We break our training programme down into four stages, with each progression seeing the candidate take on more responsibility. When each stage is successfully passed, you will receive a coloured lanyard, indicating your stage of progression. Each stage takes roughly four weeks to complete before graduating to the next level. Training will only commence once a DBS check has been completed.
Light Groups are an integral part of The Homeless Pastors Outreach programme. It is a tried-and-tested model of community group that tackles isolation and gets people back into the community. They deal with the spiritual and emotional burdens that members may be facing by exploring issues such as forgiveness and thankfulness. They are a place where people can encounter the love of Jesus and respond to the good news of The Gospel.
In order to develop a strong faith in God, people need to build new foundations away from alcoholism and drug use. In addition, many people suffer from severe mental health related issues. The Light Group understands and appreciates these challenges and works with individuals to leave chaos behind and experience peace in supportive communities.
We use existing recovery resources and discussion points to help people maintain their journey but also consider rehabilitation and a life without drink and drugs. We encourage people to further access church and work with local church leaders to develop constructive pathways.
'COMING TO THE GROUP IS HELPING ME FIND PEACE OUT OF CHAOS. IN THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS, EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES HONESTLY AND THERE'S A REAL SENSE OF FAMILY. I'M JUST BEGINNING TO DISCOVER THAT GOD LOVES ME.'
LIGHT GROUP ATTENDEE
INTRODUCTION SESSION
This outlines our work with the homeless and a brief introduction to volunteering and outreach.
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BOUNDARIES TRAINING
Having the right boundaries is essential, for both the homeless folks and yourself. This session will teach you how to build and maintain good boundaries.
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INTRODUCTION TO OUTREACH
More detail about what to expect on outreach and includes scenarios training.
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OUTREACH
Attend eight outreaches in a four week period.
LIGHT GROUPS
Light Groups are conversational groups led by a Homeless Pastor. These groups help create community and have a different theme each week. Candidates are required to attend two Light Groups over the four week period. More details on page 3.
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ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER
A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.
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GRADUATION
Once you have successfully completed these steps, you have graduated to level two.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
Safeguarding is really important. Our priority is to keep the homeless folks and the team safe at all times. This session last 1.5 hours.
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FIRST AID TRAINING
Quality first aid training, giving you the wisdom and knowledge to save lives. This session lasts 2 hours.
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INTRODUCTION TO HOMELESS SERVICES
Part of our success as Homeless Pastors is to understand what organisations are helping the homeless locally and to network and create relationships with them. This session will outline how to do that effectively.
OUTREACH
Attend eight outreaches. Four will be critiqued by the team leader.
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LIGHT GROUPS
Attend two Light Groups over a four week period.
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ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER
A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.
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CHURCH TALK
Attend and participate in a church talk with a homeless Pastor.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Understand more about mental health in our specially designed course. This session lasts 1 hour.
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SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING
Knowing when people are struggling and suicidal will help save lives. This session lasts 2 hours.
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FINAL OUTREACH WORKSHOP
In this workshop we will discuss what has worked over the last twelve weeks and look at real life scenarios of homelessness.
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OUTREACH
Attend eight outreaches Four will be critiqued by the team leader.
LIGHT GROUPS
Attend two Light Groups over a four week period.
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DROP-IN SESSION
Attend two drop in sessions at a local organisation helping the homeless.
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ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER
A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.
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ASSESSMENT
All candidates are required to complete an hour long oral assessment, in order to graduate to level four.
Level four of training lasts ten months and adds the spiritual and pastoral element of the training, with some of the practical skills to develop your own locality for homeless outreach and delivering Light Groups. Completion of this level will graduate you into becoming a Homeless Pastor.
LEEDS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Attend Leeds School of Theology “Ministry in the Margins” course. (One evening per month for 10 months). Details on the following page.
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LIGHT GROUPS
Lead two Light Group sessions (feedback given)
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OUTREACH
Lead four outreaches with feedback given.
DROP-IN SESSIONS
Attend two drop-in sessions and give advice to the homeless.
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SOCIAL MEDIA, BRAND & MARKETING
We will support you and help you to understand social media, the Homeless Pastors brand and how to promote and market it.
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FUNDRAISING & EVENTS
Develop your own local fundraising events using our tried and tested tips and knowledge.
Having a robust understanding of The Gospel and to clearly articulate it is central to what we do. The Leeds School of Theology provide sound theological training that inspires and equips you to engage with those on the margins in a way that looks and loves like Jesus. The course, will include passionate teaching which fuses together Biblical studies, theological reflection, interviews with people with lived experience, cultural analysis, historical case studies and cutting edge research on addiction and trauma to inspire and equip the church to engage with those on the margins. Topics include...
BUILDING COMMUNITY
LEADING ACCESSIBLE WORSHIP FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS
WHY THE HELL DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?
ADDICTION AND RECOVERY
HELPING WITHOUT HURTING
TRAUMA: HOPE FOR HEALING
VISION AND VALUES OF HEALTHY THEOLOGY
MISSIONAL THEOLOGY FOR THE MARGINS
JUSTICE AND THE HEART OF GOD
THE IMAGE OF GOD
After graduation we will develop your role in your local area, supporting you as you continue as a Homeless Pastor.
ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER
A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.
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NETWORKING
A chance to connect and network with other Homeless Pastors sharing experiences, advice and support.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Additional training will be provided throughout your time as a Homeless Pastor to ensure the advice you are giving is up-to-date
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Every year we will meet together as a team to share encouragement, fellowship, pray and eat together.
INTERESTED?
LET'S CHAT!
Fill out the contact form and we will be in touch with more details.