Church Wardens have a particular role in supporting the Vicar in the leadership of the church.
Introduction
At Saint Wilfrid Church, many of the traditional elements* of the Churchwarden’s role have been delegated out and the emphasis of the role is on care, prayer and support. Primarily, this is for the Vicar and his family, but also extends to the wider congregations.
Churchwardens act as a listening ear and where needed, a critical voice.
They should be a people who are excited about the vision of the church (The Evangelisation of Bognor, the Revitalisation of the church and the Transformation of society) and determined to seeing the mission, activities and resources of the church, aligned to this vision.
The Churchwardens should be people of integrity and authenticity; who put their discipleship of Jesus first and they should lead the PCC by exhibiting the PCC Membership Expectations.
*One writer describes the role of Churchwarden as ‘leadership, labour, and love’. Namely, to be someone who could step in and lead a service or meeting at ten minutes’ notice; someone who would ensure the maintenance of the building and order of
Key Relationships
The Congregation
The Churchwardens should make themselves known, available and approachable, to members of the congregation and wider parish.
The PCC
Churchwardens are members of the PCC by nature of their office (opposed to being elected members). Wardens are involved in leading and helping the PCC to carry out all its responsibilities and duties, and are models of the PCC Membership Expectations. Churchwardens should also ensure that the PCC is contributing fully to the life of the Diocese (financially, prayerfully and practically). Furthermore, working with the Treasurer and those involved in church finances, the wardens should have a good handle on the financial state of the church.
The Vicar
The Churchwardens meet regularly with the Vicar to pray and to discuss progress being made towards seeing the vision of the church become a reality, some of these meetings may be brief, whilst others may be longer and more focussed in nature.
Churchwardens ensure that the Vicar and his family is being prayed for and cared for. They also ensure that the Vicar is taking appropriate time off. Furthermore Churchwardens work closely with the Vicar to ensure the Vicar hears both challenging and affirming comments from church members. Where needed, the Churchwardens act as those who help resolved any problems that might arise between the Vicar and church members.
Churchwardens work with the Vicar to enable him to be released from administrative tasks (in relation to insurance, heating, lighting, cleaning, repair, etc) and free to spend time in prayer, to develop visions, to prepare sermons, lead services and look after people (including team management, as appropriate).
The Rural Dean
The Rural Dean and the Churchwardens work together, particularly in the event of the role of Vicar becoming vacant, or in the case of sickness of other emergency. The Rural Dean is best placed to offer advice or assistance regarding morel local matters.
The Archdeacon
The Archdeacon carries out the work of the Bishop and Churchwardens should make contact with the Archdeacon whenever needed.
Whilst most of the following can be done on the Churchwarden’s behalf, it is officially the Churchwardens who work with the Archdeacon to ensure that the Articles of Enquiry form is completed and returned; that all the church records are being properly kept; and that the church building is in a good state. This includes consulting with the Archdeacon in relation to any maintenance of modification is required.
Churchwardens should also work with the Archdeacon to resolved any grievances with the Vicar that cannot be resolved at a local level.
The Bishop
As officers of the Bishop, Churchwardens owe a duty to the bishop before any duty to the vicar. Together, with the Vicar, Churchwardens are the direct link between the Bishop and the Parish.