What is Cross Cultural Services

The Cross-Cultural Services team works in partnership with churches to assist them in their community outreach to migrants and refugees. Across the Diocese of Sydney there are nearly 100 church-based English classes. This a practical way to assist those needed to learn English and adjust to a new culture while demonstrating to them Christian care, acceptance and friendship. We pray that as church members reflect the generosity of Christ to their students and speak of their faith, these students may encounter Jesus in the context of genuine care and respond to him as their Lord and Saviour.

Our aim is to train, equip and support church volunteers in this ministry. We provide:

  • Start-up training in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) which includes teaching methods; cultural awareness; adult education; using the Bible; the practicalities of setting up classes; writing ESL resources; advertising and promotion.
  • Two teacher training days a year
  • Ongoing support from six regional Cross-Cultural Advisors
  • Anglicare ESL resources
  • A well-resourced ESL Library available to all teachers of English classes at Anglican churches

Looking for English classes?

This is the list of all churches who were teaching ESL prior to COVID. Please contact the churches directly to enquire if they are currently offering ESL classes online or in Person.

View latest class list

ESL Training Day

Two ESL training days are held per year in January and July for all those involved in ESL ministry in churches. These training days are for English class volunteers across Sydney diocese and beyond, to come together so they can share, learn and be inspired as they serve in their church ESL ministry.

January training day

ESL Resources

Anglicare also regularly publishes and updates ESL teaching material and Bible teaching aids. These resources are written specifically for teaching ESL in a church context for ministry.

You can obtain any of these resources free of charge at Anglicare's Online Shop.

Other services

In addition to English classes, we are keen to help churches consider other ways in which they can welcome people from all nations into their community.