The History of Quennevais Evangelical Church in St Brelade, Jersey
Introduction
Situated in the heart of St Brelade, in the west of Jersey, Quennevais Evangelical Church (QEC) stands as a prominent independent evangelical congregation. Over five decades, QEC has become an integral part of both the local Christian community and the spiritual landscape of Jersey.
This comprehensive analysis explores the church’s deep-rooted origins, its historical evolution, the figures whose faith and vision have shaped its direction, and how its theological identity situates it within both Jersey’s diverse Christian context and the global evangelical tradition.
Drawing on a wide range of sources-including official church documents, community archives, contemporary news reports, denominational registries, and local histories-this report aims to provide a nuanced understanding of QEC’s journey, beliefs, practices, and enduring influence on island life.
Origins: The Founding of Quennevais Evangelical Church
The Vision and Early Initiative
Quennevais Evangelical Church traces its genesis back to 1968, rooted in a vision cast by the leadership of Halkett Place Church (located in the centre of St Helier, Jersey’s capital). As Jersey’s westward expansion occurred in the post-war era, with new housing developments springing up in the Les Quennevais district, Halkett Place Church identified a pressing need: the establishment of a vibrant Christian witness in the expanding, and at that point spiritually underserved, community. Sensing this call, Bill and Mary Edwards were dispatched to plant the new church within the Quennevais Park area1.
Bill and Mary Edwards, upon moving into 106 Quennevais Park, became the nucleus around which this vision materialized. Their approach was immediately community-oriented: they opened their home for informal Bible studies and evening worship, creating an inviting environment for spiritual exploration and hospitality. The earliest public initiative was the launch of a Sunday School in the local Quennevais school building-remarkably, more than 150 children attended on the very first day, a testament to both need and the Edwards’ outreach efforts.
From House Fellowship to Church Building
As these home gatherings and Sunday School meetings grew in popularity and regularity, it became increasingly clear that a permanent, dedicated space was essential for both practical and spiritual growth. Within four years, and with the continued support of Halkett Place Church, the project to construct a dedicated church building commenced. Funding for the building was raised almost entirely by private subscription, and individual donors provided much of the necessary furnishings. When construction finished in 1972, the new Quennevais Evangelical Church opened its doors-remarkably, at a total cost of just £20,000 (including the land), and crucially, it was completed entirely debt-free1.
This origin in private initiative, faith-fuelled fundraising, and local solidarity became a defining feature of QEC’s identity. The sense of God’s providence and goodness was keenly felt from the outset, as chronicled in retrospectives marking subsequent milestones and anniversaries.
Early Decades: 1972-2000
Following the completion of the church building in 1972, QEC quickly established itself as a locus of evangelical ministry and community activity on Jersey’s west side. The congregation ebbed and flowed in numerical strength but showed a persistent vitality, with successive generations of families becoming woven into church life. For over 30 years, continuity was provided by founding leaders and a dedicated core of volunteers, maintaining fidelity to the evangelical vision and outreach imperative inherited from its parent church.
During these formative years, the church offered a range of ministries including Sunday worship, youth work, home Bible studies, and participation in local ecumenical efforts. The reference to members “coming and going” alludes both to the transient nature of island demographics and the broader rhythms of family movement, work relocation, and the constant challenge of engaging new arrivals to Jersey.
Leadership Succession and Congregational Evolution
After Bill Edwards’ retirement-a pivotal moment in the church’s life-Jonathan Watson was called as pastor, serving for a substantial period, followed by Roger Davies, who took leadership in 2005. Each leader brought distinct gifts and emphases, yet all steered the church in continuity with its original evangelical commitments. Notably, under Davies’ tenure, the church underwent significant facility upgrades to meet the needs of a burgeoning fellowship and to enhance its capacity for hospitality and corporate ministry (such as the aforementioned kitchen expansion).
During this time, the church also began to reflect a wider diversity-welcoming families and individuals from numerous national backgrounds, including South Africa, Uganda, Poland, the USA, Brazil, and Colombia, among others. This growing cosmopolitanism mirrored both the internationalization of Jersey’s workforce and the church’s intentional commitment to cross-cultural community.
Recent Developments: 2000-Present
The Interregnum and Appointment of Leon Coates
In 2016, Roger Davies retired from pastoral leadership. The ensuing period, known as the “interregnum,” lasted until 2020, during which the church sustained its ministries with the support of visiting preachers, dedicated elders, and deacons. This interim was a time of both challenge and resilience, relying on lay leadership and local partnerships to maintain continuity1.
The appointment of Leon Coates in early 2020 marked a new era for QEC. Coates, formerly Assistant Pastor at Dewsbury Evangelical Church in West Yorkshire, arrived in Jersey under unique and providential circumstances: having visited in March 2020, he and his family found themselves unable to return to the UK due to the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequently began permanent ministry ahead of schedule2.
The Impact of COVID-19
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly shaped QEC’s recent trajectory. Like many churches globally, QEC was forced to rapidly adapt its worship and community life to unprecedented conditions. Online services, livestreams, and digital fellowship became mainstays, allowing the church to maintain both spiritual cohesion and outreach, even while separated physically34. The period also demonstrated the congregation’s resilience, creativity, and underlying commitment to mutual support-traits that many members explicitly recognized as hallmarks of their church.
The 50th Anniversary and Renewed Vision
In March 2022, QEC marked its 50th anniversary-an event celebrated with reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. The anniversary highlighted not only the church’s historical legacy but also the sense of divine faithfulness through changing times-a continuity that encompassed both the visionaries who founded QEC and the diverse, vibrant congregation present today. The celebration brought together past and current leaders, long-standing members, and new arrivals, emphasizing the enduring familial culture and openness of the church.
Ministry and Community Life: Growth, Diversity, and Engagement
Membership Patterns and Demographics
Over the years, QEC’s congregation has reflected both the stability and the fluidity characteristic of Jersey’s communities. While some members and families have devoted decades to the life of the church, others have been part of QEC for shorter periods-often due to employment contracts, postgraduate studies, or expatriate circumstances. This ebb and flow has led to a uniquely “family-like” ethos, one marked by intentional efforts to welcome newcomers, support one another during illness or difficulty, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and gifts present within the fellowship.
Today, QEC describes itself as “an unusually diverse congregation,” with members hailing from different continents and professions, living as a microcosm of the modern global church. Despite being “oceans away” from their biological families, members frequently attest to the depth of spiritual kinship and practical care they experience within the church community.
Facilities and Accessibility
QEC’s premises at Clos de Carrel are purpose-built to support both worship and community ministry. The site offers extensive car parking and is designed to be fully accessible, with ramps, accessible toilets, and a hearing loop for those with hearing impairments. The building’s design allows for a flexible layout, enabling both large corporate worship and smaller ministry gatherings. Some years have seen petitions and planning applications for further improvements and expansion, reflecting the church’s ongoing commitment to adapt its facilities to the needs of the community5.
Notable Events and Annual Celebrations
Quennevais Evangelical Church has developed a rhythm of community and spiritual events that punctuate the church calendar. Among these, a few stand out as particularly significant:
· Liberation Day BBQ: Annually, QEC hosts a Liberation Day BBQ, coinciding with Jersey’s national holiday commemorating the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. This event is emblematic of the church’s engagement with the wider Jersey community, fostering fellowship, hospitality, and remembrance.
· Stand Firm Conference: A more recent addition is the Stand Firm Conference, initiated to encourage steadfastness in faith and to facilitate teaching and fellowship for evangelicals not only within QEC but across the island. These conferences focus on resilience, unity, and biblical fidelity and have become key events within the local evangelical landscape.
· Anniversary Celebrations: The church’s milestone anniversaries (25th, 40th, 50th) have all been marked by special services, events, and community outreach, uniting former pastors, founding members, and notable guest preachers for times of reflection and recommitment1.
Children’s and Youth Ministry
Children’s ministry is at the heart of QEC’s vision. A well-attended Sunday School operates prior to the main Sunday service, catering to children aged 3-11, with lessons crafted to instill the core tenets of the Christian faith and cultivate spiritual curiosity from an early age. During worship, children remain in the service alongside adults, reinforcing a culture of intergenerational worship and discipleship. For younger children, the church offers “fill-in-the-blank” sermon notes and a training room from which the service can still be heard, ensuring inclusion for all ages and needs.
Fellowship and Pastoral Care
QEC distinguishes itself through its culture of practical care and hospitality. The congregation regularly celebrates members’ birthdays, organizes fellowship lunches, and provides practical support when illness or life challenges arise. The church’s women, in particular, are noted for their quickness to bring meals or offer help in times of need. Members often describe the environment as “like a family,” a sentiment widely cited across QEC’s communications and anniversary materials.
Community Outreach and Charity
As a registered charity (Charity No. 331), QEC’s mission extends beyond Sunday worship to include relief of poverty, advancement of religion, and support for both local and global needs. The church is explicitly committed to gospel proclamation, mutual support, and giving financial aid for the relief of suffering worldwide8. Members are encouraged to participate in acts of service and generosity, embodying the “Outward to Community” focus that characterizes much of QEC’s practical theology.
Theological Orientation and Beliefs
Evangelical Identity and Core Doctrines
At its heart, QEC is firmly rooted in the evangelical tradition of Christianity. The term “evangelical” here is not merely nominal but represents a set of convictions: the centrality of the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and living, the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, and a commitment to the “good news” (evangelion) of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as the decisive event for humanity. This orientation is succinctly captured in the church’s statement of faith and in numerous summaries across denominational directories and partner organizations.
Key doctrinal affirmations include:
· The Triune nature of God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
· The authority, inspiration, inerrancy and sufficiency of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
· The fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of redemption.
· The incarnation, atoning sacrifice, bodily resurrection, ascension, and future return of Jesus Christ.
· Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
· The ministry of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification.
· The priesthood of all believers and the local/global unity of the Church.
· The future judgment and the hope of new creation.
Theological Influences and Worship Style
QEC’s preaching and teaching are characterized by expository, Bible-centred sermons, with a strong emphasis on both doctrinal clarity and practical application. The worship style is generally non-liturgical and informal compared to traditional Anglican or Catholic services but incorporates historic hymns, contemporary songs, prayer, and frequent Scripture readings. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated monthly-both in the morning and, on occasion, the evening services. The church encourages active participation from all members, reflecting the “priesthood of all believers” and a desire for lay ministry involvement.
QEC is also marked by openness to new initiatives and contextual expressions of worship-embracing diversity of background, language, and culture, while maintaining core evangelical convictions.
Relationship with Jersey Evangelical Alliance and Christian Landscape
QEC is a member of the Jersey Evangelical Alliance (JEA), a key network that unites individuals and churches committed to a “positive Christian witness” in Jersey. The JEA, formed in 1987, exists to foster unity among evangelicals and coordinate efforts around mission, faith advocacy, and community impact. Through the Alliance, QEC collaborates with other evangelical fellowships, participates in island-wide events, and adds its voice to public debates on faith, ethics, and the common good.
Within Jersey’s Christian landscape, QEC represents a distinctive stream. Jersey’s religious history includes a significant legacy of Anglican (state church), Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, and independent traditions. QEC’s independence, strong evangelical theology, and international makeup situate it as both a beacon for like-minded believers and as a bridge to those less formally connected to established denominations.
Governance, Leadership, and Notable Figures
Governance Structure and Charity Status
QEC operates as an independent, self-governing body, led by its Pastor and a team of deacons. These roles are defined to ensure both spiritual oversight (pastoral care, teaching, vision-casting) and administrative stewardship (finance, event coordination, facility management). The church is governed in alignment with its constitution, accountable to its membership and in compliance with Jersey’s requirements for registered charities.
Governance Table
Pastor
Leon Coates
Preaching, teaching, pastoral care, vision
Deacon
Craig Le Sueur
Administration, organizational leadership
Deacon
Matthew Lombard
Music ministry, discipleship, hospitality
The governance ethos at QEC emphasizes both servant leadership and congregational input, seeking to balance clear pastoral leadership with active member participation.
Landmark Anniversaries
· 50th Anniversary (2022): Celebrated with visiting preachers, testimonials, and the gathering of past and present members for special services and fellowship teas. Reflections focused on God’s faithfulness through “ups and downs” and the value of every contributor, with a forward-looking emphasis on standing firm in faith.
· Annual Community Events: The church’s Liberation Day BBQ remains a key event of both remembrance and outreach, while Christmas and Easter celebrations serve as focal points for mission and fellowship.
Digital Presence and Sermon Archive
QEC maintains a robust digital presence:
· Website: Provides up-to-date information on service times, ministries, beliefs, contact details, and accessibility. The site is also a portal for sermon archives and live streams, serving not only members but also those exploring Christianity or new to Jersey.
· YouTube Channel: Offers recorded and livestreamed services, conference talks, and special events, making teaching and worship accessible to a wider audience, including the island’s expatriate and diaspora communities.
· Podcasts: The “Solid Ground” podcast is available for teaching and reflection, supplementing Sunday sermons with topical discussions and deeper biblical exploration13.
Historical Christian Context in Jersey
Jersey has a rich and complex religious history. Traditionally Anglican, the island saw significant Protestant, Methodist, and independent evangelical movements throughout its history-dating back to French Calvinist influence, Huguenot migrations, and subsequent waves of religious settlement and revival. Today, as religious affiliation wanes in much of Europe, Jersey retains a diverse, if numerically declining, Christian population, with Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and independent evangelicals all represented.
QEC’s Unique Role
QEC stands out for its:
· Evangelical Integrity: Strong adherence to classic evangelical theology, with emphasis on the authority of scripture and centrality of the gospel.
· Independence: Free from denominational bureaucracy, able to adapt quickly to local needs and international developments.
· International Make-up: Providing spiritual “home” and support to the island’s multi-national population, both expatriates and long-term residents.
· Community Focus: Embeddedness in western Jersey life, serving practical and spiritual needs through events, ministries, and charitable initiatives.
· Partnership and Unity: Collaboration with bodies like the Jersey Evangelical Alliance fosters both local engagement and a pan-Christian witness for the gospel in Jersey.
Conclusion: Historical and Religious Significance
Quennevais Evangelical Church is much more than a building at Clos de Carrel or a Sunday morning congregation. Its story is one of faithfulness across generations-a narrative woven from the vision of a post-war housing estate, the hospitable mission of a pioneering couple, and the resilient, adaptive ministry of a church determined to hold fast to the core truths of the Christian faith. Over more than five decades, QEC has borne witness to God’s “abundant goodness,” as its members often testify, and has shaped both the local and broader evangelical landscape of Jersey.
The church remains characterized by its independence, clarity of vision, open fellowship, and uncompromising commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. As Jersey continues to change-socially, demographically, spiritually-QEC stands as both a historical legacy and a living community of faith: “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory” (Psalm 115:1)1.
References:
1. Quennevais Evangelical Church : Church 50th Anniversary. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Articles/633506/Church_50th_Anniversary.aspx
2. Dear all, Here at QEC we... - Quennevais Evangelical Church. https://www.facebook.com/QuennevaisEC/posts/dear-allhere-at-qec-we-are-delighted-to-announce-the-appointment-of-leon-coates-/2814893521929640/
4. Jersey joy: Leon came for two days but is now staying permanently!. https://www.e-n.org.uk/uk-news/2020-11-jersey-joy-leon-came-for-two-days-but-is-now-staying-permanently/
5. Planning Application Detail - Government of Jersey. https://www.gov.je/citizen/Planning/pages/PlanningApplicationDetail.aspx?r=P/2019/0503
3. Quennevais Evangelical Church - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@QuennevaisEC
6. Liberation Day . https://catalogue.jerseyheritage.org/liberation-day/
7. Quennevais Evangelical Church : New to Church?. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359967/New_to_Church.aspx
8. Members - Jersey Charities. https://www.jerseycharities.org/members/483/quennevais-evangelical-church
9. Quennevais Evangelical Church : What We Believe. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359971/What_We_Believe.aspx
10. Quennevais Evangelical Church, St Brelade - FIEC. https://fiec.org.uk/churches/quennevais-evangelical-church
11. Jersey Evangelical Alliance. https://www.jerseyevangelicalalliance.org.je/
12. Moving to Jersey: Faith. https://www.gov.je/LifeEvents/MovingToJersey/SettlingIn/Pages/Faith.aspx
14. Quennevais Evangelical Church - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@QuennevaisEC/search
13. Quennevais Evangelical Church : Sermons. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359969/Sermons.aspx
Origins: The Founding of Quennevais Evangelical Church
The Vision and Early Initiative
Quennevais Evangelical Church traces its genesis back to 1968, rooted in a vision cast by the leadership of Halkett Place Church (located in the centre of St Helier, Jersey’s capital). As Jersey’s westward expansion occurred in the post-war era, with new housing developments springing up in the Les Quennevais district, Halkett Place Church identified a pressing need: the establishment of a vibrant Christian witness in the expanding, and at that point spiritually underserved, community. Sensing this call, Bill and Mary Edwards were dispatched to plant the new church within the Quennevais Park area1.
Bill and Mary Edwards, upon moving into 106 Quennevais Park, became the nucleus around which this vision materialized. Their approach was immediately community-oriented: they opened their home for informal Bible studies and evening worship, creating an inviting environment for spiritual exploration and hospitality. The earliest public initiative was the launch of a Sunday School in the local Quennevais school building-remarkably, more than 150 children attended on the very first day, a testament to both need and the Edwards’ outreach efforts.
From House Fellowship to Church Building
As these home gatherings and Sunday School meetings grew in popularity and regularity, it became increasingly clear that a permanent, dedicated space was essential for both practical and spiritual growth. Within four years, and with the continued support of Halkett Place Church, the project to construct a dedicated church building commenced. Funding for the building was raised almost entirely by private subscription, and individual donors provided much of the necessary furnishings. When construction finished in 1972, the new Quennevais Evangelical Church opened its doors-remarkably, at a total cost of just £20,000 (including the land), and crucially, it was completed entirely debt-free1.
This origin in private initiative, faith-fuelled fundraising, and local solidarity became a defining feature of QEC’s identity. The sense of God’s providence and goodness was keenly felt from the outset, as chronicled in retrospectives marking subsequent milestones and anniversaries.
Architectural Context and Site
The original church building, located at Clos de Carrel near the Quennevais sports centre, was designed with flexibility and community focus in mind. Though initially modest, its function-first approach mirrored the needs of a growing but still relatively small congregation. Over the years, practical alterations were made to accommodate evolving ministry needs, including significant extensions and modernizations, such as the expansion of the kitchen to facilitate large fellowship lunches and broader community outreach events.
Historical Development Timeline: Growth, Change, and Community Engagement
The original church building, located at Clos de Carrel near the Quennevais sports centre, was designed with flexibility and community focus in mind. Though initially modest, its function-first approach mirrored the needs of a growing but still relatively small congregation. Over the years, practical alterations were made to accommodate evolving ministry needs, including significant extensions and modernizations, such as the expansion of the kitchen to facilitate large fellowship lunches and broader community outreach events.
Historical Development Timeline: Growth, Change, and Community Engagement
Early Decades: 1972-2000
Following the completion of the church building in 1972, QEC quickly established itself as a locus of evangelical ministry and community activity on Jersey’s west side. The congregation ebbed and flowed in numerical strength but showed a persistent vitality, with successive generations of families becoming woven into church life. For over 30 years, continuity was provided by founding leaders and a dedicated core of volunteers, maintaining fidelity to the evangelical vision and outreach imperative inherited from its parent church.
During these formative years, the church offered a range of ministries including Sunday worship, youth work, home Bible studies, and participation in local ecumenical efforts. The reference to members “coming and going” alludes both to the transient nature of island demographics and the broader rhythms of family movement, work relocation, and the constant challenge of engaging new arrivals to Jersey.
Leadership Succession and Congregational Evolution
After Bill Edwards’ retirement-a pivotal moment in the church’s life-Jonathan Watson was called as pastor, serving for a substantial period, followed by Roger Davies, who took leadership in 2005. Each leader brought distinct gifts and emphases, yet all steered the church in continuity with its original evangelical commitments. Notably, under Davies’ tenure, the church underwent significant facility upgrades to meet the needs of a burgeoning fellowship and to enhance its capacity for hospitality and corporate ministry (such as the aforementioned kitchen expansion).
During this time, the church also began to reflect a wider diversity-welcoming families and individuals from numerous national backgrounds, including South Africa, Uganda, Poland, the USA, Brazil, and Colombia, among others. This growing cosmopolitanism mirrored both the internationalization of Jersey’s workforce and the church’s intentional commitment to cross-cultural community.
Recent Developments: 2000-Present
The Interregnum and Appointment of Leon Coates
In 2016, Roger Davies retired from pastoral leadership. The ensuing period, known as the “interregnum,” lasted until 2020, during which the church sustained its ministries with the support of visiting preachers, dedicated elders, and deacons. This interim was a time of both challenge and resilience, relying on lay leadership and local partnerships to maintain continuity1.
The appointment of Leon Coates in early 2020 marked a new era for QEC. Coates, formerly Assistant Pastor at Dewsbury Evangelical Church in West Yorkshire, arrived in Jersey under unique and providential circumstances: having visited in March 2020, he and his family found themselves unable to return to the UK due to the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequently began permanent ministry ahead of schedule2.
The Impact of COVID-19
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly shaped QEC’s recent trajectory. Like many churches globally, QEC was forced to rapidly adapt its worship and community life to unprecedented conditions. Online services, livestreams, and digital fellowship became mainstays, allowing the church to maintain both spiritual cohesion and outreach, even while separated physically34. The period also demonstrated the congregation’s resilience, creativity, and underlying commitment to mutual support-traits that many members explicitly recognized as hallmarks of their church.
The 50th Anniversary and Renewed Vision
In March 2022, QEC marked its 50th anniversary-an event celebrated with reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. The anniversary highlighted not only the church’s historical legacy but also the sense of divine faithfulness through changing times-a continuity that encompassed both the visionaries who founded QEC and the diverse, vibrant congregation present today. The celebration brought together past and current leaders, long-standing members, and new arrivals, emphasizing the enduring familial culture and openness of the church.
Ministry and Community Life: Growth, Diversity, and Engagement
Membership Patterns and Demographics
Over the years, QEC’s congregation has reflected both the stability and the fluidity characteristic of Jersey’s communities. While some members and families have devoted decades to the life of the church, others have been part of QEC for shorter periods-often due to employment contracts, postgraduate studies, or expatriate circumstances. This ebb and flow has led to a uniquely “family-like” ethos, one marked by intentional efforts to welcome newcomers, support one another during illness or difficulty, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and gifts present within the fellowship.
Today, QEC describes itself as “an unusually diverse congregation,” with members hailing from different continents and professions, living as a microcosm of the modern global church. Despite being “oceans away” from their biological families, members frequently attest to the depth of spiritual kinship and practical care they experience within the church community.
Facilities and Accessibility
QEC’s premises at Clos de Carrel are purpose-built to support both worship and community ministry. The site offers extensive car parking and is designed to be fully accessible, with ramps, accessible toilets, and a hearing loop for those with hearing impairments. The building’s design allows for a flexible layout, enabling both large corporate worship and smaller ministry gatherings. Some years have seen petitions and planning applications for further improvements and expansion, reflecting the church’s ongoing commitment to adapt its facilities to the needs of the community5.
Notable Events and Annual Celebrations
Quennevais Evangelical Church has developed a rhythm of community and spiritual events that punctuate the church calendar. Among these, a few stand out as particularly significant:
· Liberation Day BBQ: Annually, QEC hosts a Liberation Day BBQ, coinciding with Jersey’s national holiday commemorating the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. This event is emblematic of the church’s engagement with the wider Jersey community, fostering fellowship, hospitality, and remembrance.
· Stand Firm Conference: A more recent addition is the Stand Firm Conference, initiated to encourage steadfastness in faith and to facilitate teaching and fellowship for evangelicals not only within QEC but across the island. These conferences focus on resilience, unity, and biblical fidelity and have become key events within the local evangelical landscape.
· Anniversary Celebrations: The church’s milestone anniversaries (25th, 40th, 50th) have all been marked by special services, events, and community outreach, uniting former pastors, founding members, and notable guest preachers for times of reflection and recommitment1.
Children’s and Youth Ministry
Children’s ministry is at the heart of QEC’s vision. A well-attended Sunday School operates prior to the main Sunday service, catering to children aged 3-11, with lessons crafted to instill the core tenets of the Christian faith and cultivate spiritual curiosity from an early age. During worship, children remain in the service alongside adults, reinforcing a culture of intergenerational worship and discipleship. For younger children, the church offers “fill-in-the-blank” sermon notes and a training room from which the service can still be heard, ensuring inclusion for all ages and needs.
Fellowship and Pastoral Care
QEC distinguishes itself through its culture of practical care and hospitality. The congregation regularly celebrates members’ birthdays, organizes fellowship lunches, and provides practical support when illness or life challenges arise. The church’s women, in particular, are noted for their quickness to bring meals or offer help in times of need. Members often describe the environment as “like a family,” a sentiment widely cited across QEC’s communications and anniversary materials.
Community Outreach and Charity
As a registered charity (Charity No. 331), QEC’s mission extends beyond Sunday worship to include relief of poverty, advancement of religion, and support for both local and global needs. The church is explicitly committed to gospel proclamation, mutual support, and giving financial aid for the relief of suffering worldwide8. Members are encouraged to participate in acts of service and generosity, embodying the “Outward to Community” focus that characterizes much of QEC’s practical theology.
Theological Orientation and Beliefs
Evangelical Identity and Core Doctrines
At its heart, QEC is firmly rooted in the evangelical tradition of Christianity. The term “evangelical” here is not merely nominal but represents a set of convictions: the centrality of the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and living, the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, and a commitment to the “good news” (evangelion) of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as the decisive event for humanity. This orientation is succinctly captured in the church’s statement of faith and in numerous summaries across denominational directories and partner organizations.
Key doctrinal affirmations include:
· The Triune nature of God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
· The authority, inspiration, inerrancy and sufficiency of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
· The fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of redemption.
· The incarnation, atoning sacrifice, bodily resurrection, ascension, and future return of Jesus Christ.
· Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
· The ministry of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification.
· The priesthood of all believers and the local/global unity of the Church.
· The future judgment and the hope of new creation.
· Adult baptism as the only valid form of baptism
· Men only in leadership roles in the Church.
These convictions are widely reflected in the church’s teaching, liturgical life, and public witness.
Independence and Association
Crucially, QEC is independent - meaning it is self-governing and not officially affiliated with a single external denomination such as the Church of England, Methodism, or Roman Catholicism. However, QEC maintains connections with broader networks that foster mutual support and theological clarity. It is registered with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), signalling shared commitments with a wider movement of like-minded evangelical congregations across the UK and beyond. Similarly, QEC is listed with Affinity, an evangelical partnership organization, and has international connections through Grace Community Church’s ministry partnerships.
Crucially, QEC is independent - meaning it is self-governing and not officially affiliated with a single external denomination such as the Church of England, Methodism, or Roman Catholicism. However, QEC maintains connections with broader networks that foster mutual support and theological clarity. It is registered with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), signalling shared commitments with a wider movement of like-minded evangelical congregations across the UK and beyond. Similarly, QEC is listed with Affinity, an evangelical partnership organization, and has international connections through Grace Community Church’s ministry partnerships.
Theological Influences and Worship Style
QEC’s preaching and teaching are characterized by expository, Bible-centred sermons, with a strong emphasis on both doctrinal clarity and practical application. The worship style is generally non-liturgical and informal compared to traditional Anglican or Catholic services but incorporates historic hymns, contemporary songs, prayer, and frequent Scripture readings. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated monthly-both in the morning and, on occasion, the evening services. The church encourages active participation from all members, reflecting the “priesthood of all believers” and a desire for lay ministry involvement.
QEC is also marked by openness to new initiatives and contextual expressions of worship-embracing diversity of background, language, and culture, while maintaining core evangelical convictions.
Relationship with Jersey Evangelical Alliance and Christian Landscape
QEC is a member of the Jersey Evangelical Alliance (JEA), a key network that unites individuals and churches committed to a “positive Christian witness” in Jersey. The JEA, formed in 1987, exists to foster unity among evangelicals and coordinate efforts around mission, faith advocacy, and community impact. Through the Alliance, QEC collaborates with other evangelical fellowships, participates in island-wide events, and adds its voice to public debates on faith, ethics, and the common good.
Within Jersey’s Christian landscape, QEC represents a distinctive stream. Jersey’s religious history includes a significant legacy of Anglican (state church), Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, and independent traditions. QEC’s independence, strong evangelical theology, and international makeup situate it as both a beacon for like-minded believers and as a bridge to those less formally connected to established denominations.
Governance, Leadership, and Notable Figures
Governance Structure and Charity Status
QEC operates as an independent, self-governing body, led by its Pastor and a team of deacons. These roles are defined to ensure both spiritual oversight (pastoral care, teaching, vision-casting) and administrative stewardship (finance, event coordination, facility management). The church is governed in alignment with its constitution, accountable to its membership and in compliance with Jersey’s requirements for registered charities.
Governance Table
Pastor
Leon Coates
Preaching, teaching, pastoral care, vision
Deacon
Craig Le Sueur
Administration, organizational leadership
Deacon
Matthew Lombard
Music ministry, discipleship, hospitality
The governance ethos at QEC emphasizes both servant leadership and congregational input, seeking to balance clear pastoral leadership with active member participation.
Key Pastors and Leaders
· Bill and Mary Edwards (Founders, c.1968-1990s): Pioneers of the local work, establishing QEC’s character as a hospitable, biblically grounded fellowship.
· Jonathan Watson (1990s-2005): Provided stable leadership post-founder era, overseeing consolidation and gradual growth.
· Roger Davies (2005-2016): Led the church through a period of facility expansion and growing diversity. Instrumental in deepening the church’s family culture and missional outreach; renowned for his musical talents, particularly during events and celebrations.
· Leon Coates (2020-Present): Trained at Master’s Seminary (USA), former Assistant Pastor at Dewsbury Evangelical Church (UK). Brought a fresh vision and adaptive leadership during COVID-19; known for his strong biblical teaching and international perspective (with family roots in Colombia).
In addition to these primary leaders, QEC has benefited from the support of many visiting preachers, elders, and active laymen and women-a broader “cloud of witnesses” who have enriched the church throughout its history. Figures such as Sydney Elliot, Will Williams, Bruce Powell, Phil Sweeting, and Daniel Grimwade are just a few cited among many who have contributed to QEC’s legacy.
Notable Events and Service in the Community
· Bill and Mary Edwards (Founders, c.1968-1990s): Pioneers of the local work, establishing QEC’s character as a hospitable, biblically grounded fellowship.
· Jonathan Watson (1990s-2005): Provided stable leadership post-founder era, overseeing consolidation and gradual growth.
· Roger Davies (2005-2016): Led the church through a period of facility expansion and growing diversity. Instrumental in deepening the church’s family culture and missional outreach; renowned for his musical talents, particularly during events and celebrations.
· Leon Coates (2020-Present): Trained at Master’s Seminary (USA), former Assistant Pastor at Dewsbury Evangelical Church (UK). Brought a fresh vision and adaptive leadership during COVID-19; known for his strong biblical teaching and international perspective (with family roots in Colombia).
In addition to these primary leaders, QEC has benefited from the support of many visiting preachers, elders, and active laymen and women-a broader “cloud of witnesses” who have enriched the church throughout its history. Figures such as Sydney Elliot, Will Williams, Bruce Powell, Phil Sweeting, and Daniel Grimwade are just a few cited among many who have contributed to QEC’s legacy.
Notable Events and Service in the Community
Landmark Anniversaries
· 50th Anniversary (2022): Celebrated with visiting preachers, testimonials, and the gathering of past and present members for special services and fellowship teas. Reflections focused on God’s faithfulness through “ups and downs” and the value of every contributor, with a forward-looking emphasis on standing firm in faith.
· Annual Community Events: The church’s Liberation Day BBQ remains a key event of both remembrance and outreach, while Christmas and Easter celebrations serve as focal points for mission and fellowship.
Digital Presence and Sermon Archive
QEC maintains a robust digital presence:
· Website: Provides up-to-date information on service times, ministries, beliefs, contact details, and accessibility. The site is also a portal for sermon archives and live streams, serving not only members but also those exploring Christianity or new to Jersey.
· YouTube Channel: Offers recorded and livestreamed services, conference talks, and special events, making teaching and worship accessible to a wider audience, including the island’s expatriate and diaspora communities.
· Podcasts: The “Solid Ground” podcast is available for teaching and reflection, supplementing Sunday sermons with topical discussions and deeper biblical exploration13.
The Place of Quennevais Evangelical Church in Jersey’s Religious Landscape
Historical Christian Context in Jersey
Jersey has a rich and complex religious history. Traditionally Anglican, the island saw significant Protestant, Methodist, and independent evangelical movements throughout its history-dating back to French Calvinist influence, Huguenot migrations, and subsequent waves of religious settlement and revival. Today, as religious affiliation wanes in much of Europe, Jersey retains a diverse, if numerically declining, Christian population, with Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and independent evangelicals all represented.
QEC’s Unique Role
QEC stands out for its:
· Evangelical Integrity: Strong adherence to classic evangelical theology, with emphasis on the authority of scripture and centrality of the gospel.
· Independence: Free from denominational bureaucracy, able to adapt quickly to local needs and international developments.
· International Make-up: Providing spiritual “home” and support to the island’s multi-national population, both expatriates and long-term residents.
· Community Focus: Embeddedness in western Jersey life, serving practical and spiritual needs through events, ministries, and charitable initiatives.
· Partnership and Unity: Collaboration with bodies like the Jersey Evangelical Alliance fosters both local engagement and a pan-Christian witness for the gospel in Jersey.
Conclusion: Historical and Religious Significance
Quennevais Evangelical Church is much more than a building at Clos de Carrel or a Sunday morning congregation. Its story is one of faithfulness across generations-a narrative woven from the vision of a post-war housing estate, the hospitable mission of a pioneering couple, and the resilient, adaptive ministry of a church determined to hold fast to the core truths of the Christian faith. Over more than five decades, QEC has borne witness to God’s “abundant goodness,” as its members often testify, and has shaped both the local and broader evangelical landscape of Jersey.
The church remains characterized by its independence, clarity of vision, open fellowship, and uncompromising commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. As Jersey continues to change-socially, demographically, spiritually-QEC stands as both a historical legacy and a living community of faith: “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory” (Psalm 115:1)1.
References:
1. Quennevais Evangelical Church : Church 50th Anniversary. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Articles/633506/Church_50th_Anniversary.aspx
2. Dear all, Here at QEC we... - Quennevais Evangelical Church. https://www.facebook.com/QuennevaisEC/posts/dear-allhere-at-qec-we-are-delighted-to-announce-the-appointment-of-leon-coates-/2814893521929640/
4. Jersey joy: Leon came for two days but is now staying permanently!. https://www.e-n.org.uk/uk-news/2020-11-jersey-joy-leon-came-for-two-days-but-is-now-staying-permanently/
5. Planning Application Detail - Government of Jersey. https://www.gov.je/citizen/Planning/pages/PlanningApplicationDetail.aspx?r=P/2019/0503
3. Quennevais Evangelical Church - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@QuennevaisEC
6. Liberation Day . https://catalogue.jerseyheritage.org/liberation-day/
7. Quennevais Evangelical Church : New to Church?. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359967/New_to_Church.aspx
8. Members - Jersey Charities. https://www.jerseycharities.org/members/483/quennevais-evangelical-church
9. Quennevais Evangelical Church : What We Believe. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359971/What_We_Believe.aspx
10. Quennevais Evangelical Church, St Brelade - FIEC. https://fiec.org.uk/churches/quennevais-evangelical-church
11. Jersey Evangelical Alliance. https://www.jerseyevangelicalalliance.org.je/
12. Moving to Jersey: Faith. https://www.gov.je/LifeEvents/MovingToJersey/SettlingIn/Pages/Faith.aspx
14. Quennevais Evangelical Church - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@QuennevaisEC/search
13. Quennevais Evangelical Church : Sermons. https://www.quennevaisec.com/Groups/359969/Sermons.aspx
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