English conversation classes are taught in many churches in Japan. It is one tool used as a means of evangelism. During each class there is a 10 to 20 minute "chapel time" in which the teachings of the Bible are taught in Japanese and sometimes in English as well. English classes are one way in which Japanese come in contact with a church and Christianity. There are many Japanese who are Christians today because they heard the gospel in an English class.
As of the fall 2008 I no longer teach the English classes in the church. Another full time MUP missionary came to take over this ministry. In 2013 a different new missionary has taken up this ministry. His homepage is 10-40window. It is tough for new teachers so please pray for him, his teaching, his students, his Japanese studies.
The income from teaching English helps to support the teacher as well as help pay for other church projects. Church based English classes are attractive to students as they are usually much cheaper than for profit English schools.
I was looking for people to teach English in nearby Taku city and in Matsuura city. But the mission organization I used to belong to no longer accepts missionary candidates to do such ministry so if you are interested in teaching English in Japan at a church I suggest you look at other mission organizations. Another possibility is to join the JET program and be an ALT at a public school. It pays well and is good experience. And then wherever you are assigned become involved in the local church.
I Thess. 2:7-9
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
