Who are we?
Ambassadors of Christ called to care in places of challenge
Town Pastors are Christian volunteers from local churches who bring a caring presence onto the streets of our towns through the late nights and early mornings of the Night Time Economy. Usually present on Friday and/or Saturday nights, they bring a positive influence on the streets providing help and support to vulnerable people.
Town Pastors in each of the towns where we work are a response from Christian churches to local needs, in partnership with the main Town Pastors organisation which provides help with initial set-up, training and ongoing support as well as access to the Town Pastor brand. Each scheme works together with the agreement and support of it’s specific local government and constabulary bodies. To find out about starting a Town Pastor scheme in your town please contact us.
What is a Town Pastor?
Working in pairs and wearing bright distinctive jackets and headgear, Town Pastors are out from late evening until the early hours. They provide a positive influence in the town — backed by prayer.
As Christians, Town Pastors care, help, show concern, and assist people where appropriate.
Town Pastors are available to offer support to vulnerable people, help to defuse potentially-difficult situations, and work with other agencies to promote safety. They are trained in basic first aid and can also provide help and advice about the local area and services. And they are usually equipped with chocolate for people who might be in need of an energy boost or just cheering up!
Why do we do it?
Our work is rooted in Christian faith and values, but we serve everyone regardless of their beliefs. We offer practical help and support without any agenda other than caring for people. We don’t push our faith, but we’re happy to give an account of ourselves when people ask, and we’ve certainly had some very interesting and deep conversations in the early hours of the morning!
What about Festival Pastors?
We don’t only work within local towns, but in the summer we also perform a similar role at the Latitude Festival and elsewhere as Festival Pastors.
Get involved
If you would like to know more about each scheme or to find out about becoming a Town Pastor please contact your local scheme via their website. Or if you are interested in starting a scheme in your own town, please contact us.