Being a godparent is an important responsibility in the Christian faith. Godparents make a commitment before God to help a child grow in the Christian faith. The Bible does not specifically discuss godparents, but there are many principles in Scripture that can guide godparents in their special role.
The Role and Responsibilities of Godparents
While traditions vary, generally godparents make promises at a child’s baptism to help raise the child in the Christian faith. They vow to pray for the child, set a godly example, and provide spiritual guidance. Though not the same as legal guardianship, godparents are encouraged to take an active interest in the child’s spiritual development.
Specifically, common responsibilities of godparents include:
- Praying regularly for their godchild
- Remembering their godchild’s baptismal anniversary and birthday
- Setting an example of Christian living for the godchild
- Encouraging spiritual growth through resources, conversations, etc.
- Being a trustworthy mentor and confidante
- Celebrating religious milestones like first communion, confirmation, etc.
Godparents do not take the place of parents in the child’s life. But they complement the parents’ role by being a spiritual mentor, guide, and support. They represent the broader Christian community welcoming and committing to nurture the child in faith.
Biblical Principles for Godparents
Though the Bible does not mention godparents specifically, there are many principles that can guide godparents in fulfilling their responsibilities:
1. Nurture the child’s faith
Godparents should help nurture the child’s spiritual growth. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says to impress God’s commandments on children and talk about them continually. Godparents can nurture faith by modeling genuine Christianity, praying with and for the child, providing age-appropriate resources, and having spiritually-upbuilding conversations.
2. Be an example of godliness
Godparents should model godliness in their own lives. Paul told Timothy to “set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Godparents need to live out genuine faith. Their example can inspire their godchild to pursue Christian maturity.
3. Give wise and loving counsel
Godparents should be trusted guides who can provide biblical counsel to their godchild. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20). Godparents should be prepared to sensitively give wise advice on spiritual matters when appropriate.
4. Share Christ’s love
Godparents should reflect God’s patient, unconditional love. 1 Corinthians 13 describes the patient, kind, and selfless nature of godly love. As mentors, godparents can model self-sacrificial care and compassion that help draw their godchild to Christ.
5. Pray regularly for the godchild
Prayer is a key responsibility of godparents. Ephesians 6:18 says to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Godparents commit to regularly lifting up their godchild in prayer, seeking God’s hand of protection, wisdom, and guidance.
6. Provide spiritual guidance
Godparents should be prepared to provide spiritual guidance when needed. The Bible says “the unfolding of your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130). Godparents can offer biblical perspectives on tough issues, recommend Christian resources, and suggest ways to grow in faith during key life milestones.
7. Participate in religious milestones
Godparents traditionally participate in their godchild’s religious milestones like baptism, first communion, confirmation, etc. Their presence represents the support of the broader spiritual community. Godparents should prayerfully walk with their godchild through these faith markers.
8. Share the gospel message
Most importantly, godparents need to be prepared to share the message of Christ’s love and redemption. Romans 10:14 asks: “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Godparents need to sensitively look for opportunities to explain the heart of the gospel message to their godchild.
Being a Godparent is a Privilege and Responsibility
Godparents play a special role in supporting a child’s spiritual development. Though not specifically mentioned in Scripture, the principles of godly mentoring, prayer, wise counsel, love, and spiritual guidance can be applied. Godparents have the privilege and responsibility of helping nurture a godly heritage of faith in their godchild’s life.
Choosing Godparents
When selecting godparents for your child, look for spiritually mature Christian role models. Consider those who:
- Demonstrate spiritual maturity and wisdom
- Will commit to an ongoing relationship with your child
- Set a strong example of Christian values
- Are trusted prayer warriors
- Are responsible mentors able to provide spiritual guidance
- Will enthusiastically fulfill godparent duties
Choose 1-2 godparents who will take their role seriously and help nurture your child’s relationship with Christ. This is a decision that requires much prayer and discernment.
Guidance for Potential Godparents
Being asked to serve as a godparent is an honor and privilege. Here is some guidance if you are considering becoming a godparent:
- Prayerfully consider if you are ready to commit to the godparent role and responsibilities.
- Have an honest conversation with the parents about mutual expectations.
- Learn about the family’s denominational/baptismal requirements for godparents.
- Assess if you can provide an ongoing relationship and be present for key milestones.
- Reflect on areas you may need to grow spiritually to be an effective mentor.
- Discuss potential mentoring ideas that fit your gifts and personality.
- Commit to consistently pray for the child and parents.
- Seek God’s wisdom in how to best fulfill this vital responsibility.
Being a godparent is not just an honor on the baptism day, but an ongoing spiritual influence. Take time to prayerfully discern if God is calling you to this role.
Questions Godparents Should Ask
If asked to be a godparent, here are some questions to consider asking the parents:
- What are your expectations for my role as godparent?
- How can I best support you in nurturing your child’s faith?
- How can I consistently pray for your child and family?
- Are there certain milestones you hope I can participate in?
- What ideas do you have for me to connect with your child as he/she grows up?
- Are there ways you hope I can provide mentorship/guidance?
- What religious gifts, resources, or experiences would be meaningful from a godparent?
- How can I thoughtfully foster spiritual conversations when appropriate?
- Would you like me to discuss faith questions with you first before your child?
Asking clarifying questions up front helps ensure you and the parents share common expectations and goals.
Honoring Godparent Commitments
For godparents, honoring your commitments is vital. Here are some tips:
- Add your godchild’s baptism date to your calendar to remember annually.
- Send cards and small gifts on baptism anniversary, Easter, Christmas, etc.
- Follow up to meet soon after the baptism to establish connection.
- Attend the child’s first communion, confirmation, and other milestones if possible.
- Initiate regular communication via letters, calls, texts, video chats, etc.
- Save and give the child any meaningful mementos from baptism/milestones.
- Create shared spiritual experiences when possible – church, service projects, concerts, camps, etc.
- Share meaningful scriptures, resources, books, music, etc. to nurture faith.
- Seek opportunities to listen, counsel, and guide as needed.
Set reminders to regularly pray for your godchild. Follow through on commitments you have made before God.
Godparent Gifts and Ideas
Consider these ideas for meaningful godparent gifts and ways to nurture faith:
- Keepsake box – Include baptism candle, photos, prayer cards, rosary, milestone cards/certificates
- Letter series – Handwrite letters for milestones like first communion, graduation, marriage, child’s baptism, etc.
- Devotional book – Give an age-appropriate devotional for daily Bible reading
- Bible – Inscribe a keepsake Bible for first communion, confirmation, graduation, etc.
- Patron saint medal – Give a medal representing the child’s baptismal saint
- Service project – Sponsor a service trip/mission trip when the child is older
- Religious gifts – Crucifix, cross necklace, rosary beads, religious artwork/figurines
- Christian music – Make a playlist of worship songs and hymns to share
- Portfolio – Collect Confirmation, graduation, achievement certificates & photos
Customize gifts to nurture faith and show your godchild you care.
Navigating Godparent Challenges
Being a godparent can have challenges including:
- Parent expectations differ from your own
- Busyness getting in the way of your commitment
- Not feeling equipped to provide spiritual guidance
- Physical distance making it hard to connect in person
- Child resisting spiritual conversations
- Tension if your church/beliefs differ from the parents’
- Feeling unsure how much input to offer on parenting choices
Here are some tips for navigating problems:
- Prayerfully examine your expectations – are they biblical or just personal preferences?
- Discuss openly with parents to get back on the same page
- Apologize and recalibrate if you overstep your role
- Devote consistent prayer for God’s wisdom
- Seek compromise if expectations vastly differ from the parents’
- Find creative ways to connect despite distance – care packages, video calls, etc.
- Look for small opportunities to nurture faith wins
- Focus on modeling faith more than lecturing
- Get advice from mentors if you feel unequipped
Prevent and work through problems by communicating openly, praying for wisdom, and extending grace.
Reflecting Christ’s Love as Godparent
Godparents have a special duty to reflect Christ’s love. This means:
- Showing unconditional love, not just when it’s convenient
- Speaking truth in love, not harsh judgment
- Sharing gentleness during difficult seasons
- Offering compassion that leads to restoration
- Exhibiting patience and understanding
- Praying blessings over your godchild’s life
- Believing the best and celebrating growth
- Recommending grace and forgiveness vs. shame and guilt
The godparent role is a spiritual privilege. Walk worthy by reflecting Jesus’ heart of compassion and care.
In Closing…
Godparents have a special opportunity to influence a child’s faith journey. Though not specifically outlined in Scripture, godparents can apply biblical principles of godly mentoring, prayer, love, and spiritual guidance. Godparenting is a significant commitment and privilege that comes with great responsibility if entered sincerely. With God’s help and much prayer, godparents can nurture a lasting heritage of faith.