Street Pastors

I was privileged on my recent trip to Ireland to spend the better part of a day with the business administrator of Cornerstone church in Derry. This church exists in an area which saw much violence during the political struggles of just a few years ago. As with all struggles, even though the strife is over officially, it still rages on in the hearts of some people. Therefore there is always an undercurrent of tension even amidst the peace. Cornerstone is made up of almost equal parts of people from both sides of the conflict. Derry is a crowded city and I was struck by the close physical proximity of the two opposing sides. They find themselves bumping into each other on a regular basis. When you have a crowd in the city center on a weekend and pour on a liberal dose of liquor, you have the recipe for trouble.

Cornerstone church decided to do something other than stay at home and cluck their tongues at those who participated in such activities; they decided to get out among the crowds and engage them. They started a group called, "Street Pastors". They wear a brightly colored vest that identifies them as a street pastor and on Friday night they walk the streets of Derry. They have carts that they set up at various locations and these carts dispense free tea and coffee and liberal doses of the love of Christ. They are not preachy, but they are engaging. Over the past few years they have become known in the community. Policemen will look for a street pastor if they encounter someone getting too intoxicated. They feel it is better to connect with a street pastor than to throw another drunk in jail. Also the street pastors are known for reducing random violence. If a crowd begins to gather in alcohol fueled anger, the street pastors will intentionally go to that crowd and begin to talk to different people. Some will stay and talk, and some will move on, but the crowd dissipates, and the chance for an outbreak of fighting is diminished.

I love the heart of this. They don't even own a building. They rent a theatre for their Sunday facility. Sunday service is one event on their weekly calender. But they are having church all week long.