Being a Godparent
By David Anderson
It is not easy being a godparent (baptismal sponsor) these days. There is no clear description for what a godparent is to do. Parents usually don't have a clear idea of what a godparent should do except stand next to them during the baptism. Generally, clergy and other church leaders have offered sparingly little to guide parents and grandparents on what to do after the baptism except commit to get the child to Sunday school and worship. Even if a game plan has been suggested, godparent and godchild do not necessarily live in the same vicinity, and if they do, they may not have frequent contact, especially around the topic of the Christian faith.
All this means that the topic of godparenting needs real attention, so here are some suggestions to assist you in your role as godparent (and probably the parents who asked you).
First of all, sit down and ask the parent(s) what he/she/they expect or want from you as a godparent. This step may be aided by conversation with a pastor or other church leader for ideas consistent with the faith tradition of the person being baptized. What follows are some ideas to consider.
Many of us feel inadequate to nurture someone else in the life of faith. Be open to have your own faith journey deepened by the experience of caring for another person in their Christian journey.
Remember your godchild with a card, a phone call, tweet, and/or gift on special occasions like birthdays, baptismal birthdays, and special holiday times like Christmas and Easter
Take advantage of the seasons of the church year for natural occasions to connect with the faith journey of the child. For example, at Advent and Christmas, teach the child a favorite Christian song, give a faith-focused Christmas tree decoration, or tell the child what is so special to you about the Advent and Christmas season. There are lots of traditions in Epiphany or Lent that can help you do an activity with them like visiting a friend together, giving to those in need, having special devotional times together, attending special worship services together like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. And at Easter find some way to celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Jesus and what that means for the two of you, the child's family, and the larger world. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and a holiday meal together.
When sending a "thinking of you" card or a birthday or holiday card, remind the child how special it is to have the bond of faith. Write down a faith story from your life or a favorite Bible passage or hymn verse.
Don't forget to include the child's parent(s) in your godparent activities. Parents, too, can use the support and help to discuss and live the faith in the home. Parents are usually the most important faith influence in a child's life, even though most parents don't know it.
Create your own tradition that makes the godparent/godchild relationship special to you both. Remember, laughter and having fun are important to a child's development, including their spiritual development. Be creative, have fun, and be thankful for the blessing of mentoring another in the Christian faith and life.
Dr. David W. Anderson is a presenter, coach and author at Vibrant Faith Ministries, and a father, grandfather, and godparent.
By David Anderson
It is not easy being a godparent (baptismal sponsor) these days. There is no clear description for what a godparent is to do. Parents usually don't have a clear idea of what a godparent should do except stand next to them during the baptism. Generally, clergy and other church leaders have offered sparingly little to guide parents and grandparents on what to do after the baptism except commit to get the child to Sunday school and worship. Even if a game plan has been suggested, godparent and godchild do not necessarily live in the same vicinity, and if they do, they may not have frequent contact, especially around the topic of the Christian faith.
All this means that the topic of godparenting needs real attention, so here are some suggestions to assist you in your role as godparent (and probably the parents who asked you).
First of all, sit down and ask the parent(s) what he/she/they expect or want from you as a godparent. This step may be aided by conversation with a pastor or other church leader for ideas consistent with the faith tradition of the person being baptized. What follows are some ideas to consider.
Many of us feel inadequate to nurture someone else in the life of faith. Be open to have your own faith journey deepened by the experience of caring for another person in their Christian journey.
Remember your godchild with a card, a phone call, tweet, and/or gift on special occasions like birthdays, baptismal birthdays, and special holiday times like Christmas and Easter
Take advantage of the seasons of the church year for natural occasions to connect with the faith journey of the child. For example, at Advent and Christmas, teach the child a favorite Christian song, give a faith-focused Christmas tree decoration, or tell the child what is so special to you about the Advent and Christmas season. There are lots of traditions in Epiphany or Lent that can help you do an activity with them like visiting a friend together, giving to those in need, having special devotional times together, attending special worship services together like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. And at Easter find some way to celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Jesus and what that means for the two of you, the child's family, and the larger world. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and a holiday meal together.
When sending a "thinking of you" card or a birthday or holiday card, remind the child how special it is to have the bond of faith. Write down a faith story from your life or a favorite Bible passage or hymn verse.
Don't forget to include the child's parent(s) in your godparent activities. Parents, too, can use the support and help to discuss and live the faith in the home. Parents are usually the most important faith influence in a child's life, even though most parents don't know it.
Create your own tradition that makes the godparent/godchild relationship special to you both. Remember, laughter and having fun are important to a child's development, including their spiritual development. Be creative, have fun, and be thankful for the blessing of mentoring another in the Christian faith and life.
Dr. David W. Anderson is a presenter, coach and author at Vibrant Faith Ministries, and a father, grandfather, and godparent.