On Wednesday evening it was my privilege to support my 3 Churchwardens as they were sworn into their roles at Lincoln Cathedral. Over eight hundred of us gathered from across the Diocese to do so. It was certainly an occasion! The choir was in full voice, the 3 Bishops, led by Bishop Steven our acting Bishop of Lincoln and in the presence of the 2 Archdeacons (our Archdeacon is not yet licensed to that role) the importance could not be missed. The role of a Churchwarden is vital to our Church. Not only is it the oldest elected position in the UK (Churchwardens predate an elected Parliament) but their work is crucial. They are the Bishop’s officers, they are there to support the clergy, working alongside them in maintaining the Church buildings, and ensuring the well-being and safety of all are considered. They are there to ensure the smooth running of parishes and are often seen as a “buffer” between clergy and people – so that if people have an issue, they can go through their Churchwardens to communicate with their clergy. When there is no Vicar, it is the Churchwardens' responsibility to ensure the maintenance of public worship. To be a Churchwarden you either have to live in the Parish or worship in the Parish and be on the Church electoral roll. Churchwardens are elected not just by those on the electoral roll but by anyone who lives in the Parish. As such they hold authority in the community and have the power to evict troublemakers from both Church and Churchyard and the power to arrest on Church premises too! The staves you see Keith, Christine & Judith holding are for crowd control, to be used to clear the way for the Bishop and any procession within the Church. It is an “awesome” responsibility.
I have worked alongside 22 different Churchwardens in my 26 years in the Ordained Ministry. They have all been conscientious, hardworking, diligent, and generous. All have brought different gifts and skills to the role. Most have also been concerned for my well-being and have ensured that I look after myself so that I can look after those in my care. They have all been my colleagues, my co-workers for the Kingdom, and vital for the growth and continuation of the mission of the Church. When Christine Guest agreed to do her first year as a Churchwarden, she did so on the understanding that everyone had to pull together to help her in the role. It obviously worked because as she stood again this year, she said she was doing it, once more on the same understanding – and all agreed to do so! I believe that for the church to live & grow it needs more of that – a commitment to work together, to involve all people in that work. Yes, some are called to specific Ministeries & roles but we all must work together to achieve the growth our Church needs. It’s not all about the Vicar, the Churchwardens, or licensed and accredited ministers or PCC members – it’s about us all working together for God’s Kingdom.
The three together in the picture at the beginning of this article show that we need to work together as a Benefice too so that we can achieve that end. We, truly, are working together for this aim – all of us!
Revd Canon Philip Brent
Vicar - Benefice of Frodingham & New Brumby
