A Street Pastor is a Church leader/minister or member with a concern for society - in particular young people who feel themselves to be excluded and marginalised - and who is willing to engage people where they are, in terms of their thinking (i.e. their perspective of life) and location (i.e. where they hang out - be it on the streets, in the pubs and clubs or at parties etc).
Street Pastors will also be willing to work with fellow activists, church and community leaders, and with agencies and projects, both statutory and voluntary, to look at collaborative ways of working on issues affecting youth, and initiatives that will build trust between them and the Street Pastors.
As the Street Pastor gets to know people in the community he/she will find out their needs are and what can be done to help. A presence of Street Pastors will earn credibility in the community, so that people know that the Church is there for them in a practical way. The role is not about preaching heaven and hell, but one of listening, caring and helping - working in an unconditional way
To be a Street Pastor you need to be over 18 (no upper age limit), a church member and able to commit to our training programme. Each Street Pastor team consists of at least three groups of four, each of which will work a minimum of one night a month, usually from 10pm to around 4am.
Street Pastors in Lancaster
Steve Bland of Father's House is co-ordinating the initiative in Lancaster and much work has been done to establish the project. Steve says: ?This is a very important initiative for our city centre streets in Lancaster. We have been given full police support and will be working very closely with the local police.?
Can you become a Street Pastor?
Steve is looking for people to become volunteer Street Pastors. He says: ?This is a fantastic opportunity for churches inLancaster and surrounding area to be involved in an initiative that really makes a difference. For me the exciting thing is taking the church out onto the streets - being salt and light, helping people where they are at. STREET PASTORS is like the light of Jesus shining out onto the streets of Lancaster. Who knows where it will end up and who will be touched. Also, working together on a project that is reaching out is fantastic ? it can only bring fruit. Please pray about whether God wants you to become involved.?
If you are interested in becoming a Street Pastor or would like to find out more, please contact Steve Bland on 01524 409187 or 07710 66142 or e-mail:
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STREET PASTORS
