What Is a Warden and What Does a Warden Do?
(Or What Am I Letting Myself In For?)
The best start to answering this question is a formal one. Before I start, let me point out that wardens in the European Diocese have a status and responsibilities that differ from those in the dioceses in England. Thus, the classic handbooks, etc. are only partially useful.
Why is the office of warden at St Catherine’s different? Among other things….
- The legal status of churchwardens, and of church councils, differs as compared with England, and varies from country to country.
- In the Diocese in Europe churchwardens are elected by people whose names are on the chaplaincy electoral roll present at the annual meeting unless the chaplaincy has previously agreed to postal voting.
- The geographical distances in the diocese, and even in archdeaconries, have practical implications for those who undertake the role of churchwarden.
- Unlike in England, most chaplaincies are directly responsible for paying their priest.
- Clergy are frequently more isolated in our diocese and depend more on the support and care of lay officers.
- In chaplaincies where the community worships in borrowed buildings, this affects the responsibility of churchwardens regarding issues such as buildings and fabric. We also do not own the accommodation where the chaplain lives.
Basic, however, is what stands in the Diocesan Constitution about what churchwardens are to be and do:
“The churchwardens are officers of the diocesan Bishop and shall assume office immediately on conclusion of the annual meeting. They shall discharge such duties as are by law and custom assigned to them; they shall be foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the chaplain; they shall use their best endeavours by example and precept to encourage the members of the congregation in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them. They shall also maintain order and decency in the churches of the chaplaincy, especially during the time of divine service.” (paragraph 31 (b)(i))
Breaking this down for St Catherine’s it means
- You always have the chaplain’s back and work closely with him or her. You should have a close eye on his or her well-being. A good, trusting relationship with the chaplain is fundamental.
- You work closely with the Council and other volunteers as part of a team and try to hold it all together with the chaplain.
- However, you are only responsible to the bishop (represented by the Archdeacon). This can be helpful should a serious conflict erupt. A good relationship with the Archdeacon is crucial.
- You need to know as much as is possible all that is going on. You do not have to do everything. (This need to know is why the warden is in all WhatsApp groups.)
- You are the lightning rod for the congregation. The complaints should come to you or the chaplain. Often, however, parishioners are hesitant to contact the chaplain first. That is where you come in. Praise tends to go directly to those who are to be praised.
- You are also a “cheerleader” for the volunteers. It is important to know who does what, to see their service, to recognize it and thank them for their time and effort. You should also have an eye out for persons who may be taking on too much and protect them from themselves.
- You have ultimate responsibility for the Anglican Center and everything that the chaplaincy owns, the “moveable goods” of the chaplaincy – for example, the communion vessels. You do not have to repair anything, but you should be aware of the state of the equipment that the chaplaincy has.
- You have responsibility as holder of every key necessary for the chaplaincy. There is a set of “warden’s keys” you should have with you when you attend any St. Catherine’s event.
- The presence of a warden at worship services is expected. Remember a warden must “maintain order and decency in the churches of the chaplaincy, especially during the time of divine service.” In the event no warden can be present, there should be a stand-in, who has been informed, who will act in their stead. This deputising can be spread over two people: for example, one for the keys and one for the collection etc.
- In the absence of the treasurer the wardens are responsible for finances and ensuring the collection is counted and banked appropriately. This is usually delegated but at the end of the day remains their responsibility
- In the absence of a chaplaincy Safeguarding Officer, the wardens are responsible for this. We currently have one.
- When in doubt, you are responsible. It does not matter what the issue is.
- You are the lay “face” of the chaplaincy. This also means that you represent the chaplaincy at assorted meetings, often with the chaplain. Since we are so small, it also makes sense to be a representative at the CAECG and Deanery Synod.
- Finally, during a vacancy you are responsible for ensuring that the chaplaincy continues to function. You need not do everything, but you must coordinate the ministry of the chaplaincy. Here the Council is a great help, but it is your task in the end.
In closing, being churchwarden is challenging, but I enjoyed it. It is rewarding. You meet lots of interesting people and at the end of the day you have the feeling of having facilitated things that are meaningful to lots of people.
(I have borrowed much of this from the following website that I found very helpful: https://www.europe.anglican.org/called-be-churchwarden.)
