Last updated 4th May 2020

Churchwardens' duties

Thank you to those of you who have chosen to serve God and your community through the office of Churchwarden.

To assist in your duties you can order a copy of the helpful Churchwarden's Yearbook 2020 at the reduced rate of £8.95 inc p&P by filling in and returning this form or by phone (call 01985 840189). Please have your Visa/Mastercard/Maestro card ready.  The latest Yearbook for 2021 is also available at a cost of £13.95 incl p&p (Order Form)

This page outlines a list of the primary duties of a Churchwarden in this Diocese, where we are collectively working together for Vision 2026 Healthy Churches Transforming Communities. 

More about Vision 2026 can be found under the 'Vision 2026' heading on the homepage of this website. 

You can also read coverage here and here of the 'Primary Visitations' conducted by Rt Rev. Julian Henderson when the Bishop, with the Archdeacons, was responsible for overseeing the swearing in of churchwardens from all our parishes. 

Also below the primary duties section you can find links to case studies in relation to the work of a church warden taken from the national Church of England website. 

Primary duties and monthly checklist

1.    To be a Christian:

• committed to and believing in the Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour and Lord.
• now living out your life as a Servant of Christ and `given` to building  the Kingdom of God.

2.   To be a Christian leader:

• setting an example of Christian life and holiness
• growing in Christian maturity and wisdom
• convinced of the Gospel and God`s calling.
• to make being a Churchwarden a priority.

3.   To work collaboratively in partnership:

• with humility and graciousness
• as a peacemaker, bridge builder and reconciler
• with loyalty and co-operation especially towards the Priest and others in leadership.

4. To co-operate with the Priest in leading the whole mission of the Church:

• pastoral
• evangelistic
• social
• ecumenical

5. To be the Bishop's Officer:

• attend any meeting of the Bishop, Chancellor or Archdeacon when summoned.
• report any matter of serious neglect within the Parish.
• must make accurate and timely replies to any 'articles of enquiry' from Archdeacon

6. To be Stewards of the church building and furnishings:

• keep the church/parish Inventory and log book up to date.
• oversee security
• inspect and report on the church fabric each year.

7. Other duties:

• responsible for seating
• oversee the taking and recording of collections
• provide bread/wine under direction of priest
• welcome visiting clergy/arrange for necessary clergy cover in co-operation with priest
• ensure that the parish financial obligations are met
• work with the Area Dean and Archdeacon especially during times of vacancy
• make sure of a good hand-over to your successor

8. Monthly Checklist for Church Buildings

Case studies to help churchwardens

• General church security and church donations (with video) 
• Wifi and internet security in a church setting (with videos)
  • Case study 1
  • Case study 2 

Help and further advice, including Archdeacons' offices

For further advice and help the Archdeacons' have secretaries who are your first port of call and will pass messages on to the Archdeacons who respond as appropriate. Details about their offices can be found here.