What is a pastorate?

A pastorate is a gathering of between 25–35 people who meet fortnightly on a midweek evening or morning for food and fellowship, teaching, worship, prayer and bags of fun! Pastorate groups are run by members of the congregation who are not necessarily in full-time ministry. Typically a pastorate is led by a single person or a married couple, supported by a leadership team. They often meet in the home of one of the pastorate members.

These pastorate groups are a key expression of church. Becoming a member of a pastorate provides an ideal place in which to grow as a disciple of Jesus and become involved in every aspect of the church’s life. To be a member of a pastorate is, along with the celebration and small group, the most effective way of enabling any individual member of the church to grow in maturity and be actively involved in the church. A pastorate serves five purposes:

A way for newcomers to join the church

No matter whether people enter the church post alpha or simply as newcomers to the congregation, they may feel intimidated by a large group of people. They don’t know anyone and are not perhaps familiar with the style or content of the service. Some may not feel at home and may find it hard to make friends. John Wimber once said that ‘People come to church for many reasons but they stay for only one – relationship’. Making friends is often the key to someone wanting to remain at the church.

A place to experience community

Pastorates, and the social setting that they provide, are an ideal way to shape and build Christian community. As friendships deepen within the pastorate, small groups arise organically, giving space for greater intimacy, confidentiality and accountability. We see pastorates and small groups as complementary groups where dynamic, loving, caring and accountable friendships facilitate discipleship & outreach.

A place to grow in relationship with God

Pastorates provide an ideal place for people to grow in relationship with God. In addition to providing the base for Christian community, we gather together to worship, hear teaching, engage in discussion and pray. We also aim to look beyond ourselves, to get involved in outreach and social action together, the bigger group making this more possible and enhancing the opportunity for impact.

An effective means of church growth

Pastorates provide an effective platform for church growth. New pastorates can be formed in a number of ways. They can be planted from an existing pastorate that has grown to a committed membership of 30+ people, they can be formed from an alpha group, or they can be started with a new pastor and group of people altogether.

A place from which to serve the world

HTB’s vision is the re-evangelisation of the world and the transformation of society. Jesus chose to grow his followers by empowering them to personally live out this vision themselves. Pastorates are at the heart of all of the services—helping to run the service and host teams that help to grow that congregation. A pastorate is also a fantastic vehicle for encouraging evangelism, changing our attitudes to the poor and getting involved in social action projects.