When Language Barriers Quiet the Gospel and How the Church Can Respond
Sunday morning is the heartbeat of church life. It’s the moment when people gather with open Bibles, open hearts, and real expectations. Hours of prayer, study, and preparation go into every sermon, all with one hope, that God will meet people right where they are. But for someone sitting in the pew who doesn’t understand English, that moment can feel very different. They watch others laugh, nod, or wipe away tears. They sense something meaningful is happening. Yet the words themselves never land. It’s like standing just outside a door, close enough to feel the warmth inside, but unable to step fully in. No pastor wants that. Every church longs to be a place where people from every background feel welcomed, known, and included. And yet, without meaning to, language can become a barrier that quietly pushes people to the margins. This isn’t about being polite or culturally aware. It’s about access. The Gospel must be heard to be received. Why Translation in the Church Is More Than a Tech...