WHY TRAIN WITH THE SCHOOL OF HOMELESS PASTORS?
The School of Homeless Pastors is far more than a training course.
It is a year-long journey of leadership development, ministry formation and practical mission. Students receive:
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Professional training
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Practical ministry experience
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Mentoring and supervision
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Leadership development
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Networking opportunities
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Prayer support
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Accountability
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Ongoing support after graduation
WHAT MAKES OUR TRAINING DIFFERENT?
Many training programmes focus primarily on information. The School of Homeless Pastors combines:
Training - Professional, structured learning
Practice - Real-world outreach and community engagement.
Mentoring - Support from experienced practitioners.
Network - A growing international family of Homeless Pastors.
Launch - Developing your own ministry, project or local initiative.
We are committed to reviewing and improving the programme every year so that students receive the very best training and are equipped to make a lasting difference in their communities.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
The 2025–2026 academic year was the pilot year for the School of Homeless Pastors. Throughout the programme we gathered feedback from students, graduates, trainers and partner organisations to ensure the course meets the highest possible standards.
As a result, the 2026–2027 programme has been enhanced with:
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Updated course content.
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Improved teaching and delivery.
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Greater emphasis on practical skills.
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Stronger assessment and feedback.
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A clearer distinction between training and employment.
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An enhanced graduate support network.
HIGH QUALITY TRAINING
All of our training is delivered by practitioners actively involved in frontline ministry. Students receive training in:
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Boundaries
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Mental Health Awareness
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Suicide Awareness
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Drug Awareness
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Sexual Abuse Awareness
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Safeguarding Level 3
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Emergency First Aid
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First Aid for Knife Attacks Level 2 (VTQ)
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Trauma-Informed Practice
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Evangelism in the Margins
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Community Group Development
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Partnership Working
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Town & City Development Planning
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Recovery Ministry.
HIGH QUALITY TRAINING
MATERIALS
Our resources are designed for long-term use beyond graduation. Students receive access to practical resources including:
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Student handbooks
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Training notes
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Reflection exercises
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Community mapping tools
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Development planning templates
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Risk assessment guidance
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Referral pathway resources
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Outreach resources
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Community group resources
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Recommended reading
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Online learning resources
OUR TRAINING PROCESS
Students are expected to complete our comprehensive training programme. This ensures graduates leave with practical experience as well as knowledge.
LEVEL 0NE - VOLUNTEER
INTRODUCTION TO THE LIGHT GROUP
This outlines our work with the homeless and a brief introduction to volunteering and outreach.
INTRODUCTION TO OUTREACH
More detail about what to expect on outreach and includes scenarios training.
GOING ON OUTREACH
Attend four outreaches in a four week period.
ATTEND COMMUNITY GROUPS
Community 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 Community Groups over the four week period. See below for more details.
ONE-TO-ONE WITH HOMELESS PASTOR
A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.
GRADUATION
Once you have successfully completed these steps, you have graduated to level two.
“The School of Homeless Pastors has given me confidence, practical skills and a supportive network. Through the training and community groups, I’ve been able to support people into rehabilitation, housing and recovery whilst growing in my own calling.”
Corrina Stanley
Homeless Pastor – Nelson
BECOME PART OF A GLOBAL NETWORK
Students become part of an international network of Homeless Pastors. Members connect through online training, prayer gatherings, mentoring, best practice sharing, networking opportunities and resource sharing.
We currently have relationships and developing connections in United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria and Greece and
our vision is to continue expanding globally.
FIND COMMUNITY, PILGRIMAGE & ADVENTURE
Throughout the year students have opportunities to participate in pilgrimages, sponsored walks, sleep outs, outreach events, community projects, prayer gatherings and fundraising activities.
These experiences help develop friendships, faith and a shared sense of mission.
International students remain fully included through online participation and equivalent local activities.
IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY
One of the most practical parts of the programme is developing your own Community Impact Plan. Every student creates a tailored action plan based on the needs of their local area. Whether you’re serving through your church, charity, workplace or community group, you’ll leave with a clear strategy to turn your training into meaningful action. The goal isn’t simply to graduate. It’s to equip you to bring hope, build partnerships and create lasting change in your own community.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applications are welcome from people who have a heart for serving those experiencing homelessness and others on the margins of society. Whether you want to strengthen your ministry, serve more effectively in your local church or charity, or develop new skills for community outreach, we’d love to hear from you. Applicants should:
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Be aged 18 or over.
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Be based in the UK, or be part of an approved international partner organisation.
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Be actively involved in a local church and able to provide a reference from a church leader.
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Have a genuine desire to learn, grow and develop practical skills in outreach, pastoral care and community engagement.
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Be willing to complete the full training programme, practical placements and assignments.
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Be able to access online learning using Microsoft Teams, email and WhatsApp.
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Be willing to comply with safeguarding requirements, including an Enhanced DBS check where required for practical placements.
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Respect the Christian ethos, values and code of conduct of the School of Homeless Pastors throughout the programme.
Please note The School of Homeless Pastors is a training programme designed to equip people for ministry and community outreach. Successful completion of the programme does not automatically lead to a volunteer or paid position with The Light Group or any affiliated organisation. Any opportunities to volunteer or work with The Light Group are advertised separately and are subject to the organisation’s recruitment process, including application, interview and role-specific requirements.
Investing in Your Calling
The School of Homeless Pastors is far more than a training course. It is a two-year leadership development programme designed to equip Christians to serve people experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty and social exclusion with confidence, compassion and practical excellence.
Throughout your journey, you will receive high-quality teaching, practical ministry experience, mentoring, leadership coaching, pastoral support and become part of a growing network of Homeless Pastors serving communities across the UK and beyond.
Our aim is not simply to educate leaders, but to develop men and women who will bring hope, restore dignity and demonstrate the love of Christ in some of society’s most challenging environments.
Programme Investment
The total investment for the complete two-year programme is: £3,000 per student. This covers all teaching, training materials, mentoring, practical placements, student support, networking, graduation and ongoing access to the Homeless Pastors alumni community.Flexible payment plans are available.
A Partnership in Ministry
We believe that ministry is never meant to be carried alone. Training a Homeless Pastor is a shared investment between you, your local church, your supporters and The Light Group.Rather than simply paying for a course, we invite others to invest in the leader God is raising up.
Student Investment: £1,500
This may be funded through:
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Personal contributions
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Monthly payment plans
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Fundraising events
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Friends and family
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Individual sponsors
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Christian businesses
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Charitable trusts and grant-making organisations
Church Seed Investment: £1,500
As part of the application process, we ask every student to approach their local church and invite them to become a seed investor in their future ministry.Your church is not simply contributing towards tuition; they are investing in a leader who will return equipped to strengthen outreach, disciple volunteers, build community partnerships and serve vulnerable people with wisdom, compassion and practical skills.Many churches choose to support students through their mission, leadership development or community outreach budgets.
Fundraising
Many students significantly reduce their personal contribution through fundraising.Ideas include:
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Sponsored walks, runs or cycling events
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Charity challenges
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Church offerings
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Coffee mornings
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Quiz nights
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Community events
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Business sponsorship
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Online fundraising campaigns
Fundraising is more than raising money - it is an opportunity to share your vision, inspire others and invite people to become part of the ministry God is calling you to. Our team is happy to provide advice, ideas and promotional resources to help you build your support network.
What Your Investment IncludesYour programme fee includes:
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Two years of structured leadership development
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Levels 1–5 School of Homeless Pastors training
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Ministry in the Margins programme
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Specialist teaching from experienced practitioners
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Biblical and theological formation
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Practical outreach placements
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Recovery and trauma-informed practice training
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Monthly mentoring and pastoral supervision
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Leadership coaching
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Safeguarding and First Aid training
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Training materials and learning resources
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Student WhatsApp community and peer support
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Networking opportunities with leaders from across the UK
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Prayer support throughout your journey
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Graduation ceremony and certification
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Membership of the Homeless Pastors alumni network
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Ongoing encouragement, resources and continued professional development after graduation
This is not simply tuition. It is an investment in your calling, your leadership and the lives you will impact for years to come.
Why We Charge
Delivering a high-quality leadership programme requires experienced trainers, specialist speakers, mentoring, safeguarding, administration, venues, practical ministry opportunities, learning resources and ongoing student support.Every student’s investment helps us continue raising and equipping Homeless Pastors who will serve people living on the margins of society with excellence, integrity and the love of Jesus. Together, we are building a movement of Christian leaders committed to transforming lives and communities.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand that every student’s financial circumstances are different.Payment options include:
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One-off payment
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Monthly instalments
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Church seed investment
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Sponsorship
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Fundraising
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Business support
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Charitable grants
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A combination of the above
If finances are a concern, please contact us. We will gladly work with you to develop a funding plan that makes your place on the programme achievable.
Our Commitment
We never want finances alone to prevent someone from pursuing God’s calling. If you believe God is calling you to become a Homeless Pastor, we will work alongside you to explore church partnership, sponsorship and fundraising opportunities, helping you build the support needed to complete the programme.This is more than a course. It is a partnership of faith, investing together in leaders who will bring hope, dignity and the love of Christ to those who need it most.
