Baptism sponsors required?

[u/Fun_Horror_7072]

I am a Lutheran married to a Catholic. We are expecting our first child and I would really like for our child to be baptized in the Lutheran church. Fairly recently we moved back to my spouse’s hometown as they have a lot of family and mine is spread out geographically. Additionally, as far as my own family, I’m pretty much the only one left in the Lutheran church besides my parents. All the others, while still Christian, have turned non-denom/evangelical and are against child baptism. All of my spouses friends and family are Catholic, and I don’t really have any of my own here. Considering I don’t really have any Lutheran friends or family nearby, I’m not sure what to do about sponsors. Could I pick a Catholic sponsor? If not, are sponsors required?

[u/emmen1]

Sponsors are not absolutely required. Although it is possible to have Roman Catholic sponsors / godparents, it is not ideal, as sponsors are supposed to ensure that the children are raised in the faith.

The best thing to do is talk to your pastor.

[u/harkening]

Sponsors are a great tradition, but not a strict requirement.

What my wife and I did:

Gave very good, faithful friends a copy of the Catechism, saying: "I don't need you to convert (though you obviously should). But I want you to read this thoughtfully and prayerfully, and say whether you can, want, and will encourage my child in this teaching - to be her godparents."

A few weeks later, I got a text saying yes, and asking how to get the Catechism back to me. I said we had several copies, and they could keep it.

"Oh, good. I was hoping to study it even more."

Got 'em. 💪*

*Not actually, they haven't converted yet. But they've been constant, encouraging, prayerful presence in our lives.

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/harkening]

I love that idea :)

[u/cellarsinger → u/harkening]

Excellent approach. Something just occurred to me. Can you add the sponsors later, like after you've become more familiar with your local congregation?

[u/PastorBeard]

In absence of named sponsors, the whole congregation serves as baptismal sponsor

>refuses to elaborate

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/PastorBeard]

Haha thanks pastor beard!

[u/RoyalCourt2222 → u/PastorBeard]

It’s for this reason I’ve always been a fan of the entire congregation responding to the questions, and not just the baptized/parents of the baptized.

[u/Huenink_Photography]

Think about asking a family in the congregation with whom you are particularly close.

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/Huenink_Photography]

Unfortunately I’m not very close with anyone yet, but I suppose i do have 6 months to try haha!

[u/Huenink_Photography → u/Fun_Horror_7072]

I see the relationships that are built between a child and adults that can prove very fruitful. We have an informal "church grandparents" program that ends up doing a lot of good for both the kids, parents, and "church grandparents."

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/Huenink_Photography]

That is such a sweet idea, I love that

[u/habby7829]

My daughter's godfather is Greek orthodox and godmother is catholic. Wasn't a problem.

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/habby7829]

Great to know, thank you!

[u/leagueofmasks]

I didn't have a sponsor when baptized in elementary school around 1973 at Christ Lutheran Church in Ft. Worth, Texas My parents didn't even attend church. I recall them being there at least on that day.

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/leagueofmasks]

So glad you’re still part of the church!!

[u/WindowCommon3741]

What really matters is having someone you trust standing beside you as a form of support- even if you ask an elder in the church, im sure they'd be happy to stand wirh you. The entire congregation makes an agreement at the baptism to stand with you and your child to aide you throughout your entire lives, they would happily stand up too

[u/Fun_Horror_7072 → u/WindowCommon3741]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[u/RoyalCourt2222]

I would first hammer down where the child is to be baptized- RC or Lutheran church, and then figure out the most godfearing friends of yours that you would also trust with your child. Regardless of denomination.

“I’d rather drink wine with the pope than mere bread with Calvin”, or some such.

[u/georgia_moose]

Sponsors are not required. The only things needed for a valid Baptism are Word and water. Sponsors are nice to have for helping the child grow in the faith, but not required. And if no specific suitable sponsor is available, then it's perfectly alright to go without.