Ideas Needed - Peoria, AZ

Wow, Celina's response seemed to be the most loving of all, thank you Celina. I know you ladies love the Lord (as do I!) but it's talk like this that turns people away from our God. She didn't asked to be preached to and none of us know her personally. One of the most heartbreaking things is comdemnation and the one of the easiest ways to turn people off to the love of Jesus.
Sorry T.. I hope you have a beautiful baby and that your Godparent is everything you want he/she to be.
A.

Hi T.,

As a former church administrator, I've seen many "non-religious" people become Godparents. Depending on the religion, you might need to have two Godparents, with one being a member of that religion. So, find out what any requirements might be for your church before asking this very special person. You want to avoid any situation that might be uncomfortable for your friend, such as having your church "turn them down" after they have agreed to be a Godparent. (That would be awful!!)

Then I would say that you tell them, quite honestly, that you are so impressed with the way they live their own life that you would be honored to have them be a strong influence on your child. In fact, you would like to make their role official by asking them to be the Godparent of your child. (I think you are on the right track. There are many who attend church but do not live a life of love and others who live it everyday without any official religion or with one different than your own.)
Blessings,
K.

If I'm understanding you right you have someone in mind to be a Godparent in your childs life but this person is not relgious. Personally I think the best role modles are those that can share faith with a child. But that is not what you asked. If you are not religous then don't call this roll modle a godparent. He could be "Uncle_____". If you are religous then tell this person your struggles. Maybe suggest coming to church with you. If he is non receptive to the idea you might want to keep your eyes open to knew possibilies for a godparent. A godparents role is one of caring for and helping in raising your child in faith. And to continue this teaching even if your not around. Keep the friend close, I'm sure he is a great person, but if he is not religous, he's not a godparent.

Being a godparent means different things to different people. To many "nonreligious" people being asked to be a godparent (even with that term) simply tells them how important they are to the parents and that you want them to be there while your child is growing up, especially if something horrible would happen to you, you may have to get specific about how involved you want them to be as a godparent. It doesn't necessarily have to mean a religious guide.

Being a godparent does require religion. A godparent helps the child grow with God and with the church.

I am a godparent to many and it doesn't mean I am religious. I think the bottom line would be to tell that person you value them and think they would be a positive influence in your little ones life and if anything were to ever happen to you You would trust that that person would care for your child as their own and you would trust them. Make it about them and why you think they would be a greast influence.

Good for you! Its wonderful to see open-minded individuals! And your child will benefit from your open-mindedness and the exposure to people of differing beliefs.This person certainly could have a lot to offer your child.

Despite other responses, this person could influence your child to be a good, honest, open-minded person with strong morals and community-mindedness. And if this person has these qualities, s/he will not be arguing against whatever belief you choose to instill in your child. At most, s/he will teach your child to think, to question, and to make decisions for himself. And that could actually mean a greater, more thought-out commitment to whatever you are raising him to be.

But obviously, this person won't fit the traditional definition of "godparent" as s/he won't stand up at a baptism and promise to offer spiritual guidance. However, I do not consider myself religious and I wouldn't be offened by the title. Your friend may or may not.

If you are a church-goer and plan to have a religious ceremony, however, you may run into issues at your church. If so, perhaps you could tell this person how much you value him/her and ask to honor him/her with the title of Aunt/Uncle or make something up (life teacher, counselor, etc).

If you want to get cheesy or ceremonial you could hold a little "adoption" or commitment gathering.

Good luck.

Well if you think that person is the right person for ur child then go for it.

Hi T.,
If this person is close enough to you to be a God parent, then I don't understand the question, just ask! They will say yes or no. since you mentioned the influence on your child, do you want to think about asking someone who believes in and is being guided by God to influence your child?
I feel that if we as parents are not teaching, educating and offering our children a foundation of belief in God, then we leave our teenagers very vulnerable to jumping on whatever the current trend may be. My daughter practiced witchcraft for awhile as a teenager and young adult. Partly, I think becaue she thought is was cool, partly for the shock value and absolutely because I raised her around religion (my parents) but I did not take her or provide that solid foundation. I am happy to say now, that she takes her family to church and I am so blessed and priviledged to be sitting in church Sunday morning with them! And that my grandkids are getting this foundation!
S.
866-508-2910

Hi T..

I'm not sure I understand why you would want a "non-religious" person as a "god" parent...? The whole meaning of a Godparent is a person, outside of the parents, who would, especially in the absence of the parents for any reason, instill the teachings and word of God to the child. It's somewhat of a dichotomy to request a non-religious person to fill this role...unless I'm missing the point.

My husband and I are not religious, and we would be honored if one of our close friends asked us to be godparents to their child. The word "godparent" to us is semantics - we see more importance in what the title and role conveys, not the fact that it has the word "god" in it.

I think any way you do it will be fine. I'm an unconventional godparent. When my friend asked me, she just let me know that it was specifically BECAUSE I was spiritual, but not religious in any traditional sense of the word. I was so flattered and touched, I cried.

It's not super creative... but you could always do it with a note in a card about how you value this person's friendship or something. Or you write it as if the baby to be is asking.

Hope that helps!
Aly

Everone needs God in their live if you will be bring God into he ir her and they ask question and share with the God parents what will their response be? Which may confuse what you are teaching. That is why it is called God parents.
God blessed and have a wonderful life. I am a Grandmother and Godmother to my own grand children

The fact that you are considering asking "non religious" people to serve as your child's God Parent is very concerning. As the mother of 2 children, I struggle often with thoughts of something happening to me & my husband - wondering if they would be raised with the same moral code, the same beliefs & commitment to the Lord. My husband and I have carefully selected people whom we believe would be the most closely suited & would most closely model our style of upbringing. Education, stability, finances - a loving household of course all play a part, but what is more important than your chid's salvation? Even if you mean for this to be strictly a "title" or a "formality", God Parent's are responsible to help raise your child "spiritually" - even if you do not intend for them to be their care providers should something happen to you & your husband. There is still a responsibility. It is an honor and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

I encourage you to dig deeper to determine where you yourself stand wtih the Lord. Maybe check into some programs at your church - or another local church. A women's inductive Bible study is a great place to start. Precepts.org - Kay Arthur is another great resource! Good luck & I'll be praying for you & your family.

T.,
I would simply tell the person: "I have great admiration and respect for you because of your integrity in (this area) and (that area)... I would be honored if you would consider being the godparent for my baby."

I have asked non-religious people to be godparents to my non-religious daughters and we had a beautiful simple "ceremony" when each of my children were babies. I told each person involved how important it was to me that my children had other adults in their life--people they could trust to give them good advice, take care of them, and not rat them out to me. Heavy sort of thing to ask of someone. I wrote letters to the "godparents" in which I told them all of the traits and things about them that I thought made them good, important, strong, wonderful people and asked if they would be willing to commit themselves to my family and my children. The asked said yes, and we went up to the mountains. There, I put my daughter in her arms and they went on a little walk together away from me: my trust, their responsibility, my daughters sense that there would always be someone to care for them. I don't know if they just walked, or if they talked, or sang, or what, because that was the beginning of their separate and unique relationship. This is just my story and I don't know if it helps--not sure if you yourself are religious or not. Best Wishes for a wonderful birth.

I would simply tell the person that you would be honored to have them be your child's godparent because you want this person to be a strong influence in your child's life. If you want give the reasons why.

My hubbie and I were asked inside a balloon bouquet (the request was wrapped inside before one was blown up) that was handed to US at her baby shower. We had to "pop" the balloons to find out what she wanted us to help with ... ie one said "in case deliver early, make sure bedding all washed and set up and have a stocked fridge to come home to", another was "act responsible: wanna be godparents?!" ... they are pretty funny but it was cute!

well, my first thought is maybe you should ask yourself what a godparent means to you- if it doesnt necessarily rely on the person being a strong Godly influence, or sharing a strong sense of faith with your child, then maybe when you present the idea to the person you shouldnt use that word "godparent." Or, choose someone who does love the Lord and will have a strong spiritual impact on your child as they grow. But if thats not that important to you, I would definately call it something else, otherwise its confusing to the "non religious" person.Instead tell them how much they mean to you, and that you'd like them to have a special role in the childs life- much like a special aunt or uncle- also, do you expect them to carry the legal oomponents of being a Godparent? (they would have custody of the child if something were to happen to you or your parents,etc) something to think about- hope that helps

My initial thought would be that you would want someone who is in the same boat spiritually as you. I was raised catholic and baptized as an infant, my mom chose her sister to be my Godmother. My aunt was not a believer and hasn't lived a life worthy of being a role model. We are members of a non demoninational Christian church now and with choosing Godparents for my children my decision was not based on who I liked, or whose feelings I didn't want to hurt (as my mom's was) Our decision was whole heartedly based on who would care for and raise my children closest to the way we will. I think that in some cases having "Godparents" has become more of a ritual than a covenant. When a Godparent is named they are asked to make a promise to support you in raising your child as a believer and a comitted follower of Christ. I am sure the person you have in mind lives a life of integrity otherwise I am sure you wouldn't even be considering this, so I wouldn't say it is totally out of the question, I would just be very careful and keep in mind exactly what this means. Wow! I feel like I am beating you up and that is certainly not where my heart is. I guess I would just hate to see you make a choice you would regret later that could not be fixed. I hope that this is helpful. I just want to encourage you to pray about it. This is a lifetime comittment. God will answer your prayers. I will say a prayer for you as well.
In HIS grip, M.

T.,
Are you a religious person? If so, why would you choose a non religious person to be your childs Godparent? When I was choosing a person to be a Godparent to my child, I wanted to pick someone with the same beliefs as I had. I want my children to know God and all that He does for us. I can't imagine someone without God in their lives raising my kids if anything happened...

That being said, think about giving the person a Bible and where you can write who it is from put the babies name!

Good luck!

My question would be, Do you really want someone who is not religious to be that big of an influence on your child's life? I have found that someone who is not religious will not take the role of being a God parent seriously. Just something to think about.

I think you answered your own question. Explain to this person the reasons behind your decision and why the influence they will bring to your childs life is important to you and your child. How could someone not say yes to that ???

My BF and I are both nonreligious, and I am her son's "Good Mother"

What a wonderful thing you are doing, asking someone to share in your child's life! This person is obviously very special to you. I would ask this person how they feel about the job as well as the, "title," of Godparent. I bet you can come up with something that will suit you both (and your church) beautifully.

perhaps this is the time to introduce God's love to a non-religious person. Go easy...