Street Pastors

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

It was pioneered in London in January 2003 and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. There are now over 270 teams around Great Britain.

Street Pastors Jersey have been caring, listening, and helping on the streets of St Helier since November 2009. The Methodist Centre is delighted to work in partnership with them.

Prayer Pastors are always supporting the Street Pastors when they are out. To know more contact the Co-Ordinator on 07829 740004

Street Pastors get asked loads of questions on the street. Here are a collection of the frequently asked ones.

What is a street pastor?

A street pastor is a Christian who cares about his/her community. We patrol the streets of St Helier between 10pm and 3am every Saturday night to listen, care, and help. We give out bottles of water and flip-flops and take care of anyone who is unable to look after themselves.

Are you religious?

That depends on what you mean by religious. All street pastors are Christians and attend a Jersey church, but we tend not to see ourselves as religious. Religion is about following a set of rules in an attempt to please God, whereas the Christian faith is all about having a personal and living relationship with the creator of the universe.

Are you going to preach to me?

We do not go out on the streets to preach to anyone. We are simply out there to care, listen and help. Many of the conversations that we have on the streets are about faith, but these are never initiated by us.

What is a pastor?

The word pastor means someone who cares for someone else – in the same way that a shepherd would look after his sheep and keep them from harm.

What motivates you to become a street pastor?

Every one of the street pastors you will meet on the streets is there because he/she genuinely cares about their community and wants to express their faith in a practical and non-judgemental way.

What church do you come from?

Street Pastors in Jersey do not just come from any one church, but our teams include people from a wide range of churches. In fact, representatives from all the churches in the Island supported the setting up of Street Pastors here.

Do you work with the police?

We are entirely separate from the police and have a completely different role. We are not there to enforce the law or be informers for the police. Our role is to provide a listening ear and genuine care for anyone that needs (and wants) it.

How much do you get paid?

Street pastors are entirely voluntary. In fact, every street pastor is required to pay for their own training and uniform. The entire organisation is run by volunteers who willingly give up their time to serve the Jersey night-time community.

How are you funded?

Street Pastors Jersey is funded entirely by donations from individuals. This pays for the water and flip-flops that are given out each week and also goes towards ongoing costs such as first-aid kits and publicity.

How long has Street Pastors been running?

Street Pastors Jersey was started in November 2009, but the original UK initiative started in London in January 2003.

How can I become a street pastor?

All Street pastors are Christians who are committed to a local Jersey church. If you are interested in becoming a street pastor then contact the Street Pastors Jersey coordinator: [email protected].

Can I give you a donation?

We do not take money from anyone when out on patrol, but you can donate to Street Pastors Jersey through our website.

Can I have a cheese and onion pasty?

If we carried any the answer would be yes.