LEAven Blog

Within our Lutheran school ministries, we are set apart in many ways. Romans 12:2 (ESV) is filled with such wisdom:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

The apostle Paul challenges the Romans to be different, to be transformed as they seek out God’s will. For teachers, pastors, and other church workers – we are set apart when we build relationships with our students and fellow staff members (centered in our spirituality), when we pray with students multiple times a day, and when we discipline in Christian love, forgiveness, and grace. The Holy Spirit is alive and active as we read and hear the Word of God, worship regularly, and partake of the sacraments. We celebrate such events and faith formation realities, and when a child is baptized – we rejoice greatly that she has become part of God’s family through water and the Word!

As we look more closely at baptism in our lives, our focus is on the role of the sponsor, or godparent. When asked to sponsor a child, there is a great level of trust placed in you to walk side-by-side with the child, with responsibilities that are unique and incredible. In our liturgy within the LCMS, the Rite of Holy Baptism describes a sponsor as thus:

From ancient times the Church has observed the custom of appointing sponsors for baptismal candidates and catechumens. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church sponsors are to confess the faith expressed in the Apostles’ Creed and taught in the Small Catechism. They are, whenever possible, to witness the Baptism of those they sponsor. They are to pray for them, support them in their ongoing instruction and nurture in the Christian faith, and encourage them toward the faithful reception of the Lord’s Supper. They are at all times to be examples to them of the holy life of faith in Christ and lover for the neighbor.

One can only admit that such a promise, as stated, is indeed a privilege and a commitment. Within our classrooms and in the school community, we can bring forth and share the blessings of what it means to be baptized. Watch the Holy Spirit work!

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”   Acts 2:38 ESV

Talk about baptism – often – with the entire staff. Prompt one another to understand that encouraging baptism is who we are and it is a biblical practice to be encouraged. Share the benefits of baptism over the intercom. Weave its truth into everyday lessons of learning. Each teacher should have a list of those not already baptized so they can share with them and their families about possibilities but also to pray for them often. Make it a practice that at fall conference time – such a discussion is on every teacher’s list. Have a staff member share an article with the school community. Begin the year with a baptismal chapel (not needing to actually have a child baptized), one where the leader shares the incredible benefits. Show the baptismal font. Show images of past students being baptized. When there is a baptism, make it a celebration of being brought into God’s family: invite the class up of the child being baptized and have them circle around in support. Take special photos to share, but especially to present to the family as special mementos of this most meaningful day. Also, ensure a meaningful spiritual gift is given to the child – from the school. This could be a hand-held cross, a candle to be lit every year on the day, a cross necklace, or a card, signed by staff members. As a godparent/sponsor, all the above plays into the role that is set before you. Witness the baptism. Be there, side-by-side with the child and her parents/family. Commit to praying often for her, perhaps even having a section of your prayer journal set aside to make notes through the years. Be there for her during difficult times, to lift her up to the Lord and to be a meaningful person of care and love. Help her understand the daily need for repentance. Encourage her in the Christian faith, continually. Ensure her baptismal birthday is noted and celebrated each year – including a gift – which can be fun but also spiritually centered. Also, pray that you yourself will be committed to this sacred privilege of holding the child up as one who is holy and beloved, through the blood of Jesus and through her baptismal grace. In short, support her in word and deed.

If you have been or are a godparent, then you know the incredible spiritual meaning of blessing someone whom you sponsor. If you are not or have not had the opportunity to be a godparent, perhaps you will be placed in this awesome position in the future. Truly, there can be no greater honor and responsibility!

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.  Titus 3:5 ESV