INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

BRIARWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..." Matthew 28:19–20
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Briarwood International Outreach (BIO) 
The Briarwood International Outreach (BIO) is the local, global ministry of Briarwood. BIO consists of two major focuses, our Ethnic Congregation (heart language) ministry, and our outreach to English-speaking international students.
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Meet our International Pastors:

Korean Pastor
Sunghoon Shin 

Pastor Shin has served as the Korean Community Pastor with Briarwood since 2022. God called him to full-time ministry while he was still in college, which led him to earn a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He regularly hosts personal Bible studies to teach Koreans how to apply Truth and restore hope in Christ as the Head of the Church. Sunghoon is married to Young Mi, and they have one son, Jaehyun.
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Japanese Pastor
Kotaro Hamamatsu 

Pastor Hamamatsu has been leading the Japanese congregation at Briarwood since 2006. He felt a call to become a pastor the day after he became a believer, through the faithful witness of a Briarwood missionary. He went on to obtain a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and now works to send our Japanese congregants back to Japan as cultivated seekers or equipped believers to reach people in their hometowns. Kotaro is married to Jackie, and together they have four children.
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Hispanic Pastor
Luis León 

Pastor León has been serving the Hispanic congregation since 2018 and became the Pastor in 2025. He is currently attending Birmingham Theological Seminary here at Briarwood in pursuit of a Master of Divinity. With the great need for Hispanic churches with solid theology, the church’s familial atmosphere and completely Spanish-speaking services are built to minister to its 80 Hispanic congregants from 10 different Spanish-speaking countries. Luis is married to Amanda, and together they have one son and another on the way.
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INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH MINISTRIES:

Ethnic Congregations
At Briarwood, we believe in the value of reaching and discipling internationals in their “heart language.” Twenty years ago, Japanese and Korean languages congregations were formed as a function of the Missions ministry. The Hispanic congregation began meeting in the year 2000.  Each of these ministries is served by a language specific pastor and lay leaders. Briarwood follows a “multi-congregational” model in which the ethnic ministries are fully a part of and under the leadership of our one church.
CONFERNECE PAGE
CONFERNECE PAGE
CONFERNECE PAGE
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Briarwood Presbyterian Church offers a weekly adult English as a Second Language class (ESL) for learners from more than 17 countries. Our classes are taught by trained volunteers who love working with internationals. We have specific-level classes, conversation classes, and a variety of activities during the semester. Classes are free, and textbooks cost only $20. These classes and activities are a great opportunity to practice English in a relaxed environment. Classes may contain Christian content.
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Friendship Partners Program
The Friendship Partner program is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship. For many years Briarwood Church has participated in this program with UAB, which has proven to be very rewarding for both parties. Briarwood members are recruited to befriend international university students and scholars for a 9-month period, but may continue their friendship as long as both parties would like. 
Missions TRIPS
International Sunday School
Please come and join our Sunday School Community for fellowship, Bible study, encouragement, and ministry opportunities.
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Have a Question about our International Outreach?

We would love to help! Fill out the form below to email us or call 205.776.5279.

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