In this blog the roles of Warden, Deanery Synod Representative and PCC member are explained.
1. Churchwarden
Working closely with the Vicar, Churchwardens are generally responsible for the smooth running of most aspects of church life. They are ex-officio members of the PCC and part of the Standing Committee.
Being a churchwarden is about caring for and supporting the parish priest (Vicar), and being available to give advice and support. Their job is to be enablers for ensuring the Vicar can be the spiritual leader of the church without getting bogged down in administrative tasks related to its day-to-day running. Churchwardens act as a 'critical friend' to the vicar, care for the congregation and encourage people in their Christian faith. They also help to resolve disputes or disagreements if needed.
For full details about being a Churchwarden in the Diocese of London click here.
Application criteria:
The churchwardens of every parish shall be chosen from persons who have been baptised and
a) whose names are on the church electoral roll of the parish;
b) who are actual communicants;
c) who are twenty–one years of age or upwards; and
d) who are not disqualified as laid out below.
2. Deanery Synod Representative
Spelthorne Deanery Synod is made up of the clergy and elected lay representatives from the 11 churches in Spelthorne. The tasks of the Synod include bringing together the views of the parishes on common problems, to discuss and formulate common policies on those problems, to foster a sense of community and interdependence among the parishes, and generally to promote in the deanery, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic social and ecumenical. Serving on the Synod provides good opportunities for fellowship and discussion with members of the other churches. Recent meetings have included a talk by the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally on Vision 2030, a presentation by the charity A Rocha on sustainability, a discussion led by a local headmaster on Church Schools, and talks and training prior to the Deanery Mission in February 2020.
St Saviour’s has up to 6 places on the Synod; serving on the Synod is not particularly onerous – 3 meetings per annum – but members are ex-officio on the PCC and would be expected to play an active part in other PCC duties.
Application criteria:
Candidates must be:
a) at least sixteen years of age;
b) actual communicants;
c) on the Electoral Roll of this Parish for at least six months
For more information about being on a Deanery Synod, click here.
3. Parochial Church Council (PCC) Member
The PCC is the main decision-making body of a parish. Its members are clergy, Churchwardens and others elected by the Parish at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).
Its powers and duties are defined by legislation and can be found in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. Legally, the PCC is responsible for the finances of the parish. The PCC has ultimate responsibility for the care and maintenance of all church buildings and their contents and the Vicar and the PCC have a duty to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish.
The Vicar and PCC work together in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. This includes almost everything to do with the church’s work in the parish, and its relationship with the deanery and the diocese.
The PCC is a body corporate, which means that it is a separate body from the people who serve on it. PCC members are also trustees, which entails various responsibilities under charity law. As a charity, St Saviour’s must comply with the Charity Commission guidance and legislation in relation to charities. The PCC and the incumbent have a duty of care to ensure the protection of the vulnerable in their church community.
The St Saviour's PCC usually meets 6 times a year on a bi-monthly basis. Our PCC members also agreed to a DBS check and the completion of basic level safeguarding training.
Application criteria:
a) at least sixteen years of age;
b) actual communicants;
c) on the Electoral Roll of this Parish for at least six months
Click here for more information about the responsibilities of the PCC.
Application forms and details about how to apply for these three roles can be found on our website.