“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 have taken place this year and we will be communicating the services for 2026 in the coming months.
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (pdf)
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (word)
Churchwarden Certificate 2025 (to be completed following the APCM)
Churchwarden Declaration 2025
Training
- 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