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.
Churchwardens' Days 2026
The Churchwardens' Days will be on Saturday 11 July and Saturday 26 September. Please register to attend one of these days using this link.
The slides from the sessions in September 2025 can be downloaded below, along with the current Churchwardens' Handbook.The handbook will be updated in time for the July Churchwardens Day.
Links for Churchwardens
Access support for Churchwarden's on the Churchwarden's page.
The following links may also be of interest:
- Churchwardens England Facebook page
- Bath and Wells Twitter account
- Bath and Wells Facebook page
- Church of England website
- 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.
Downloads
Churchwardens' Handbook current edition
Enabling culture change slides