The Diocese of North Carolina announces today a new initiative specifically for junior wardens. Built on the principle of “churches helping churches,” the new Junior Wardens Collaborative Group is a volunteer-led effort that intends to create a network of shared knowledge, experience and support for all diocesan congregations.
“Junior wardens serve in one of the most practical, and often most demanding – roles in the life of the church,” said Bill Drake, a founding member of the collaborative. “They’re tasked with maintaining buildings and properties and often face a wide range of facility related challenges, often with limited resources, time or expertise. The goal of this group is to let them know they’re not alone, and to bring together the talents, experience and knowledge of junior wardens past and present, because no one can do it all alone, and we’re stronger when we support one another and work together.”
The Junior Wardens Collaborative Group is the latest iteration of volunteer-led diocesan groups comprised of volunteers who offer their time to share skills and experience with congregations.
All junior wardens – past, present and even those considering serving in the future – are welcome, and the hope is that every junior warden across the diocese will become a part of the new collaborative. There are a number of ways to be involved:
Response team member | Become a response team member
At the core of the group will be the response team, or those receiving the requests for assistance and making the connections between need and expertise. The team especially needs members with experience in:
- Facilities and maintenance
- Construction or trades
- Budgeting and project management
- Technology or operations
- Simply having “been through it before”
“By sharing what you know,” said Drake, “you help build a stronger, more connected diocese.”
Peer member | Join junior warden peers in the Beloved Community
To help connect all junior wardens, a new space has been created in the Beloved Community on Circle. In that space, questions can be asked, stories can be told, fellowship can be enjoyed, and bonds between peers can be built.
Request assistance for your church | Request assistance
Any parish facing a property-related issue—large or small—can request assistance from the Junior Wardens Collaborative Group. When a request is submitted:
- Requests are matched with volunteers based on expertise
- A team member responds quickly and walks alongside the church
- The group gathers periodically to share learnings and improve the process
“This is not a program of oversight,” said Drake. “It is a ministry of mutual care, trust and shared wisdom.”
Whether you are a church that needs assistance or guidance, a junior warden with experience to share, or a junior warden who simply wants to connect with others who understand the role in which you serve, there is a place for you in the new Junior Warden Collaborative Group. The invitation is open.
