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Being a Churchwarden 

 Introduction and Churchwarden Character

This guide is an internal CtK document that seeks to outline the role for current and prospective wardens, with information collated from diocesan sources, including our own. It is intentionally not exhaustive. Churchwardens have a vital spiritual, pastoral and mission dimension – the duty is to be foremost among the laity in the life and mission of the church in the parish. A good Churchwarden is someone who puts God, in three persons, at the centre of their own and the church’s life and is: a person of Christian faith and conviction; a person of prayer; someone willing to be involved in the life of the Church and the community beyond Sunday services; able to engage with and embrace suitable change; missional.

 
The legal bits

Churchwardens have important legal responsibilities; their principal official duties are summarised in Church of England Canon E1 paragraphs 4 and 5.
Churchwardens are officers of the bishop, usually via the Archdeacon (not the incumbent*/PCC) and:

  • must be the foremost in representing the laity and co-operating with the incumbent
  • must use their best endeavours by example and precept to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them
  • must discharge the duties assigned to them by law and custom. Including oversight of the care of the church building and the land and articles belonging to it
  • must maintain order and decency in the church, especially during the time of divine service
  • hold the title to the movable goods of the church, and must keep an inventory of those goods and keep it up to date, and must hand over the goods to their successors (who check it) 

Relationships

A Churchwarden needs to be a respected member of the congregation who, when and where appropriate:
is challenging; holds a wider vision; strives to maintain good communication.
With the incumbent, he/she needs: a close working relationship and shared vison, whilst not necessarily agreeing on everything; to meet and pray together; to develop mutual understanding and expectations; pastoral care for clergy and staff; contact with staff and ministry areas; resolution and reconciliation.
With the PCC he/she should: lead its working with the incumbent; promote the whole mission of the church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical; keep an oversight of parish share and expenses payments.
There will also be a working relationship with the Archdeacon, Rural Dean and, often, the Bishop.
 

Some Other Key Facts

  • A Churchwarden is an ex-officio member of PCC and Standing Committee and is a Charity Trustee
  • Churchwardens are elected annually by the Meeting of Parishioners, usually an adjunct to the APCM.
  • During a vacancy, the Churchwardens will be the sequestrators together with the Rural Dean.
  • Churchwardens must complete (and update as necessary) Safeguarding training pathways as follows: Basic Awareness; Foundations; Domestic Abuse; Leadership
  • Churchwardens must attend a Deanery Admissions Service (June) for oath-taking and formal designation.

 
Some Practicalities at CtK

General

  • Hold a complete set of church keys and oversee the keyholding register.
  • Work with the PCC to appoint, train and support Assistant Churchwardens.
  • Complete the annual Archdeacons’ Articles of Enquiry, keeping the inventory and logbook up to date.
  • Ensure children and adults at risk are high profile in any Health & Safety Inspections or Risk Assessments.
  • Ensure all relevant testing (e.g. PAT, lightning conductor) are completed as often as policies demand.

At a service

  • Arrive about 40 minutes before the designated start time and unlock all necessary rooms.
  • Check people and resources are ready for the service - welcomers, readers, intercessors, etc. (Refer to the service plan for details).  Check with clergy/leader what else needs to be prepared.
  • Aim to Join clergy/others for prayers in room 3 ahead of the service.
  • Count number of adults and under 16s, recording numbers in the service book in the office.
  • Deal with the offering plate during and after the service – taking forward; locking takings in office/safe.
  • Ensure the preacher and leader signs the service book (especially of they are a visitor).
  • Check building is empty, windows are shut, lights and fan heaters are off.
  • Lock the church at the end or agree with another leader that they will do that.