Restorers Podcast: Homelessness and Pastoral Care

Last updated on: September 17, 2025 at 2:59 pm by Jeff McLain

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Restorers Podcast: Homelessness and Pastoral Care 2025-09-17T14:59:08-04:00 Jeff McLain

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Jeff McLain on the Restorers Podcast from Water Street Mission.

In an interview on the Restorers Podcast, I explore the intersection of homelessness and pastoral care through my work at Water Street Mission. I have been serving as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission since June 2020. After years of pastoring a church full-time, I felt called to lead a different kind of life as a pastoral leader (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). As the Director of Pastoral Ministries, I oversee a range of spiritual and educational activities, including providing pastoral care, leading classes such as Alpha and the Prayer Course, and facilitating chapel gatherings and outside chapel partnerships. My role focuses on guiding individuals in their spiritual development and helping them build a deeper relationship with God, experiencing life sustained by the Holy Spirit. Through this journey, it is my hope that they come to profess their faith in Jesus and learn to live and love like he did. As a pastoral leader in this context, I strive to build genuine, down-to-earth relationships and provide resources and external support to help individuals understand and live out Christ’s teachings in their daily lives.

An interview on spiritual care in the life of a local shelter.

Recently, I was honored to be a guest on the Restorers Podcast, a Water Street Mission podcast, which is hosted by Jack Crowley, the President of Water Street Mission. The Restorers Podcast explores critical social issues and highlights how organizations like Water Street Mission are addressing these challenges through God-honoring, innovative solutions and community-driven efforts. On this 11th Episode of Season 1 of the Restorers Podcast, I had the opportunity to share insights about our mission and the work we do as an organization, but more so about the work that the team I over see does. People often have fixed ideas about what chapel or pastoral care may look like at missions, but the reality can be quite different. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where people can journey towards Jesus, discover hope and healing, and explore what a transformative relationship with Christ could be like. On the Podcast, you can find me right after the interview with Jason Storbakken. Additionally, you can find the Restorers Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

A little about Water Street Mission

As an organization, Water Street Mission is dedicated to providing essential services such as shelter, food, and medical care to those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Our holistic approach includes offering supportive services such as individualized counseling, pastoral care, vocational training, educational programs and more to support the long-term restoration and empowerment of our guests. Water Street Mission is part of a larger network, the CityGate Network, which is a growing network made up of organizations that are also focused on walking with those who are suffering through poverty and homelessness. The 300+ organizations in Citygate Network seek to move people in desperate situations and destitute conditions (i.e., hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted) from human suffering to human flourishing through the process of gospel-powered life transformation.

A closing thought.

I was deeply honored to be a guest on Episode 11 of the Restorers Podcast, where I had the opportunity to discuss our team’s work with Jack Crowley, the President of Water Street Mission. As someone who oversees our teaching and spiritual care programs—often referred to as the “Campus Pastor”—I focus on being a supportive presence for those exploring their faith in Jesus, fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can guide their journey. I approach this role with deep gratitude and a commitment to offering the same support that has been so meaningful in my own spiritual path. I encourage you to listen to Episode 11 and reach out with any questions you may have about our work; I would be happy to provide more insights.

Perhaps we can make Episode 11 the most-listened episode of this season!

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About Jeff McLain

Through 'Lead a Quiet Life,' Jeff McLain explores his pursuit of simplicity in a tumultuous world as he serves as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission and as pastor at River Corner Church. Jeff's commitment to Jesus has been shaped by an unconventional journey from activism to hitchhiking, which is reflected in his academic pursuits and throughout his involvement with various initiatives. Residing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jeff, along with his wife and three daughters, embraces family moments outdoors, while his love for baseball, boardwalks, beaches, and books adds depth to his vibrant life. You can read more about the author here.

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