“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.
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:
Churchwardens can attend any of the following listed services regardless of which Archdeaconry they serve within.
Visitation dates for 2024
All services begin at 7.30pm.
Archdeaconry of Dorking
Tuesday 11 June at St Paul’s, Howell Hill
Monday 17 June at St John’s, North Holmwood
Thursday 20 June at Christ Church, Virginia Water
Archdeaconry of Surrey
Wednesday 12 June at St Nicholas, Guildford
Monday 17 June at St Nicholas, Peper Harow
Thursday 20 June at venue St Mary's, Camberley
Training
- Training for brand new Churchwardens will take place on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at St Paul’s, Woking 7pm - 9.30pm
- The annual training for all Churchwardens will take place on Saturday 9 November 2024 at St John’s, Egham 9.30am - 1pm
- 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