WHY DO WE CHARGE FOR TRAINING?

Becoming a Homeless Pastor is a significant commitment and calling. The fees help ensure future generations of Homeless Pastors can be trained and supported without relying solely on external funding sources.

IS BURSARY SUPPORT AVAILABLE?

A limited bursary fund is available for applicants who are genuinely unable to meet the training costs through personal, church, or fundraising support.To discuss this further, please get in touch:Email: angela@thehomelesspastors.orgTel: 01422 250592

CAN I FUND MY PLACE DIFFERENTLY?

There is no single way to fund your place on the programme. Examples may include:• A church paying the full £3,000 training cost• A church and student each contributing towards the cost.• A student paying for the training personally• A combination of church support, personal contributions, and fundraising• Monthly Direct Debit payments spread across the year• Support from businesses, trusts, sponsors, or supportersTo discuss funding options please get in touch: Email: angela@thehomelesspastors.orgTel: 01422 250592

WHAT DOES MY FEE COVER?

• Levels 1–5 Homeless Pastor Training• Ministry in the Margins Course• Training materials and resources• Practical outreach training and experience• Workshops and specialist guest speakers• Ongoing mentoring and supervision• Access to future online training resources• Membership of the Homeless Pastors Network• Regular prayer gatherings and support opportunities• Access to a growing network of like-minded Christians serving vulnerable people• Opportunities to share ideas, experiences, challenges, and best practice from different towns and cities• Ongoing encouragement, accountability, and peer support after graduation• Continued connection with The Light Group family and ministry network

ARE FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

Flexible payment options are available. We can accept the following: • One-off payments• Monthly Direct Debit arrangements• Church sponsorship• Fundraising through Light Group events• A combination of the aboveTo discuss funding options please get in touch: Email: angela@thehomelesspastors.orgTel: 01422 250592

HAS THE COURSE CHANGED SINCE IT FIRST LAUNCHED?

Yes. The first year was a pilot programme, and feedback from students and partner organisations has shaped significant improvements for the current programme.

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:

Professional training
Practical ministry experience
Mentoring and supervision
Leadership development
Networking opportunities
Prayer support
Accountability
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:

Updated course content.
Improved teaching and delivery.
Greater emphasis on practical skills.
Stronger assessment and feedback.
A clearer distinction between training and employment.
An enhanced graduate support network.

DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS

HIGH QUALITY TRAINING

All of our training is delivered by practitioners actively involved in frontline ministry. Students receive training in:

Boundaries
Mental Health Awareness
Suicide Awareness
Drug Awareness
Sexual Abuse Awareness
Safeguarding Level 3
Emergency First Aid
First Aid for Knife Attacks Level 2 (VTQ)
Trauma-Informed Practice
Evangelism in the Margins
Community Group Development
Partnership Working
Town & City Development Planning
Recovery Ministry.

HIGH QUALITY TRAINING
MATERIALS

Our resources are designed for long-term use beyond graduation. Students receive access to practical resources including:

Student handbooks
Training notes
Reflection exercises
Community mapping tools
Development planning templates
Risk assessment guidance
Referral pathway resources
Outreach resources
Community group resources
Recommended reading
Online learning resources

Training Process

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.

LEVEL TWO - VOLUNTEER

GOOD 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.

GOING ON OUTREACH

Attend four outreaches. Four will be critiqued by the team leader.

ATTEND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Attend two Community Groups over a four week period.

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Safeguarding is really important. Our priority is to keep the homeless folks and the team safe at all times. This session lasts 1.5 hours.

DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING

Basic training in drug awareness, what to look out for and how to deal with drug use and the individual.

ONE-TO-ONE WITH HOMELESS PASTOR

A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.

LEVEL THREE

INTRODUCTION TO HOMELESSNESS SERVICES & NETWORKING

It’s important to help people off the streets, as quickly as possible. So knowing who can help and what services are available is essential.

ATTEND OUTREACHES

Attend four outreaches, one will be critiqued by the team leader.

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.

DROP-IN SESSION

Attend two drop in sessions at a local organisation helping the homeless, accompanying a homeless pastor.

FIRST AID TRAINING

Having knowledge of first aid is sometimes needed. This session is essential to keep people safe.

SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING

Knowing when people are struggling and suicidal will help save lives. This session lasts 2 hours.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING

Understanding the stigma behind mental health and being able to support people suffering with their mental health.

ADVANCED DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING

A more detailed look at drug use and training with Naloxone can save lives.

ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER

A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.

ASSESSMENT

All candidates are required to complete an hour long oral assessment, in order to graduate to level four.

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 Community 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.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Lead two Community Group sessions (feedback given)

OUTREACH

Lead four outreaches with feedback given.

DROP-IN SESSIONS

Attend two drop-in sessions and give advice to the homeless.

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.

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

Develop your own local fundraising events using our tried and tested tips and knowledge.

GRADUATION

Congratulations! On successful completion of the programme, you’ll become a graduate of the School of Homeless Pastors, equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to serve people experiencing homelessness and other forms of marginalisation in your own community, church or organisation.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Stay connected with fellow graduates through our growing alumni network, sharing ideas, encouragement, resources and best practice from across the UK.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Access optional workshops, masterclasses and additional training to help you continue developing your knowledge and skills.

MENTORING & SUPPORT

Where appropriate, graduates can access mentoring, advice and guidance as they put their training into practice.

ANNUAL GATHERING

Join graduates from across the country each year to celebrate, learn together, hear inspiring speakers and build lasting relationships.

PLEASE NOTE

Graduation from the School of Homeless Pastors does not guarantee a volunteer or paid position with The Light Group or any affiliated organisation. Opportunities within The Light Group are advertised separately and filled through a standard application and interview process.

TRAINING TIMELINE

Anchor 1

“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

Reviews

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

LIGHT GROUP EVENTS

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?

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:

Be aged 18 or over.
Be based in the UK, or be part of an approved international partner organisation.
Be actively involved in a local church and able to provide a reference from a church leader.
Have a genuine desire to learn, grow and develop practical skills in outreach, pastoral care and community engagement.
Be willing to complete the full training programme, practical placements and assignments.
Be able to access online learning using Microsoft Teams, email and WhatsApp.
Be willing to comply with safeguarding requirements, including an Enhanced DBS check where required for practical placements.
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.

Fees & Funding

The full School of Homeless Pastors programme (Levels 1–5), including the Ministry in the Margins course costs £3,000. This is broken down into two amounts - £1500 self-raised by the student and £1500 provided by their church. However, there are multiple ways you can fund your position.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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There is no single way to fund your place on the programme. Examples may include:• A church paying the full £3,000 training cost• A church and student each contributing towards the cost.• A student paying for the training personally• A combination of church support, personal contributions, and fundraising• Monthly Direct Debit payments spread across the year• Support from businesses, trusts, sponsors, or supportersTo discuss funding options please get in touch: Email: angela@thehomelesspastors.orgTel: 01422 250592
04
• Levels 1–5 Homeless Pastor Training• Ministry in the Margins Course• Training materials and resources• Practical outreach training and experience• Workshops and specialist guest speakers• Ongoing mentoring and supervision• Access to future online training resources• Membership of the Homeless Pastors Network• Regular prayer gatherings and support opportunities• Access to a growing network of like-minded Christians serving vulnerable people• Opportunities to share ideas, experiences, challenges, and best practice from different towns and cities• Ongoing encouragement, accountability, and peer support after graduation• Continued connection with The Light Group family and ministry network
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APPLICATION FORM

WHY TRAIN WITH THE SCHOOL OF HOMELESS PASTORS?

HIGH QUALITY TRAINING

HIGH QUALITY TRAINING MATERIALS

OUR TRAINING PROCESS

LEVEL 0NE - VOLUNTEER

BECOME PART OF A GLOBAL NETWORK

FIND COMMUNITY, PILGRIMAGE & ADVENTURE

IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY

WHO CAN APPLY?

​WHY DO WE CHARGE FOR TRAINING?

IS BURSARY SUPPORT AVAILABLE?

CAN I FUND MY PLACE DIFFERENTLY?

WHAT DOES MY FEE COVER?

ARE FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

HAS THE COURSE CHANGED SINCE IT FIRST LAUNCHED?

HIGH QUALITY TRAINING
MATERIALS

WHY DO WE CHARGE FOR TRAINING?