Your Church Name Here

Your church name here.

This is designed to be printed back-to-back on A4 to form a booklet

Your church motto/Mission statement

Ministry

Churchwardens are an integral part of the ministry and governance of the church. They represent the bishop, taking responsibility for the church during an interregnum; they represent the laity in discussions with the clergy; they represent the clergy in discussions with the laity and they represent the church in the community. In short, good Wardens are the glue that keeps the church working together in mission.

Role

The role of Churchwarden is defined in law. There are books on it, such as The Churchwarden’s Handbook, or a quick online search will find references to the Churchwardens Measure 2001. In summary, the Wardens:

(a)  are the officers of the bishop, not the clergy or PCC

(b)  are first in representing the laity and co-operating with the clergy

(c)  encourage the parishioners in living out their faith

(d)  promote unity and peace amongst the community

(e)  are responsible for the offerings (this is delegated to the Treasurer but the Wardens remain responsible)

(f)  are responsible for the care of the building and its contents

(g)  maintain “order and decency” in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service

(h)  if you are a communicant and on the electoral roll you are automatically member of the PCC

(i)  act as Treasurer if the PCC fails to appoint one

(j)  act as trustees of other parochial charities if we form any

(k)  during a vacancy in the benefice, the churchwardens have a legal role in guarding the assets of the church and in organising services, etc.

The most time-consuming is probably the care of the building.
The most important is the ministry of encouragement.

Safeguarding Requirements

Because of the power of the office, there are very specific legal requirements for being a Churchwarden. In summary, and you can ask for more information if you need it, you can only serve as Churchwarden if:

a)  You have been baptised, are over 21 and on the church electoral roll

b)  You are not disqualified from being a charity trustee (this is usually due to bankruptcy or criminal offences involving dishonesty.)

c)  You have no convictions for criminal offences involving a young person.

d)  You have not been involved in a “serious breakdown” of relationships within the parish.

Whilst the role is decided by a vote of parishioners, your nomination will not have the support of the clergy unless they have known you well for at least 12 months, and preferably longer, and have no concerns whatsoever about your suitability. This is for your protection as well as that of our children and vulnerable adults.

Responsible to

The Churchwardens are appointed by the Annual Vestry Meeting, which is open to all parishioners. Legally, the responsibility is to the Bishop but a good Warden will work closely with the clergy.

Support and Training

The outgoing Wardens will normally spend time with you and assist you in understanding the role. The diocese also offers training for Wardens and the PCC will cover the costs of this. The Rural Dean, Archdeacon and Bishop are all available to deal with any concerns you have.

Time Commitment

The role is relatively flexible. There is a PCC one evening every two months. Beyond that the role is what you make it. The most effective Wardens play a leading role in the life and ministry of the church but also learn to delegate tasks to others. The outgoing Warden estimates that she spent 10 hours a week “being a Warden.”

Wardens are elected for one year at a time, with a maximum length of service of 6 years. Whilst you could serve for a one year period it is helpful to the stability of the parish if you could commit to a minimum three year term.

General information about the parish