tom Eckard, who was the Executive Director of LUMA in 2007, asked the Immanuel Lutheran congregation if they’d be interested in reaching out to their Hispanic neighbors. Immanuel was excited about this opportunity! They understood the importance of adapting to the language needs of those in the area. In fact, Immanuel had switched from using the German language to English early in the 1900s.

Tom placed a sign on the church’s lawn offering free English classes. Many people saw this sign as they drove down Metropolitan Avenue and started attending classes!

Since Immanuel is a Christian organization, Tom closed each class with The Lord’s Prayer in English. He explained the beliefs and practices of our Lutheran faith. Relationships developed. Many students began asking questions about the church and became interested in worship opportunities. Citizenship classes soon began for those interested in becoming United States citizens. On October 10, 2010, Immanuel began a bilingual worship service in Spanish and English. These bilingual services continued at Immanuel until the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. After the pandemic lockdown period, Immanuel’s bilingual services merged with the bilingual services at Jesus El Bien Pastor Lutheran Church. This merger created a larger, more viable Hispanic Congregation.

Although there are no bilingual worship services at Immanuel currently, ICOA continues to serve the Argentine with meaningful social services, including English and Citizenship classes. It is hoped that bilingual worship services will someday resume in this vibrant community.

Being able to communicate in English provides many benefits including the ability to obtain better employment, improved safety and security, and improved relationships and ties to the larger community, such as at their children’s school and at local stores and restaurants.

Students with a wide range of knowledge of the English language benefit by taking English classes at ICOA. Classroom topics for beginning students include learning the words to talk about the weather, family relationships, holiday traditions, favorite foods, favorite activities, and sports teams, and more.  

More advanced students will have the opportunity to practice conversational English. Students will be encouraged to learn new vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar as they become more comfortable and skilled in speaking English.

At the end of each class, students of all levels learn The Lord’s Prayer together. The teacher says a line and the class repeats that line. Students often build positive relationships with the other students through studying together. 

Worksheets and handouts are provided for all students.  More advanced students use a self-study English practice book is used, along with worksheets for vocabulary words. Students may choose to purchase a copy of the practice book. Students who purchase their own book may take it home with them. Students who don’t purchase a book, may use one of ICOA’s copies during class time.

Classes are free. Students are encouraged to bring a pen or a pencil and a notebook for note taking. 

The number of weeks/months/years students attend class depends on their goals and work /family situations.  Students’ progress will depend on class attendance and ability to practice outside of classes. Classes are ongoing, so students are welcome to join and rejoin at any time.