“There are around 350 churchwardens in the Diocese of Guildford who take on huge responsibilities, all on a voluntary basis. It is a deep privilege to serve alongside such able, gifted and committed
volunteers. We are immensely grateful for all that they are and do, and we value our partnership with them very much indeed.”The Ven Martin Breadmore, Archdeacon of Dorking
The Ven Paul Davies, Archdeacon of Surrey
Churchwarden essentials
Every churchwarden needs the Churchwarden Handbook. It contains all the information you’ll need for your role as strategic leaders alongside your incumbent.
Vacancies
If your incumbent leaves the parish, the Churchwarden takes on additional responsibilities for a while and therefore needs additional support. When this happens, your Archdeacon will provide you with a Parish Vacancy Pack, which will be your guide and reference document for what needs to happen. Your Archdeacon will also be available for any specific queries.
Archdeacons’ Visitations
Every year, each person chosen for the office of Churchwarden is required to be admitted to this role by an Archdeacon at an Archdeacon’s Visitation. The following forms will need to be completed for the visitation:
Visitation dates for 2023
Archdeaconry of Dorking
Thursday 8th June 7.30pm St Martin’s, E Horsley
Tuesday 13th June 7.30pm St Nicholas, Thames Ditton
Monday 26th June 7.30pm St. John’s, Woking
Archdeaconry of Surrey
Wednesday 7th June 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Farnham
Tuesday 13 June 7.30pm St Nicolas, Cranleigh
Thursday 29 June 7.30pm All Saint’s, Fleet
Training
- Training for brand new Churchwardens will take place on: Tuesday 27th June 2023 at St. Paul’s Woking 7pm - 9.30pm
- The annual training for all Churchwardens will take place on: Saturday 4th November 2023 at St. John’s Egham 9.30 am - 1 pm
- Do also browse the Training and learning pages for all kinds of courses for Church leaders.
Other useful pages
- Buildings and churchyards
- Clergy – for wellbeing and HR information
- Clergy On-Call - for clergy cover
- Safeguarding training