English Serves the Church

“Shall we continue in English?” That simple question, spoken under the hot sun of West Africa, carried unexpected grace. For a visitor navigating the complexities of language in a foreign land, it was more than a preference it was a lifeline. As the conversation unfolded in a common tongue, the barrier that once threatened understanding quietly fell away.

Language has always held power. From the division at Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) to the unifying fire of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–12), Scripture is full of moments where words shaped destiny. And today, in a world divided by over 7,000 languages, one stands out in its global influence English.

According to the Ethnologue database, there are currently 7,164 known languages worldwide. Yet, Wycliffe Global Alliance notes that nearly 985 of these still lack any translation of Scripture. Another 1,524 have translation efforts underway but no completed portion. That leaves nearly 2,500 language groups without full access to the Word of God. And while the work of translation must continue, we must also recognize a unique phenomenon of our time: the rise of a global lingua franca.

English now functions as the most widely spoken language in the world. While only about 390 million people speak it as their first language, over 1.5 billion individuals nearly one in five people on the planet can communicate in English to some degree. In fact, roughly 75% of English speakers today acquired it as a second language. It has surpassed all prior lingua francas, including Latin, Greek, and French, and it currently dominates sectors like business, education, science, technology, entertainment, and even digital content with nearly 50% of the web in English.

For the global church, this matters.

The Gospel in a Common Tongue

The early church had Koine Greek a language of empire and commerce, but also providentially positioned for the spread of the gospel. God, in His timing, allowed this common language to become the very channel through which New Testament truths spread like wildfire.

Today, English plays a similar role. But this isn’t about elevating English as superior far from it. It’s about recognizing God’s sovereignty in using common languages as instruments to bring the nations to Himself. As Peter proclaimed at Pentecost in a language his listeners understood, so too must today’s church embrace the tools that allow clarity, conviction, and community in the gospel message.

Equipping the Church Across Borders

The widespread use of English creates two monumental opportunities for the body of Christ: resource sharing and pastoral training.

Theologically rich resources from historical sermons to contemporary critiques of false teachings are now more accessible than ever. A Cameroonian pastor educated in English might read a robust critique of the prosperity gospel and use it to shepherd his French-speaking congregation away from deception. Or an ancient Greek work, translated to English, might safeguard a congregation in rural Africa from doctrinal error.

This accessibility isn’t limited to Western voices. English provides a platform for global theologians from India, Kenya, or South Korea to speak into the wider church. Their insights, shaped by unique cultural perspectives, sharpen the understanding and mission of believers worldwide.

Additionally, English proficiency allows for deep, face-to-face theological training without the delays and inaccuracies of interpretation. As more pastors learn English in school or ministry, global conferences, mission trips, and even digital courses can reach them directly. The internet becomes a classroom, and the global church becomes a learning community.

But What About the Heart Language?

To some, the rise of English in church contexts may seem threatening to native languages but it shouldn’t be. People learn best in their mother tongue. Language carries culture, emotion, and spiritual nuance. While English might be the bridge, discipleship must take root in the language of the heart.

English, then, is not a replacement but a supplement a tool for teaching, training, and resourcing that enables local leaders to pastor their people well in their own dialects. The ultimate goal is not merely information transfer but heart transformation the kind that blossoms in a familiar tongue.

Gospel Bridges in a Global Age

The simple success of registering a car in West Africa thanks to English is a small story in a larger picture: clear communication paves the way for deeper connection. Perhaps next time, the conversation won’t be about paperwork, but about the cross. Either way, a shared language sets the stage.

We cannot predict which language will dominate in future centuries. Latin gave way to French, which gave way to English. Tomorrow, it might be Mandarin or Swahili. But for today, we can receive English as a providential gift not because it is holier or better, but because it is useful. And our God delights in using what is useful to bring about His purposes.

The work continues in translation, in teaching, and in training. Christ is building His church, and language is one of the tools in His hands.

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