“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 Catharine Mabuza, 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.
Visitation Services
Each Churchwarden must attend a visitation service, where they will be authorised in their role by an Archdeacon. Churchwardens can attend any one of the services in either Dorking or Surrey Archdeaconry. All services will take place at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Dorking Archdeaconry
- Tuesday 3 June at St Mary's, Stoke D'Abernon
- Thursday 12 June at St Peter's, Hersham
- Wednesday 18 June at St Paul's, Addlestone
Surrey Archdeaconry
- Thursday 5 June at St John's, Stoke-next-Guildford
- Wednesday 11 June at St Mark's, Farnborough
- Tuesday 17 June at Thomas, The Bourne
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (pdf)
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (word)
Training
- Introductory training evening for new Churchwardens: Tuesday 24 June 2025 from 7.30 - 9.30pm at Emmanuel Church, Guildford GU2 9SJ
- Annual training morning for all Churchwardens: Saturday 22 November 2025 from 9.15am - 1pm at St John's Church, Egham TW20 9HL
Do also browse the Training and learning pages for all kinds of courses for Church leaders.
Other useful pages and links
- Sign up to the local Churchwardens' forum - for support from a network of peers
- Buildings and churchyards
- Clergy – for wellbeing and HR information
- Clergy on call - for clergy cover
- Safeguarding training