A Guide for Christian Baptism, Continued

A Note on Choosing Sponsors (Godparents) 

   "I just don't know what to do about choosing sponsors for Jeffrey ," Joy admitted as we sat in my office talking about baptism. "Some people say, 'Oh, just pick a friend.' My mother suggested a relative. What does it really mean to be a sponsor, (godparent) anyway?" This is a question I'm often asked by parents. " Joy ," I said, "is there someone in the church or in your family who you feel is living according to the values you believe in?" She thought for a moment and then said, "Both my husband and I really admire Midge and Bobby Miller. As you know, they're active in church, but more than that, they seem to live their faith every day. Midge was very supportive during my pregnancy, and it would be great to have her and Bobby involved in Jeffrey's life." I agreed that the Millers sounded like a good choice and went on to explain that the tradition of having sponsors (godparents) goes back to the early church. In times when parents commonly died before a child grew up, sponsors (godparents) promised to rear the child in the faith. Also, baptisms were often private events, and sponsors (godparents) were needed as witnesses. Now that parents almost always live long enough to raise their own children, and baptisms are usually witnessed by the church community, the role of sponsors (godparents) has changed. The sponsors (godparents) you choose for your child should be role models for Christian living, and they should agree to help you in your task as a Christian mother and father. Today the important consideration in choosing sponsors (godparents) is not how they are related to you and your child but how close they are in their relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have further questions about sponsors (godparents) please contact the church study at 547-3626.

 

 

 

 

Revision approved by the Leadership Team on February 19, 2001