A Churchwarden’s prayer

‘Eternal God, when you call your servants to task, you promise to give them grace and strength to accomplish it. Mercifully look upon those who have special responsibilities in your Church as churchwardens, that beginning their work in reverence, following it through with obedience and completing it in faithful devotion, they may be renewed by your Holy Spirit to live in constant thankfulness to you; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.’

Although every parish is different and day-to-day responsibilities vary considerably, there are duties that are common to all churchwardens. In England they are governed by statute and Canon Law. What follows is only a brief outline that can be supplemented by further reading and local experience. Clicking here for information on our Churchwardens.

• Churchwardens are officers of the diocesan bishop and are expected to attend if he or his representative, the archdeacon, requires 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 leaders of the 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 administration work as possible. And do not forget the priest’s family who need encouragement and support too.
• Churchwardens represent the whole parish, not just the churchgoing community and, as such, they should try to take a broader view than that of the PCC. In particular it is good if they can take every opportunity to foster good relations between the church and the secular organizations 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.
• The churchwardens legally own all moveable items in the church, such as furniture, ornaments, books, communion plate, hanging and vestments. Such property may not be disposed of without a faculty and has to be properly maintained.
• There are records to be kept; an inventory of church land and property to be updated annually; the church logbook, 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 logbook 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.