I Am Not In This Alone: Wardens Summit Recap

On April 5, at the invitation of Bishop Mariann and the School for Christian Faith and Leadership, wardens from more than half the congregations in EDOW attended the first-ever EDOW Wardens’ Summit.

In the morning, wardens shared experiences. They talked about answering the call to serve out of love and a sense of responsibility, sometimes stepping up when no one else would. They shared their excitement and pride about their congregations’ efforts to serve God and God’s people. They told the stories of how they were called into church leadership and how they have grown to understand their roles. They shared their frustrations with conflict and impossible expectations and old buildings and stubborn problems, in some cases their sense of burnout and their wish that more people would share the load. More than one person mentioned the sting of being the target of their fellow church members’ anger and criticism. Many described a steep on-the-job learning curve, and wished for better preparation and tools. They expressed gratitude for the chance to learn and grow in their roles.

In the afternoon, the bishop and members of diocesan staff offered workshops. The wardens fanned out to explore leadership development, administration, intergenerational ministry, the warden-clergy relationship, the ordination processes, vitality resources, and how to plan and run effective meetings. Wardens from congregations without rectors got some focused time with Bishop Mariann to discuss specific challenges and sources of support.

At the end of the day, one warden summed up her experience as “the blessing of knowing I am not in this alone.” Gathering and equipping wardens is part of a larger effort to lessen isolation among our congregations and leaders and encourage us all to learn from one another. While we worship and serve in diverse contexts, we share our commitment to be — as former Presiding Bishop Curry would have put it — “the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement” in this particular region at this particular time.

The final part of the day was a celebration of the hard and sometimes thankless work that wardens undertake on behalf of us all. Remember to thank your wardens! Encourage them to center their own growth as disciples of Christ, even as they give of themselves for the work of the church. Pray for them. Best yet, lend a hand. And if the call to serve as a warden comes to you, know that you will not be in it alone.