Role of the church in the local community: Street Pastors

• Why is it important to help the local community?

  • Jesus taught that Christians should help others by showing agape love towards them, for example in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats 
  • Agape love is a Biblical word meaning selfless, sacrificial unconditional love 
  • Jesus teaches Christians they should put their faith into action and give practical help to people in need 
  • They do this through organisations and projects that help vulnerable people in the local community - these include Street Pastors and Parish Nursing Ministries UK

  
• What are Street Pastors, and what is their aim?

  • Street Pastors was an initiative started in London in 2003, by the Christian charity and the Ascension Trust 
  • Street Pastors are adult volunteers who are trained to patrol the streets in urban areas 
  • The main aim was originally to challenge gang culture and knife crime in London 
  • The focus then widened to responding to drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime

  
• How do Street Pastors help the local community?

  • Street Pastors work closely with the police and local councils 
  • They listen to people’s problems, advise on where they might get help, and discourage anti-social behaviour 
  • A similar group called School Pastors was set up in 2011 to discourage illegal drug use, bullying and anti-social behaviour in schools

  
• What are Parish Nursing Ministries UK, and what is their aim?

  • They are a Christian charity that support’s whole person healthcare through the local church 
  • They provide churches with parish nurses, who promote well-being in body, mind and spirit among the local community

  
• How do Parish Nursing Ministries UK help the local community?

  • The nurses help to provide early diagnosis of health problems 
  • They train and coordinate volunteers to help combat loneliness or provide support during times of crisis 
  • They give additional help to the NHS 
  • They encourage people to exercise and have a good diet 
  • They focus on the whole person, including listening to people and praying with them if asked - They also direct people to specific services if needed