Get Involved
"Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you."
- John 20:21
There are many different ways you can get involved with The Good Shepherd Ministry
STREET MINISTERS
- We are looking for volunteers to join our street teams. Teams are on the street every night of the year to do outreach. Are you comfortable meeting new people, sharing your faith, and working and praying as a part of a team? Contact us for more information. We encourage anyone who is interested to come out for a trial walk to see if this is something they are called to do.
See bottom of page for more information on the volunteer recruitment process.
Many people drive or bus through the downtown east side and stare at the life outside their window with predetermined opinions. Others still avoid it altogether whether out of fear, apathy or dislike. In our increasingly secular society it is becoming taboo to talk about religion and share religious morals and ideals. Therefore, it can be hard to imagine donning colourful jackets and walking unabashedly up and down these much avoided streets proclaiming faith and actively seeking to share it.
Many people often have questions about our ministry: How is this safe? How do people respond? Who do you interact with? What is a typical walk like? Why do you bother? It is easy to sum up what we do, who we interact with. It is something quite extraordinary to define what we experience on our walks. Each volunteer would find different words in an attempt to explain just what it is that keeps us going back on a weekly basis. In simple terms, we introduce ourselves and ask each person their name. We ask how how they are doing and if they have any special prayer requests. For each one of us, this is our own journey of faith as we are called to do as Christians. On any given night we find grace and beauty and courage and respect in those we interact with. Truly the best answer to these questions is for someone to come and experience it first hand. In the realization that this is not always a feasible option this blog will attempt to answer questions, keep interested parties up to date on what is happening, and share glimpses of our volunteer's different encounters and experiences.
Beloved Lord,
When Paul was in doubt and fearful in Corinth, You encouraged him to continue to persevere in sharing the Gospel of salvation among the people.
None of us are so strong, Lord, as to not need your guidance and assurance of Your loving concern.
You told Paul not to give up because there were many in Corinth destined for salvation. We cannot judge who is or isn't ready to take up the challenge of the Cross and travel the narrow path to salvation;
therefore, help us to be ready instruments of truth to speak the words of salvation without fear or hesitation.
We commit ourselves to travel the path You have set before us and to share the message of Jesus Christ in some way with everyone we meet. Whether we travel the thousands of miles that Paul travelled for the Gospel or only as far as our neighbour's house, help us to realize that the victory is the same when a soul fulfills his or her destiny and is called to eternal life.
We pray in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Volunteer Recruitment Process
STEP 1
Contact us if you have any questions or need further information.
STEP 2
Fill out an information form and submit it by email.
We will contact you by phone to discuss.
STEP 3
Trial walk to see if this is something you are interested in .
Assessment of suitability as a street minister.
STEP 4
Reference checks.
We will require an acknowledgement from your parish priest as well as one other reference from previous volunteer or work experience.
All volunteers must be willing and able to obtain a clear criminal record check (online process).
STEP 5
Placement on a team.
Based on your availability and our schedule we will find a night for you to walk consistently and put you in touch with that team leader.
It is also possible to go on our spares list (fill in for other teams when needed) if you are unable to commit to a certain night consistently.