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Cheltenham Street Pastors
The Salvation Army Church in Cheltenham support the work of the Cheltenham Street Pastors. For enquiries and comments, please e-mail the Cheltenham Street Pastors team directly.
Cheltenham Street Pastors – Practical Christianity
Cheltenham Street Pastors engage with those who are out in the town centre late at night by caring, listening, talking and offering support, practical help and a visible presence from the churches in Cheltenham.
Cheltenham is the third largest night time economy in the South West giving our Churches a wonderful opportunity to serve the community.
Calling any potential volunteers out there!
The Cheltenham Street Pastors currently need 50 more volunteers in order to achieve their vision of providing multiple teams on Friday and Saturday nights as well as one weeknight and for other special events such as race week. Their next training programme starts on the 2nd October. If you would like to find out more, please e-mail the Cheltenham Street Pastors team directly.
Watch more videos from the Cheltenham Street Pastors on YouTube!
In the press…
Cheltenham street pastors praised by police
Cheltenham street pastors increase
Street pastors in Cheltenham say town is safer
Cheltenham street pastors out on patrol
Christians to help late-night revellers
History
Cheltenham Street Pastors commissioned the first twenty-one pastors on 1st December 2009 and has operated successfully since then on Saturday nights from 10pm to 4am. A further seventeen pastors have since been commissioned and patrols started operating on Friday nights from the beginning of August 2010. Representatives from 20 churches from Cheltenham (including the Salvation Army Cheltenham Church) and the surrounding area are now involved in the Cheltenham Street Pastors.
What the Cheltenham Street Pastors say…
“We encounter some sad situations and very vulnerable people, it’s my prayer that God would continue to lead us to situations and people where we can be most effective.”
“It has been the most amazing ecumenical project I have ever seen, with Christians from a wide variety of Churches working together in perfect harmony.”
“The response of the people on the street has been overwhelming, with the majority of people wanting to offer their heartfelt thanks and support for what we are doing.”
“It is amazing to be part of a project which takes the Church out onto the streets and sees Jesus’ teachings in action”
“Being a Street Pastor is one of the most amazing and rewarding things I have ever done, and it is wonderful to see how God leads us to the people that need help.”
“Every night presents a different challenge. We may be engaging with people who have had too much to drink, trying to help diffuse an argument, or just listening to someone who is going through a tough time and needs to talk.”
Supported by:
Gloucestershire Criminal Justice Board
Gloucestershire Community Foundation
Cheltenham Borough Council
For enquiries and comments please e-mail the Street Pastors team directly.