Churchwardens are key lay leaders in parishes. They have a significant role to play in the tone and flourishing of their church community and how it is perceived in the wider community, alongside particular legal responsibilities.
Each year, the Archdeacons host two days to come together, explore the role, offer up to date guidance, and provide opportunities for discussion and mutual support, as well as the answers to specific questions. The days are open to existing and potential Churchwardens. Some churches appoint deputy churchwardens with a view to them perhaps serving as Churchwardens in the future. The training days can give a very good picture of what to expect when in office.
The Archdeacons and the team from Mission Support and Ministry Development organise the days and they are advertised at the Archdeacons' Visitations.
The Churchwardens' Handbook
The handbook is downloadable from the bottom of this page.
Training Days 2025
The Churchwardens' training days for 2025 are on Saturday 12 July and Saturday 27 September this year. Sign up to either of these dates using our online booking form.
The slides from 2024 can be downloaded below, along with the current Churchwardens' Handbook but both these will be updated for July 2025.
Links for Churchwardens
Access support for Churchwarden's on the Churchwarden's page.
The following links may also be of interest:
- Bath and Wells Twitter account
- Bath and Wells Facebook page
- Church of England website
- Churchwardens England Facebook page
- Parish Resources page
- John Truscott help leaflets
- UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network)
Who to contact
If you have any questions about training or support then please either contact your Archdeacon's office or Julia Hill.