What is a godparent? Does the Bible say anything about being a godparent (God-parent)?

Quick answer

Although godparenting, in its traditional sense, is unbiblical, today, godparenting is a wonderful opportunity to mentor and disciple young people.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The concept of a godparent was traditionally developed to provide an additional person or couple to assist with the religious upbringing of a child. Today, this religious aspect is often removed, and godparents are typically viewed as people who support the general health and well-being of a child. A godparent may or may not be related to the child, and a child may have one or multiple godparents. Biblically, the concept of godparents does not exist. However, there are examples of non-parents fulfilling an important spiritual role in the life of a child or a young person, such as the relationship between Eli and Samuel and the relationship between the apostle Paul and Timothy. Both of these biblical relationships exemplify how someone who is not a parent, like a godparent, can provide powerful, spiritual support to a young person that can result in their spiritual maturity and ministry preparedness.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the beginning of the book of Samuel, Hannah, a barren and distraught woman, fervently prays to the Lord for a son and promises that if the Lord grants her prayer, she will dedicate him to the Lord all of his days (1 Samuel 1:11). After God answers her prayer, Hannah brings her son, Samuel, to Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:22–28). It is at this point that Eli begins to mentor and raise Samuel to become a spiritual leader (1 Samuel 2:11). After Samuel lives in the tabernacle for years under the tutelage and care of Eli, the Lord visits Samuel in his room (1 Samuel 3:10) and instructs him to give Eli the message that judgment is about to fall upon his family (1 Samuel 3:11–14). The next day, when Eli notices that Samuel is afraid, he refers to him as his son and urges him to tell him everything (1 Samuel 3:15–17). When Samuel relays God’s decree, Eli humbly accepts it (1 Samuel 3:18), and Samuel is later established as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19–21).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Although Timothy is a young man when Paul begins mentoring him, Paul refers to him as his son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 2 Timothy 1:2). Timothy was a dedicated disciple underneath Paul, even to the extent of choosing to undergo circumcision in order to be more effective in his ministry. On the other hand, Paul spent much time and effort teaching Timothy, encouraging him to set an example of godliness through his speech, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Like a good parent, Paul did not shelter Timothy from the harsh realities of ministry but rather encouraged him in his preparation process (2 Timothy 2:3; 4:5). Paul and Timothy’s spiritually familial relationship stands as a testament to the powerful impact a mentor can have in a mentee’s life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The practice or tradition of godparenting was originally tied to infant baptism in the Catholic Church. The accepted belief was that a godparent had a say in a child’s salvation during their christening. Since salvation is a personal choice, a godparent cannot express faith in Christ on behalf of a child. However, many godparent situations today do not involve those anti-biblical beliefs. In fact, it is a tremendous opportunity to help "make disciples" in the life of a young person. While godparents are not a biblical concept and are not required of families, positive adult influences outside of parents in the life of a young person can foster wisdom, accountability, and integrity that can last them a lifetime.

UNDERSTAND

The Bible doesn’t mention godparents, but relationships like Eli and Samuel and Paul and Timothy, show the value of mentorship in spiritual growth.

Godparents can provide essential support, similar to biblical relationships, helping young people develop in their faith.

Though not a biblical concept, godparenting offers a chance to foster wisdom and integrity in children, aligning with the call to disciple others.

REFLECT

How has someone in your life, whether a family member or a mentor, influenced your spiritual growth?

In what ways can we actively participate in mentoring or supporting others in their faith journeys today?

How can you embody the characteristics of a good godparent or mentor to those around you?

ENGAGE

What is the importance of investing in someone as a mentor and being invested in by a mentor in the Christian life?

How does the idea of godparenting challenge or reinforce your understanding of personal responsibility in a child’s spiritual upbringing?

What are some practical steps we can take to foster a supportive community for children and young people, even if we do not hold the formal title of a godparent?