What responsibilities does a godparent have?

Definition and Historical Context

The term “godparent” often refers to an individual who sponsors a child’s spiritual growth, standing alongside parents to nurture the child’s faith. Although Scripture does not explicitly use the term “godparent,” early Christian communities recognized that children benefitted from additional mentors in the faith. In some ancient Christian writings (e.g., the Didache, an early Christian teaching document), sponsors were involved in guiding converts, including children, and supporting them as they grew in their relationship with the Lord. Over centuries, the role of a “spiritual sponsor” or “godparent” came to mean someone entrusted with helping the child remain grounded in biblical truth and a Christ-centered life.

Biblical Foundation for Mentorship

While the specific label “godparent” may not appear in the biblical text, the principle of spiritual mentorship and guidance is woven throughout Scripture. One significant example is the relationship between Paul and Timothy, where Paul writes, “Keep this pattern of sound teaching... Guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13–14). This charge demonstrates a mentor’s heart for preserving the faith in the next generation.

Further instruction on raising a child in faith is evident in passages such as Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Although addressed to parents, the principle of guiding and shaping a child’s life in accordance with God’s Word applies equally to anyone entrusted with spiritual mentorship.

Spiritual Guidance and Prayer Support

Godparents often take on the role of prayer warriors, interceding for the child’s spiritual wellbeing. This means regularly praying for the child’s relationship with God, moral integrity, and overall life direction. Ephesians 6:18 encourages believers to “pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition,” which underscores the godparent’s responsibility to remain vigilant and supportive in prayer.

Besides prayer, godparents are often called to counsel and encourage the child (and the parents) in moments of trial, challenge, or important decision-making. By committing to walk alongside the child in prayerful support, a godparent embodies the biblical call to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Teaching and Instruction in the Faith

Scripture mandates believers to diligently instruct children in God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 says, “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children...” While primarily aimed at parents, the spirit of this command extends to those who help shape a child’s faith.

As a godparent, one can reinforce Bible truths and promote regular Scripture reading and study. Offering a child age-appropriate devotional materials or discussing key biblical concepts can build a solid foundation that supports the parent’s efforts. This aligns with 2 Timothy 3:16–17, which states that all Scripture is “God-breathed” and useful for teaching and training in righteousness.

Modeling Godly Character

One of the most influential ways a godparent can fulfill their role is by modeling Christ-like conduct. First Peter 2:12 instructs believers to “conduct yourselves with such honor... that they may see your good deeds.” Children often learn more from observing the consistent actions of trusted adults than from verbal teaching alone. Living out biblical virtues, such as kindness, patience, humility, and love, reinforces the truth of Scripture in a powerful way.

This exemplification of godly character also means being honest about one’s own shortcomings, asking forgiveness when necessary, and demonstrating repentance. By showing how genuine faith influences daily actions, a godparent helps the child understand that the Christian life is a dynamic journey requiring continual growth and reliance on God’s grace.

Accountability and Moral Support

A godparent also provides accountability, encouraging the child to follow biblical ethics and moral principles. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts believers to “spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Checking in regularly and offering an empathetic ear helps a godparent notice early signs of struggle or confusion, ensuring timely guidance grounded in Scriptural truth.

Beyond moral guidance, godparents can be vital encouragers in the child’s faith milestones—such as baptism, confirmation, or public profession of faith. Stepping into these moments to reinforce biblical convictions and celebrate the child’s commitments strengthens both the child’s bond with the local church and with Christ Himself.

Participation in the Child’s Church Community

Some traditions ask godparents to stand beside the parents in church during a child’s dedication or baptism. This signifies the community and collective commitment to raise the child in the Lord. By supporting church attendance, involvement in youth groups, or Sunday School activities, a godparent underscores the importance of fellowship and communion with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).

When godparents maintain a close relationship with the child’s broader church community—participating in events, retreats, or other gatherings—they help bridge the gap between family life and the life of the church, thereby widening the child’s spiritual support system.

Ongoing Relationship and Encouragement

Beyond formal ceremonies, the godparent’s role continues over the course of the child’s life, offering guidance through various phases—childhood, adolescence, and eventually adulthood. Keeping regular communication and maintaining genuine interest in the child’s interests, challenges, and personal growth fosters a deep, trusting relationship that points the child to the unconditional love of God.

Staying actively involved can include sending encouraging notes or devotionals, discussing biblical principles as the child grows, and being a safe person to talk to about doubts, questions, or life decisions. This demonstrates the Proverbs 27:17 principle: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Support When Parents Are Unable

In certain circumstances, a godparent may be called upon to step in more significantly if parents face difficulties or are unable to fulfill their obligations. While this is not always the case, it remains a traditional aspect of being a godparent. This commitment follows James 1:27, which highlights caring for those in need and showing compassion within the family of believers.

Showing practical love may include ensuring the child’s basic needs are met, continuing their spiritual instruction, or simply providing a stable, loving presence during a time of family difficulty. This aspect of a godparent’s role offers a safety net that underlines the unity and responsibility believers share for one another.

Conclusion

From early church history to the modern era, the role of a godparent has consistently emphasized spiritual mentorship, biblical instruction, accountable relationship, and consistent model of godly living. While Christian parents remain the primary faith instructors, a godparent stands as a strong support, committed to seeing the child come to know and grow in Christ.

Fulfillment of these responsibilities draws from foundational scriptural principles: teach diligently (Deuteronomy 6:7), pray continually (Ephesians 6:18), offer godly example (1 Peter 2:12), and remain steadfast in love (Colossians 3:14). By shouldering these responsibilities with grace and sincerity, a godparent helps shape a steadfast, lifelong faith in the child—one centered on knowing God, glorifying Him, and serving Him all the days of their life.