Christian Activities

Functional English is open to all.

Students of any faith, or no faith at all, are all equally welcome and always enjoy the international family atmosphere. All Christian activities are optional and no pressure is put on students to take part in them.

Functional English is a non-denominational, Christian language school and a member of the Evangelical Alliance. The school is also represented on the local council of churches - Whitby Churches Together. 

We start each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Morning Prayers - half an hour of songs, Bible study and prayer led by staff.

On Thursdays there are Prayer groups i where students meet to pray. On Friday mornings we have Class Prayers - each class takes their turn to lead morning prayers. This is an excellent opportunity to practise reading aloud, public prayer and preaching in English.

Each Thursday there is a Fellowship meeting with songs, prayer and a talk, video, slide show, etc given by a member of staff, students or someone from outside the school - often about the work they have done, or will be doing, abroad.

At Easter and Christmas we often organise evangelistic events in the school Chapel and encourage local people to attend.

All our teachers are Christians - most have experience of overseas Christian work and some have been to Bible college. They are able to counsel students and advise on work with Christian organisations. Many of our students are preparing for Christian service with a wide variety of organisations, so we invite speakers for extra seminars on subjects such as world development, counselling and church growth.

Most students attend one of the local churches or fellowships while they are studying in Whitby and the various churches in town actively welcome students to their meetings. Many students become very involved in the life of the church they attend and lasting friendships and links between churches in Whitby and overseas are made. There are often opportunities throughout the term for students to take part in, and even lead, services at local churches. Many churches and other organisations invite groups of students or individuals to lead their meetings, preach, perform dramas or speak about their countries, work, etc. Both students and local Christians find these times to be an enjoyable and beneficial experience.

Functional English is not a church or a mission organisation, so we see it as part of our work to encourage and support local churches. We encourage students to go to services in local churches, to have fellowship with Christians from this country and make English-speaking friends.

• Last revision Nov 2004

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