THE CHURCH ON THE STREET
GRAHAM RADCLIFFE
What is a street pastor? This is the question we are most often asked on the streets and in the pubs and clubs where we operate. The simple answer is ‘We are volunteers from local churches who have a concern for their community'.
In fact Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Christian response to the urban problems we see around us. Police statistics and research show their visible presence helps reduce crime and the fear of crime and is a reassuring presence to the community in general. Their teams are often a calming influence and enjoy an almost universally positive and open response in the localities they serve. This has gained them national approval and support from the Police and other statutory organisations. Since Street Pastors was pioneered by Rev Les Isaac in London in 2003 it has grown to over 200 teams serving communities around the United Kingdom.
Recently, one newly established team in Stalybridge was patrolling the town centre where a large number of pubs and clubs were spilling out crowds of revellers onto the narrow streets when they spotted a £10 note on the floor with no way of knowing who it belonged to. Literally within a couple of minutes they came across a lady in her 40's who was on her own, worse for wear and vulnerable. She had long since missed the last bus and without enough money for a taxi would have to walk several miles home; although in reality she could hardly stand. The street pastors called a taxi and gave the £10 for her fare. It was like ‘manna from heaven' - God's provision at the right time.
On another occasion a different team was patrolling the streets of Hollinwood, a residential neighbourhood of Oldham, when they came across a woman sitting on the kerb, sobbing with her head in her hands. As they began to talk with her, she explained that she was at her wits end and was praying that God would send someone along. She and her partner had been arguing and falling out about her going to church - could the Street Pastors go in and talk with him? With a quick, silent prayer they did and were met with the silhouette of a large man sitting in the lounge with his back to them. As the first street pastor entered the room he looked up at her and immediately fell to his knees. He recognised her as someone he used to go out clubbing with many years before. He said that if anyone else had walked into that room he would not have wanted to know. After a long conversation between the street pastors and the couple he agreed not only to allow her to go to church but that he would go with her.
Although Street Pastors do not go out to preach, the Christian faith is at the heart of what they do and the practical demonstration of the love of God often results in an openness and opportunity to share their faith.
Graham Radcliffe is a member of
South Chadderton Methodist Church and joined Street Pastors in 2010. He is the coordinator
for Oldham South Street Pastors, and part of the team which patrols the
Chadderton district of Oldham.
Street
Pastors will be holding a year of prayer for our streets from the 1st January -
31st December 2012. For more
information, visit www.streetpastors.co.uk
