We’ve been interviewing some of our volunteer Street Pastors to hear about what being a Street Pastor is really like. This week, we spoke to one of our newer Street Pastors.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
As a very busy retired teacher I like to be involved in the Community I live in, especially as my work in different regions gave me links to many Christian churches. My present Christian community is my 12th church, which I have been volunteering with over 50 years. I like that Street Pastors represents a variety of different churches. I enjoy walking holidays, education and charity volunteering as well as singing and drama.
How long have you been involved with Chester Street Pastors?
Around a year.
What made you decide to become a Street Pastor?
There was an appeal for volunteers in my Church monthly magazine and I wished to help.
What skills or abilities do you have that help you as a Street Pastor?
Usually good listening skills and the ability to work in a team.
What’s your favourite thing about being a Street Pastor?
At the end of a night meeting up with the people on Chester’s streets, the satisfaction of knowing I have been helpful and supportive to those who needed people to be there for them.
Tell us about one of your best experiences as a Street Pastor, for example a night where you feel like you really made an impact on someone’s life, or helped someone:
When we as a team of 4 were able to intervene to help 3 young women all with different issues who were alone and vulnerable on one night to be assured that eventually they would reach home or their guest house safely, one in a taxi, one to link up with friends and one to recover in Safe space until restored to go home.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about becoming a Street Pastor?
There is an excellent team spirit with quality training and it feels very worthwhile.
Thank you!
If you’d like to find out more about getting involved with Chester Street Pastors, or if you’d like to try it out and join us for a shift as an observer, get in touch with us here!