Street Pastors

As a Street Pastor in West Bromwich, I want to give you a glimpse into what we do and how it might spark your interest to join us. Every Friday evening, my team and I—Alex, David, and I—patrol the town, including New Square by Primark, reaching out to those in need. Despite the cold, it’s a busy night. We engage with people around the square and throughout the town, always welcoming a chance to help.

The people we meet are generally warm and appreciative, especially when they realize we bring the church to the streets. We’re there to support anyone in need: the homeless, rough sleepers, and those struggling with mental health or alcohol issues. We’ve helped get people to A&E, made sure those who were too drunk got home safely, and done whatever we could to make a difference. Our work is hands-on—we coordinate with the council to secure temporary accommodation for rough sleepers, and when space is available in Sandwell’s P3 B&B, we drive people there. At times, the council provides local hotels for a few nights to help as well.

We patrol twice a month, but our goal is to increase our presence, which is why we’re actively recruiting new volunteers. Street Pastors offer something different to the community, and we’re always looking for passionate people to join us. Our training is comprehensive covering 10 key subjects, including roles and responsibilities, which are essential for becoming a trained Street Pastor. Training also includes observing patrols to get real-life experience, ensuring we’re ready for any situation that arises.

If you’re interested, there are a few steps to join. First, you must be a born-again Christian, 18 or older, with no upper age limit. Your pastor would need to interview you to see if you’re a good fit for the role. After that, references, a police check, and DBS clearance are required before you can start your training. Once you’re trained, you’ll receive a uniform and be ready to hit the streets, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

We don’t ask for donations while on patrol; instead, we raise funds through our churches, local businesses, and applications to police funding initiatives. One of the most memorable moments for me was when we found a missing person who was on the police’s list. He was intoxicated and on drugs, dressed in expensive clothes. After we called an ambulance, the paramedics told us that we had saved his life that night.

Street Pastors is a global initiative under Ascension Trust, and we’re proud to be part of a network that’s making a real impact in communities. If you feel called to be part of something greater, join us—we’re always looking for new volunteers who want to make a difference.