Becoming Godparents 成为属灵代父母：教会下一代领袖的培育者

Becoming Godparents: Raising Future Leaders of the Church

As Christian parents, we all desire to see our children grow up healthy, have strong faith, and become future leaders of the church. Sometimes, parents alone may find this challenging, which is why our church encourages having godparents as spiritual companions.

What are Godparents?

Godparents are Christian brothers and sisters invited by parents during a child dedication ceremony. They commit to supporting the child’s spiritual growth and assisting parents in nurturing their child's faith.

While this practice is relatively new in Chinese churches in Canada, it is gradually becoming an essential strategy for developing the next generation.

Currently, godparents are not a mandatory requirement for child dedication, but strongly encouraged by the church to support parents in nurturing the next generation of believers.

Important Roles of Godparents

As a godparent, you will:

• Explore important life questions with the child: Spend time discussing faith, hope, and love, guiding them on living a Christian life.
• Model and encourage Christian values: Teach through your actions and words how to be kind, generous, and how to stand against injustice and suffering.
• Pray regularly for your godchild: Commit to pray consistently, supporting them through the ups and downs of their faith journey.
• Guide them in making wise decisions: Share practical wisdom about staying healthy, resisting harmful temptations, caring for God's creation, and handling peer pressure.
• Work together with other godparents: Attend church activities with them, discuss Bible stories, and teach them how to pray, building their personal relationship with God.

Qualifications for Godparents

• You should have accepted Christ and clearly understand your faith.
• Be willing to dedicate time and energy to support the child and parents.
• Strive to set a Christian example through your faith and daily life.

Commitments from Parents and Godparents

Both parents and godparents commit to Christ-centered partnership, working together to nurture the child to become a future leader in the church.

How the Church Supports Godparents

Understanding this role can be challenging, the church provides:

• Resources for spiritual guidance and development.
• Regular gatherings for sharing experiences and mutual encouragement.
• Ongoing pastoral and community support.

A New Beginning

Raising the next generation is a shared mission. Although the role of godparents is demanding, it is incredibly meaningful and blessed. God will surely be with us, blessing our efforts.

Our church continues to learn and grow together, witnessing the fruitful results of godparents' dedicated service. May you become an important blessing in the lives of children, helping them grow into leaders who please the Lord!

作为基督徒家长，我们都希望看到自己的孩子健康成长，拥有坚定的信仰，成为教会未来的领袖。但单靠父母的力量，有时是不够的。这正是为什么教会鼓励有属灵代父母（Godparents）的陪伴。

什么是属灵代父母？

属灵代父母是指在婴孩或孩子的奉献礼上，父母邀请的弟兄姐妹。他们承诺在属灵成长的路上陪伴孩子，支持父母培养孩子的信仰。

在加拿大的华人教会中，这种安排还比较新颖，但却逐渐成为教会发展下一代的重要策略。

目前属灵代父母并非婴孩或孩子奉献礼的必备条件，而是教会强烈鼓励的一个安排，而是教会积极鼓励的一个安排，以支持父母更好地培育下一代信徒。

属灵代父母的重要使命

作为属灵代父母，你会：

• 与孩子一起探索生命中重要的问题：你愿意花时间和孩子讨论信仰、希望和爱的意义，帮助他们理解如何以基督徒的方式生活。
• 树立和鼓励基督徒的价值观：通过你的言行，教导他们如何对人友善、如何慷慨助人，勇于抵制社会上的不公和苦难。
• 为孩子祷告：无论孩子成长过程中面临怎样的挑战，你都要持续地为他们祷告，陪伴他们经历信仰的高低起伏。
• 教导他们做智慧的决定：分享实际生活的智慧，包括如何保持身心健康、拒绝诱惑、爱护神所创造的世界，并在成长过程中妥善应对同龄人的压力。
• 与其他代父母合作，一起帮助孩子认识信仰：例如陪他们参加教会聚会，讨论圣经故事，教导他们如何祷告，培养他们与上帝的个人关系。

成为属灵代父母有什么条件？

• 已经接受基督，清楚明白自己的信仰。
• 愿意花时间和精力陪伴孩子，支持家长。
• 在信仰和生活中愿意树立基督徒的榜样。

父母和属灵代父母的承诺

父母和属灵代父母双方要一起承诺，以基督为中心，同心合意培育孩子，帮助他们成长为教会的下一代领袖。

教会如何支持属灵代父母？

教会了解这是一项重要且有挑战性的服事。因此，教会会提供以下支持：

• 为属灵代父母提供信仰培育和指导的资源。
• 定期组织交流和祷告聚会，让属灵代父母之间能够彼此鼓励和分享经验。
• 教会牧者与同工随时提供帮助和属灵支持。

迈向新的开始

培养下一代是教会的共同使命。属灵代父母的角色虽然挑战不小，但同时充满意义和祝福。神必与我们同在，赐福我们所做的一切。

教会也将继续学习和成长，一起见证属灵代父母的服事带来的美好果效。愿你也能成为孩子生命中重要的祝福，帮助他们成长为主所喜悦的领袖！