Teach a Language
Welcome Your Neighbor
Build Stronger Communities for Jesus
The Lingo Project helps churches create practical, faith-based language ministries where adults can learn English or Spanish, practice real conversations and build relationships across cultures. Whether your church wants to serve immigrant families, equip members for outreach or prepare mission teams, we provide a clearpath to begin. Our ready-to-use English and Spanish curriculum, digital teaching platform and volunteer training give your team the structure needed to serve adults with confidence. Your volunteers can focus on teaching, building relationships and sharing the hope of the Gospel instead of spending hours creating lesson plans and classroom materials.
“I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35
The Lingo Project was founded by mother-daughter team Lina Eckhart and Melanie Muñoz, who share a deep love for God and a calling to serve others through language education.
The vision began taking shape after Lina and Melanie served together on a mission trip to La Libertad, El Salvador. Although Lina was born in Cali, Colombia, God placed a strong desire in her heart to begin an ESL ministry in the United States, where she recognized an opportunity to meet a practical need while sharing the hope of the Gospel.
Lina understands the challenges of learning English as a second language through personal experience. Throughout her professional career and ministry service, she has also helped bridge communication between English and Spanish speakers through translation. These experiences gave her a deeper understanding of how language barriers can affect a person’s confidence, opportunities and ability to connect with others.
In 2021, God opened a door through Michael Mora Brenes, then Assistant Director of Columbus Bilingual Academy North and now Regional Vice President for Accel Schools. He encouraged them to take ESL classes beyond the walls of the church and bring them directly into the school community. After a season of prayer and fasting, The Lingo Project was officially founded in 2023.
What began with a mission trip, a God-given vision and a simple conversation became a ministry that helps adults overcome language barriers, find their voice, strengthen their families and experience the love of Christ through meaningful relationships. Since then, Lina and Melanie have continued answering God’s call through The Lingo Project and mission trips to Honduras and Uganda.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8
Two Languages - One Mission
English classes help adults participate more confidently in work and family life. Spanish classes help others communicate with neighbors, coworkers and families they want to know and serve. Together, both programs create mutual understanding rather than one-sided outreach.
Choose The Right Language Path
English as a
Second Language
Conversation-based English for immigrant and
international adults who want practical language for
daily life, work and community participation.
Spanish
Conversational
Practical Spanish for adults who want to communicate
with Spanish-speaking neighbors, coworkers,
customers, families or ministry partners.
Language Can Become a Bridge
Language affects whether a person can ask for help, understand instructions, speak with a child's teacher,
contribute at work or feel included in a new community. It also affects whether a church can move beyond a
friendly greeting and form a genuine relationship.
A language ministry responds to both sides of that opportunity. It supports adults learning English while inviting
English speakers to learn practical Spanish. Each group develops useful communication skills, greater empathy
and the confidence to connect across cultures.
The goal is not perfect grammar or instant fluency. The goal is practical communication, consistent relationships
and a church culture where people from different language backgrounds are seen, welcomed and valued.
Practical English for Life, Work and Community
Our ESL ministry helps adults develop the English they need for real situations. Students practice speaking
through guided questions, role-plays, useful vocabulary, pronunciation and everyday scenarios.Classes create a welcoming place where learners can grow in confidence and form meaningful relationships.
Each class can include prayer and a brief guided Bible reflection. The reflection remains centered on the
selected Scripture and invites respectful questions and conversation without pressure or debate.
Practical Spanish for Relationships, Service and Everyday Life
Our Spanish ministry equips adults to begin communicating in Spanish through practical, conversation-based
learning. Participants practice greetings, introductions, common questions, work situations, community
interactions and language useful for service and ministry in real time.
The program also encourages cultural humility. Learners are invited to listen carefully, make mistakes without
embarrassment and approach Spanish-speaking communities with respect rather than assumptions.
What Participants Will Learn
North Columbus
Language for Everyday
Life Introductions, family, shopping, appointments,directions and common community conversations.
West Columbus
Language for Connection
Questions and responses that help people begin andcontinue real conversations
La Libertad, El Salvador
Language for Ministry
Stepping into a new culture to serve is powerful, but speaking the local language transforms a simple trip into a lifelong connection. Learn Spanish, yand prepare to make a deeper, lasting impact on your next mission trip.
West Columbus
Language for Work
Schedules, instructions, safety, teamwork, customerservice and professional communication
We help people make meaningful progress through practice and consistency.
We do not promise instant fluency. Language growth depends on attendance,
participation and continued practice outside class
What the Ministry Can Look Like
How The Lingo Project Can Help
You bring the people and the place.
We provide the curriculum, training and support
The Lingo Project provides the curriculum and platform you need to launch a high-quality, Gospel-centered language program. Our complete, ready-to-use curriculum is available through our online platform, giving your team instant access to lesson plans, teaching materials, and student resources. Your volunteer teachers can focus on teaching and building relationships—not creating lesson plans.
No teaching experience required
Built-in Bible discussion and Scripture
Trainings
Ready-to-Use Language Curriculum for Your Ministry
Launch a structured English or Spanish program without creating lessons from scratch. Developed by professional educators and protected by The Lingo Project’s copyright, every lesson is digital, fully prepared and ready to teach. Instructors only need a computer and a television or projector.
Our digital platform gives students access to their materials at their fingertips, eliminating the problem of lost or forgotten books.
The curriculum includes Basic and Intermediate English for everyday life, work and community, plus beginner Spanish for connecting with Spanish-speaking neighbors and ministry partners. Students complete an assessment every eight classes and receive a certificate after completing the program and attending all required classes.
Volunteer and Coordinator Training
No professional teaching experience is required.
The Lingo Project trains volunteer teachers, classroom helpers and Site Coordinators so they understand the curriculum, classroom structure, student care and expectations of a faith-based language program.
Gospel-Centered Learning
This is the most important part of the entire program. Prayer, Scripture and guided Bible conversations
are built into the program. We have the orientation material for your church to lead a ministry that impacts your community.
Our materials help churches create opportunities for meaningful spiritual conversations while maintaining a welcoming and respectful learning environment.
Ongoing Support
Your team will not have to launch the program alone.
The Lingo Project provides ongoing guidance, practical tools and support for Site Coordinators and volunteers as they begin serving their community and growing the ministry.
A Sustainable Partnership
Your church or organization provides:
A location for classes
A committed Site Coordinator
Volunteer teachers and classroom helpers
Local student recruitment and hospitality
The Lingo Project provides:
English and Spanish curriculum
Access to the digital teaching platform
Teacher and Site Coordinator training
Student and classroom resources
Ongoing program support
Guidance for building a sustainable language ministry
Ready to Bring a Language Ministry to Your Community?
Whether you want to offer English, Spanish or both, The Lingo Project can help your church build a structured program that strengthens communication, relationships and faith across cultures.
Or maybe you just want to see the complete partnership model, program structure and responsibilities?
Download our Language Ministry Partnership Overview.