Your Child’s Godparents

 

Godparents are very important people!
Congratulations on being asked to be one. It means
that your friends or relations think you'll be a good example to their child.
They trust you to pray for them, speak to them about God and encourage them in their Christian faith.

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What does being a godparent involve?
As a godparent you will have a special role. It's about helping a child to come to know God, encouraging them in their spiritual life and supporting them in their membership of the local church. You will be expected to attend the child’s baptism, where you will make promises to help to bring them up in the Christian faith. It's a role that will develop over time as your godchild grows and develops their own faith. You can find more information about becoming a godparent at www.egodparent.com.

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Frequently asked questions It feels like a big responsibility… It is. Have a look at the questions you will answer at the baptism service. Take some time to think through the promises you will be making. But don't forget that the church can support you in encouraging and praying for your godchild.

 

I'm not sure I can make these decisions. What if I have not been thought much about my faith and don't go to church regularly? Most people have doubts at some stage and no one is asking you to be perfect. However, being asked to be a godparent is a good opportunity to think about your own faith.

 

Godparents must have been baptised themselves. If you have any questions at all, ask to speak to a member of the church team, or speak to another Christian you know.

 

Does being a Godparent mean I'm a legal guardian as well? No. Your role as godparent is a spiritual one - to encourage and pray for your godchild.

 

What's the difference between a baptism and the "christening? None. They are the same thing. Christians normally say baptism.

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What happens at the baptism service?
The baptism will take place during a Sunday morning service so the church congregation can welcome the child into the church and declare their intention to support and pray for the child, parents and godparents.

 

The vicar will ask you to answer some questions on behalf of the child. All the parents and godparents answer together.

Do you turn away from sin?
I do.
Do you reject evil?
I do.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I do.
Do you trust in Him as Lord?
I do.

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After the baptism
The church will give you a special card to remind you of your godchild's baptism and the promises you have made.
We encourage you to: Pray for your godchild regularly
Set an example of Christian living
Help your godchild to grow in faith
Give them every encouragement to be part of God’s family, the Church
Help your godchild to look forward to confirmation
There are many different ways of carrying out your duties as
godparents, but one of the key points is to stay in touch and build a relationship with your godchild. You may already know a child well before you are asked to be a godparent, but if not, try to make a start before the Baptism takes place.
Baptism anniversaries are a good occasion for you to get to-gether and think again about what the baptism was all about. Most adults find it hard to really get to know a baby, but as your godchild grows it will become easier, so keep on making the effort.

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Your godchild’s confirmation is the occasion when they can confirm the promises, you made on their behalf at baptism, for themselves. It’s a good opportunity for you to make yourself available – not just for the ceremony, but in the lead up to it.

Talk it through.
Confirmation is not the end of your godparenting responsibilities.
It can be the beginning of the time they need you most. It may be as they become a teenager that they may most need to talk to an adult who is not one of their parents. Thereafter, a godparent can
continue to provide a role model and guide in career and relationship matters, as well as matters more spiritual, for many years to come. The more you put into godparenting, the more you and your godchild will get out.

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