A long history
The Churchwarden was first legally recognised in England in the 1200s, so theirs is one of the earliest forms of lay ministry. Their work grew more important over the centuries as lay people took on the responsibility for paying for the upkeep and improvement of church buildings.
The Churchwarden has often had a significant role in their local community as well as in the church congregation.
Churchwardens today
Each parish has two elected Churchwardens who are of equal status. The Churchwarden exercises their office on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop. They represent the lay people and work closely with the Vicar and Parochial Church Council in all aspects of church life. Their rights and responsibilities are laid down in Church Law.
How they are appointed
A Churchwarden must be baptised, regular communicants and on the Electoral Roll. They are elected, for one year, at the Annual Meeting of parishioners (sometimes called the Vestry meeting). This usually happens immediately before the Annual Church Meeting.
Bishop’s Officers
Soon after their election, Churchwardens are admitted to office, usually by the appropriate Archdeacon on the Bishop’s behalf. Churchwardens are also required to respond to official questions about the parish, e.g. through the Archdeacon’s Articles of Inquiry. They share any concerns with the Archdeacon or Bishop – and pass on good news e.g. exciting developments in church\community life.
Churchwardens’ duties
General
Their main tasks, according to Church Law, are the upkeep of the church building and its contents, so that it is in a fit state for worship to be offered in an orderly and reverent way. They often undertake other tasks too, depending on local circumstances, and their own skills and availability: e.g. leading worship, and pastoral care.
Particular responsibilities fall to Churchwardens in a vacancy.
Church Property and Fabric
Churchwardens are required to keep an accurate, up- to-date inventory or list of movable goods, i.e. movable furniture, plate and ornaments.
Legally, the PCC is responsible for the upkeep of the church and churchyard. Churchwardens, with the Priest, should ensure that the PCC fulfils its duties in this respect.
These include (i) the maintenance and repair of the church and its contents; (ii) insurance (iii) upkeep of fences or walls around the churchyard. Churchwardens carry out, or have someone else carry out, an annual inspection of the church building. Details and dates of all repairs, alterations (including removing things) and additions to the church must be noted in a log-book. All but the most minor changes require a faculty before work is done. Applying for a faculty through the D.A.C. (Diocesan Advisory Committee) is the responsibility of the parish priest and PCC, but Churchwardens play an important part in this.
Churchwardens should also keep a terrier, which lists any lands owned by the parish church. Every year, the Churchwardens should bring to the PCC a Fabric Report, and along with the priest should check that the log \ terrier are up-to-date and signed.
Worship
Churchwardens see that sufficient Communion wine and wafers are provided, and may also be responsible for buying other items for worship, e.g. candles, palm crosses, baptism cards, incense, Lectionary. Canon Law permits Churchwardens to ask a suitable lay person to lead worship if no lay or ordained minister is present. Need may arise unexpectedly, e.g. if someone is ill or fails to arrive to take a service. In practice, a Churchwarden often fills the breach, so they should be ready to lead Morning or Evening Prayer or another form of non-eucharistic worship. Churchwardens usually step in when there are lesser crises too, such as when a Lesson-reader or intercessor fails to appear, or the minister loses their voice, the notices, or the hymn numbers!
Hospitality and welcome
When there are visitors, e.g. a guest preacher, Archdeacon or Bishop, or newcomers to the church, Churchwardens should be on hand to welcome them and offer any help needed. Sidesmen are usually available to assist in giving out books, service-sheets etc.
Hospitality is an especially important duty in a multi-parish benefice, where the priest may have to travel between churches.
Finance
The Churchwardens may count the Collection and record the amount in the Service Register.
The Priest and PCC are jointly responsible for the allocation of the money. Churchwardens encourage the P.C.C. to fulfil its responsibility for the Priest’s expenses and the Parish Share. If a parish is unable to appoint a Treasurer, a Churchwarden should undertake the Treasurer’s tasks.
Churchwardens’ rights
Alongside their duties, they have a few rights. They hold a key to the church and are entitled to access at any time. Since they have to keep order in church and churchyard, they have the power to arrest anyone causing major disturbance inside or out. They are responsible for providing and allocating seats in church, so can ask someone to move or sit in a particular place – a duty best discharged with tact and caution!
Qualities of a Good Warden
- A baptized, confirmed, person of faith who attends church services regularly.
- A person who knows many of the congregation, and in whom others have confidence.
- A person who has had previous experience handling parish matters as a member of the Vestry.
- A person willing to work closely with, to support, and to help the Incumbent.
- A person whom the Incumbent can take closely into his/her confidence.
- A person who is willing to share equally in their duties with their fellow warden.
- A person who can really reflect the love of Jesus, through encouraging others within the Body, offering prayers and assistance to those who are suffering, and serving to the best of his/her ability in keeping God’s property in top condition, as a witness to the wider community.
If elected to serve, you must be willing to comply with all Safeguarding procedures, which include completing any necessary courses, submitting to an annual self-declaration, and a DBS Check.