The office of Churchwarden dates from the 13th Century, and is thus one of the earliest forms of recognized lay ministry!
This is your page – we hope you will find lots of things here that are useful in your role. We would love to hear from you so do get in touch using the form below.
Churchwardens Conference Saturday 16 November 2024
What a great morning we had at the Holiday Inn on Saturday! Thank you all for coming, we hope you enjoyed it and took lots away that will help you in your role in the coming months. As always, we would love to hear your feedback so do email us with comments both positive and negative!
+Pete gave an opening Bible Study on the theme of Creation – Listen to it here:
Jo Chamberlain who is the National Environment Officer for the Church of England was the Key Note speaker at the Conference: Listen to her talk here:
NEW Churchwardens Conference 15 June 2024
Slides and information from the morning are still available.
2023 Annual Churchwardens’ Conference
Information from last years Conference is still available – see below
1 Strategy Refresh 2 Focal Ministry 3 Mission Area Support Teams 4 Statistics for Mission
Here are some links to various things that were mentioned during the morning:
- Ecclesiastical Insurance – Winter hints and tips – find out more
- All you need to know about Focal Ministry in the Diocese featuring Sally’s weekly blog
- Rapid Fabric Assessment information working with Cheribim
Read the latest Archdeacons’ News Magazine (Summer 2024)
What is a Churchwarden?
The office of Churchwarden is a vital and ancient part of the Church of England (it goes back to the 13th Century). Churchwardens have served the church since its beginnings and are directly responsible to the Bishop.
The role of Churchwarden is extremely varied but generally involves management, maintenance and ministry. It is a real calling and vocation giving the opportunity to make a significant difference in the life and history of the parish church.
The rights and responsibilities of Churchwardens are laid down in church Law and, as with most roles within a parish, this is a voluntary position. Churchwardens are the Bishop’s officers and are admitted to office each year by the Archdeacon, on behalf of the Bishop Download our Churchwarden Declaration form to find out more.
Their first responsibility is to the Bishop, usually via the Archdeacon. Along with the parish priest/incumbent, they are generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the parish.
Who can be a Churchwarden?
Churchwardens must be baptised, regular communicants who are resident in the parish or on the Electoral Roll. They need not be members of the congregation of the parish church, in a parish with more than one church. In addition any Churchwarden:
- Should be over 21
- Should consent to being appointed
- Should have been confirmed, and should have received communion at least three times in the previous year. A person who is ready to be confirmed and wants to be confirmed also qualifies.
How are Churchwardens elected?
Churchwardens are elected annually under the provision of the Churchwarden Measures 2001 by the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, as the senior lay people of the parish and congregations. Their term of office is one year and they may service for up to six consecutive terms of office unless the Annual meeting passes a resolution to set aside this rule.
Responsibilities and tasks
Please go to the Churchwarden Toolkit for a detailed description of Responsibilities and Tasks, and keep an eye on the Year at a Glance page which will guide you month by month.
Also, there is the requirement to maintain the Building(s)
There is a requirement to maintain the following Records:
- Terrier – a list of lands belonging to the Church,
- Inventory – a list of all the items belonging to the church
- Log book – a detailed record of all the alterations, additions and repairs to the church, its land and contents. (Do ensure the location of these documents is known and offsite copies kept)
Interregnum
During a vacancy in a parish, the churchwarden, along with the Area Dean, is responsible for ensuring that worship, pastoral care and mission continue in the parish, and for supporting any assistant clergy, lay ministers, staff and volunteers in the parish in their responsibilities. These documents may be helpful Managing a Vacancy and Appointments Process.
Please also visit the Toolkit as there is a section in there about responsibility during a Vacancy.
Church Support Team
