One of several street pastors who patrol Britain's second city praying before going onto the streets. Credit: BBC

In Birmingham, England, Britain’s second largest city, a team of dedicated Christian volunteers called the Street Pastors, dressed in a distinctive blue uniform, are on the frontline of it’s inner city war against crime and violence.

Based at Aston Christian Center, the Street Pastors initiative was launched in April 2004, in response to an outcry from not only the church but the whole community, to do something about the rise of crime in the inner city areas of Birmingham, according to an article posted on a regional British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) website.

“Street Pastors is a response to a rise in gang, gun and drug culture in urban settings in the UK. Our aim is to be a positive influence out there on the streets,” says Birmingham Street Pastor Coordinator, Pastor Michael Royal.

Dressed in a Street Pastor blue jacket and baseball cap, the team composed of male and female members from all cultures and backgrounds patrol the streets of Witton, Aston, Lozells and Handsworth neighborhoods every weekend, engaging with people from all walks of life.

“We care about people and the community we live in. It’s about bringing the church out of the church and onto the streets,” says Amanda Brown, Street Pastor.

Senior Street Pastor, Mark Thomas says: “Our aim is to go out and do good in the community. The bible says God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power to go around doing good and to heal those oppressed by the enemy. We see Street Pastors in that sense.”

“We go out every weekend on either a Friday or a Saturday night. Initially sometimes people would look at us and ask if were with the police but straightaway we would diffuse that,” Thomas said.

“We’re not police, we’re not informers. Street Pastors are carers in the community, it’s really encouraging the response we get from people once we explain what we’re about.”

Keeping in tune with the community

After a short briefing at Aston Christian Center, the Street Pastors then go out patrolling the streets of Witton, Aston, Lozells and Handsworth stopping by a number of takeaway shops, pubs and engaging with people, caring and listening.

Each Street Pastor is trained in drug awareness, counseling skills and street safety to enable them talk to and help everyone from drug dealers and addicts to the homeless and alcoholics.

“Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and we’re a listening ear. It also keeps us in tune with the needs of the community, people are really warming to us and that’s really touching,” says Street Pastor Amanda Brown.

“We don’t go out on the street and Bible-bash people, that’s not what we’re about. We care about people and the community that we live in.

“We really just want to touch base with people and we feel at those times of the night and early hours of the morning are when people are most vulnerable. Either they’ve had a drink or had an argument with their spouse. We just really want to be there.

“A lot people may say, what’s the church doing out here! But it’s about bringing the church out of the church and into the community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Brown has made a short film about her work with the Birmingham Street Pastors for BBC Video Nation Birmingham.

How to become a street pastor

Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Christian-based initiative. For someone to join they have to be a committed Christian, over 18 years old and would also need reference from their pastor or minister of the church they attend. All new members must be able to commit to a 12-session training course spread over a year.

“Street Pastors work together with the local authorities and community to create a better living environment for us all,” said Birmingham Street Pastor Coordinator, Pastor Michael Royal.

Facts about street pastors

• Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue.

• It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working.

• Each city project is set up by Ascension Trust and run by a local coordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups.