God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism.

The process for baptizing children in the Lutheran church is quite straight-forward. When baptizing children, parents are called to speak on their behalf. They are called to make a commitment to their child and promise that they will raise them up in faith and in prayer throughout their life.

There will also be some people there who promise to help you do that. Baptismal sponsors, often called godparents, are chosen by parents to be in special relationship with children as they grow in their Christian identity.

Then the gathered congregation that day will promise to support all parents and families in the same way. And all the while we remember and celebrate what God is doing in and through our lives. It’s a powerful moment! 

This is all done as a community – baptism is not done in a vacuum. Because of the promises that are made that day, it works well for families to be active participants in the life of a faith community, a congregation, a church home. Our community responds to its promises by becoming an active participant in the life of the family. We do this by supporting Sunday School classes for children, creating learning opportunities for adults, and continuing together in worship, service, prayer, and support in good times and in bad.

That sounds great! What’s next?

If you aren’t a member of a church community yet, it is customary for families to become engaged in the life of a congregation as members before bringing young ones forward for baptism. Throughout the year, you are invited to learn more about the Good Shepherd community through the Way of the Shepherd program, where you will have an opportunity to engage in authentic conversations about faith and church. During this time, you will meet others that are new to Good Shepherd and those that are members of Good Shepherd. If you decide to join Good Shepherd, you will have the opportunity to officially do so at the Great Easter Vigil, but your participation in Way of the Shepherd there does not mean you have to join. In addition to celebrating new members at the Great Easter Vigil, we also celebrate baptisms during this special worship service.

If you are a member of Good Shepherd and would like to learn more about baptism, or if you have any other questions not addressed here, contact Pastor Richard Goeres, richard.goeres@gslchurch.org for more information and conversation.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of Good Shepherd, contact the Church Office, info@gslchurch.org.

We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ.