Rev. Selina Joseph from the Anglican Church speaks to a group of individuals while understudying the Street Pastors programme in London View photo »

The Executive Committee who has the responsibility to set up the Street Pastors programme in Antigua/Barbuda has announced that registration has begun for persons interested in this type of ministry.

The programme is a joint venture between the Church, police and Government of Antigua and Barbuda and will see Christians engaging persons on the streets. Street Pastors will serve as a link between the persons they meet and resources and/or organizations which can assist in making a difference in their lives.

The Ministry of Social Transformation is the Government arm that is assisting to set up the programme and according to Communications Officer within the Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, Collin Jno-Finn, it is important that persons collect the forms from either the pastor or the Ministry of Social Transformation (Located on Dickenson Bay & Popeshead Streets) as soon as possible as training for this programme will begin in early January.

According to Jno-Finn, participants will go through a 12-day course, which will be held for only a few hours a day. The course will cover such topics as role and responsibility of a Street Pastor, The Good News and knowledge of Statutory Agencies. While there is not a 'do or die test' at the end of the course, participants must attend all the training sessions to be qualified as Street Pastors.

Jno-Finn said that quite a number of individuals have been asking 'who is a Street Pastor'. He outlined that this is simply a church leader/minister or member of a congregation who shares concern for society. He added that the persons do not necessarily have to be Minister/Pastor and does not have to possess certain skills or training as these will be provided.

Meantime, pastors are being asked to support and encourage their members in this venture, as this is a dynamic programme to help society. A Street Pastor will only be asked to commit one evening per month.

There is one-time charge for the training and the Street Pastors uniform. However, potential Street Pastors are asked to take note that should the cost be a problem, funding might be available for some persons.

Persons wishing to gather more information can contact 562-5698/463-8710

Photo by Collin Jno-Finn

For further information contact:
Collin Jno-Finn
Communications Officer
Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation
Dickenson Bay Street
St. John’s, Antigua
(268) 562-5698/771 4006
collin.jno-finn@antigua.gov.ag