Church Warden(s)

Background

Since our last Church Warden stepped down in August this important role has been vacant. We have all been asked to search our hearts and prayerfully consider if God is placing this calling on each of our hearts.  We are delighted that one person has offered to become a Church Warden though this challenging interregnum period, but it would be wonderful if we were able to once again have two Church Wardens.

Over the last 18 months or so, since we have only had one Church Warden, a number of tasks and responsibilities have been shared amongst PCC members.  We have recently appointed a Verger who, as part of their role, will warden at weddings and funerals.  It therefore remains our hope and intention that the Church Warden(s) would not be overburdened but have a manageable role fully supported by the PCC and other Church members.

Stepping forward as a church warden is a unique opportunity to serve God and your fellow parishioners in a meaningful way. It’s a chance to help shape the future of our church, support our clergy, and ensure that St. Michael’s remains a welcoming and vibrant place for worship and community. If you have a heart for service and a desire to make a difference, now is the time to answer the call.  Learn more about the role by reading the role description below.  Please do give this request serious thought and prayer.

Nominations : open from 5 October 2025

Election date: Sunday 19 October 2025

Job Description

There is a strong collaborative and caring approach at all levels within St Michael’s where individuals are supported in role (whatever that may be) and we work together to ensure the best and correct outcomes.

Resonsibilities

• Offering lay leadership in the parish 

• Welcoming visiting clergy

• Collaborating with clergy and parishioners

• Exercising pastoral care of the clergy

• Welcoming the congregation and maintaining order in the church and churchyard

• Supervising the collection and recording it

• Supporting the parish priest and providing feedback

• Ensuring the incumbent is relieved of superfluous administrative tasks

• Caring for the congregation and encouraging people in their Christian faith

• Being legally responsible for church goods and maintaining an inventory

• In relation to safeguarding, the churchwardens work with the incumbent, PCC and parish safeguarding officer 

• Complete annual return of statistics to the Diocese

At St Michael’s this means:

• Being a member of the Standing Committee (together with Lay Chair and Treasurer) to set PCC agenda’s

• Being a member of the PCC ( Charity Trustee with Trustee responsibilities)

• Being a co-ordination point between the PCC and Ministry Team

• Supporting the incumbent and providing feedback

• Overseeing the small team of Duty Warden’s and Welcomers who on a rota basis fulfil leadership at Sunday morning services

• Responsible person for co-ordinating volunteers to attend as warden at occasional offices (funerals, weddings and baptisms)

• Responsible for the church’s goods and inventory

• Being escalation point in case of any issues/ matters arising.

As all things evolve and change there is also an element of bringing your own giftings and ministry to the role, and working with other people will fulfil the things that they’re better placed to fulfil.