Baptism without godparents?

I have a four-year-old son and I regretfully have not taken him to church regularly up until recently. I want to get him baptized, but I do not have special Lutheran people in my life to ask to be my son's godparents. Will a pastor baptize him without them?

By all means, do contact one of our pastors to arrange for the baptism of your son.

Regarding “godparents” or “sponsors,” keep in mind that this is a custom of the church that is neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture. It is a worthwhile custom, as sponsors have a specific privilege and responsibility of remembering the baptized child in prayer, reminding him or her of the baptism that took place and encouraging the child in the faith. But finally sponsors are not absolutely necessary for a baptism to take place. At the same time, if you want to provide for legal guardianship of your son, including spiritual care, you will want to take care of that through a legal document and not a baptismal certificate.

While having “godparents” or “sponsors” is not a requirement for a baptism to take place, our pastors will want witnesses to be present at the baptism of your son. There are no qualifications, such as being Lutheran, for individuals to serve as witnesses at your son’s baptism.

I encourage you to contact one of our pastors to arrange for the baptism of your son. I’m happy to hear that you are taking him to church regularly. The pastor who conducts your son’s baptism will remind you of the ongoing responsibility you have to bring up your child “in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). He will also remind you of and encourage you to utilize the church’s spiritual educational agencies. God bless you and your son.