Warden

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Our churchwardens are elected each year at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and are members of the Parochial Church Council.

Churchwardens have many formal duties but most importantly they assist the clergy in their work of ministry. This requires that the church buildings and their contents are kept in a fit condition for services of worship

DUTIES OF CHURCHWARDENS

‘The ideal churchwarden is one who will bear responsibility without hugging it; whose example and encouragement make other lay people want to share their gifts too; who will keep a brief for the parishioners (who in theory elect him or her) when the PCC may be focusing more readily on its own electorate, the congregation; and who will cooperate with the bishop and other members of the clergy without kow-towing to them or to the agendas of distant committees, dignitaries and diocesan officials.’

The above quotation from a Church Times leader, has probably never been bettered as an apt summary describing the path that churchwardens must tread in fulfilling their obligations to their parishes and to their bishops.

Although every parish is different and day to day responsibilities vary considerably, there are duties which are common to all churchwardens. In England they are governed by statute and Canon Law; in Wales they are governed by the Church in Wales’ Constitution. What follows is only a brief outline and should be supplemented by further reading and experience.

Churchwardens are officers of the diocesan bishop and are expected to attend if he or his representative, the archdeacon require them to do so. They are not spies but, in rare circumstances where there are complaints about the parish priest, the bishop may invoke the help of the churchwardens to resolve the situation.
They are the leaders of PCC and should ensure that all financial obligations of the PCC are met; and that includes the proper insurance of church property. If necessary, and no other suitable person can be found, one of the churchwardens has to act as treasurer.
Possibly the most important aspect of the churchwarden’s job is the support of the parish clergy. Such support should be spiritual, through prayer, as well as practical, through relieving the clergy of as much routine administrative work as possible. And do not forget the priest’s family who need encouragement and support too.
Churchwardens represent the whole parish, mot just the churchgoing community and, as such, they should try to take a broader view than that of PCC. In particular it is good if they can take every opportunity to foster good relations between the church and the secular organization of the parish.
The smooth running of church services is the area where the churchwardens’ work is most obviously evident. With the help of sidesmen they prepare the church, greet the congregation and clergy, allocate seating, take collections, ensure that there is always wine and bread for communion, and maintain order in the church and churchyard.
All moveable items in the church, such as furniture, ornaments, books, communion plate, hangings and vestments, are legally owned by the churchwardens. Such property may not be disposed of without a faculty and has to be properly maintained.
There are records to be kept; and inventory of church land and property to be updated annually; the church log book, in which must be entered details of any work undertaken to the fabric of the church, and quinquennial inspections by the church architect. The archdeacon will wish to inspect the property register and the log book at regular intervals.
Most churchwardens have to face an interregnum or vacancy. In the absence of an incumbent additional responsibilities fall on their shoulders. Certain rules come into effect and it is prudent for churchwardens to learn procedures, not only for maintaining the smooth running of the parish but also for the appointment of a new incumbent.

The above responsibilities may appear daunting but churchwardens do not need to master them all at once. It may take several years to acquire the necessary experience, tact and understanding. They frequently share the task with other PCC members and also soon discover that their archdeacon is a very present help in time of trouble.

(Taken from ‘The Churchwarden’s Yearbook 2004)