Baptisms Are Rising: Is Your Church Ready?
Baptisms are rising across the globe, and more people are ready to take the next step in their faith. Discover how your church can prepare by creating clear pathways, simplifying your process, and building systems that support discipleship and long-term engagement.
If someone walked into your church this Sunday and decided they wanted to be baptized, would your church have a game plan to help them?
Right now, more people are making that decision than we have seen in years.
Baptisms Are Increasing Worldwide
Across the globe, more people are stepping forward to publicly declare their faith in Jesus. In France, over 13,000 adults and 8,100 adolescents were baptized at the April 4th Easter Vigil this year. In Belgium, dioceses are noting a 30% increase in baptism candidates compared to 2025.
The United States is seeing similar momentum. Baptize the World (formerly Baptize California) has brought together more than 1,600 churches and recorded over 50,000 baptisms across the U.S. in two years. Their Pentecost Sunday event in June 2025, in partnership with more than 600 churches, resulted in approximately 28,000 baptisms in a single day.
All of this raises a practical question for church leaders. If people are ready to be baptized, is your church ready to receive them?
Why Baptisms Are Rising Now
Barna CEO David Kinnaman puts it simply in reference to the 2026 State of the Church research: “The research doesn’t predict a revival…Yet, it reveals something worth paying attention to: a large number of Americans believe one is possible—and for younger adults especially, that belief is being forged in some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.”
The data is fascinating. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults believe a spiritual revival could be coming in the next 12 months. Among Gen Z, that number rises even higher.
When asked what is driving people toward faith, the answers are not surprising. Rising anxiety, cultural instability, and a search for meaning that social media and self-optimization cannot satisfy are pushing people to look deeper.
The same conditions that produce burnout and loneliness also produce spiritual hunger. And in many cases, people are not just curious about Jesus – they are ready to respond to Him.
According to Barna, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus has increased from 54 percent to 66 percent since 2021, representing nearly 30 million more adults – and many more baptisms.
How to Prepare Your Church for More Baptisms
Churches that are paying attention to this moment are not waiting for revival to arrive. They are preparing for the people who are already on their way.
Here are a few practical ways to prepare your church for one of the most meaningful steps someone can take in their faith.
1. Make the Path Clear and Visible
In many churches, baptism is available but not obvious. Someone can feel completely ready and still not know who to talk to or what to do next. A clear next step on your website, a consistent mention during services, and a straightforward follow-up process can make all the difference.
It is worth asking yourself honestly: if a first-time visitor wanted to be baptized after this Sunday's service, would they know exactly what to do? If the answer is anything other than yes, that is the place to start.
2. Simplify Without Losing the Meaning
Preparation and understanding are important, but unnecessary complexity creates barriers. It is worth taking a fresh look at your process and asking whether every step genuinely helps people move forward, or whether some elements slow them down without adding real spiritual value.
Are you requiring a multi-week class before baptism? Multiple meetings? A long gap between “I’m ready” and the next step? These may be well-intentioned, but they can slow someone down who is ready now. Simplifying might look like offering a short pre-baptism class, creating an immediate next step, or making space for same-day baptisms with discipleship to follow.
3. Train Your Team to Respond Well
When someone expresses interest in baptism, the person they talk to first matters more than we sometimes realize. That conversation is both theologically and emotionally significant, and having a team that can respond with warmth, clarity, and confidence creates a consistent and supportive experience for everyone who takes that step.
One simple way to support this is by creating a clear, easy-to-understand resource that explains what your church believes about baptism. A short handout with key Scriptures, a brief explanation, and next steps can help your team communicate consistently while also giving the person something they can reflect on after the conversation.
4. Offer Baptism More Frequently
Many churches schedule baptisms a few times a year, which works well in normal seasons. But as interest in baptism rises, flexibility becomes increasingly important. It is worth considering whether you can create more opportunities throughout the year, or whether your church should adopt the posture to baptize someone when they are ready, rather than when the calendar allows.
5. Be Ready for the Moment
This may sound simple, but it makes a real difference. Keep extra clothes, towels, and anything someone might need for baptism on hand. You never know when someone will be ready to take that step.
6. Invite People to Share Testimonies
Baptism can feel mysterious and intimidating to some, and that’s okay. When people share their personal stories of faith, it helps remove that uncertainty. It puts language to the journey, makes the step feel more tangible, and reminds others that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.
7. Consider joining a movement like Baptize the World.
Throughout May, Baptize the World hosts multiple baptism gatherings that churches can be part of, whether by hosting an event or simply participating. It is a simple way to create momentum, celebrate stories at scale, and remind your people that what God is doing in your church is part of something much bigger.
A Moment Worth Preparing For
Your church may already be seeing this rise in baptism interest firsthand. Or you may be a season away from it. Either way, the preparation looks the same. Make baptism clear, accessible, and connected to a genuine pathway of ongoing discipleship.
If you want to make sure your systems are ready to support that growth, Tithely can help you track engagement, follow up consistently, and keep people connected from their first expression of interest all the way into community.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
If someone walked into your church this Sunday and decided they wanted to be baptized, would your church have a game plan to help them?
Right now, more people are making that decision than we have seen in years.
Baptisms Are Increasing Worldwide
Across the globe, more people are stepping forward to publicly declare their faith in Jesus. In France, over 13,000 adults and 8,100 adolescents were baptized at the April 4th Easter Vigil this year. In Belgium, dioceses are noting a 30% increase in baptism candidates compared to 2025.
The United States is seeing similar momentum. Baptize the World (formerly Baptize California) has brought together more than 1,600 churches and recorded over 50,000 baptisms across the U.S. in two years. Their Pentecost Sunday event in June 2025, in partnership with more than 600 churches, resulted in approximately 28,000 baptisms in a single day.
All of this raises a practical question for church leaders. If people are ready to be baptized, is your church ready to receive them?
Why Baptisms Are Rising Now
Barna CEO David Kinnaman puts it simply in reference to the 2026 State of the Church research: “The research doesn’t predict a revival…Yet, it reveals something worth paying attention to: a large number of Americans believe one is possible—and for younger adults especially, that belief is being forged in some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.”
The data is fascinating. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults believe a spiritual revival could be coming in the next 12 months. Among Gen Z, that number rises even higher.
When asked what is driving people toward faith, the answers are not surprising. Rising anxiety, cultural instability, and a search for meaning that social media and self-optimization cannot satisfy are pushing people to look deeper.
The same conditions that produce burnout and loneliness also produce spiritual hunger. And in many cases, people are not just curious about Jesus – they are ready to respond to Him.
According to Barna, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus has increased from 54 percent to 66 percent since 2021, representing nearly 30 million more adults – and many more baptisms.
How to Prepare Your Church for More Baptisms
Churches that are paying attention to this moment are not waiting for revival to arrive. They are preparing for the people who are already on their way.
Here are a few practical ways to prepare your church for one of the most meaningful steps someone can take in their faith.
1. Make the Path Clear and Visible
In many churches, baptism is available but not obvious. Someone can feel completely ready and still not know who to talk to or what to do next. A clear next step on your website, a consistent mention during services, and a straightforward follow-up process can make all the difference.
It is worth asking yourself honestly: if a first-time visitor wanted to be baptized after this Sunday's service, would they know exactly what to do? If the answer is anything other than yes, that is the place to start.
2. Simplify Without Losing the Meaning
Preparation and understanding are important, but unnecessary complexity creates barriers. It is worth taking a fresh look at your process and asking whether every step genuinely helps people move forward, or whether some elements slow them down without adding real spiritual value.
Are you requiring a multi-week class before baptism? Multiple meetings? A long gap between “I’m ready” and the next step? These may be well-intentioned, but they can slow someone down who is ready now. Simplifying might look like offering a short pre-baptism class, creating an immediate next step, or making space for same-day baptisms with discipleship to follow.
3. Train Your Team to Respond Well
When someone expresses interest in baptism, the person they talk to first matters more than we sometimes realize. That conversation is both theologically and emotionally significant, and having a team that can respond with warmth, clarity, and confidence creates a consistent and supportive experience for everyone who takes that step.
One simple way to support this is by creating a clear, easy-to-understand resource that explains what your church believes about baptism. A short handout with key Scriptures, a brief explanation, and next steps can help your team communicate consistently while also giving the person something they can reflect on after the conversation.
4. Offer Baptism More Frequently
Many churches schedule baptisms a few times a year, which works well in normal seasons. But as interest in baptism rises, flexibility becomes increasingly important. It is worth considering whether you can create more opportunities throughout the year, or whether your church should adopt the posture to baptize someone when they are ready, rather than when the calendar allows.
5. Be Ready for the Moment
This may sound simple, but it makes a real difference. Keep extra clothes, towels, and anything someone might need for baptism on hand. You never know when someone will be ready to take that step.
6. Invite People to Share Testimonies
Baptism can feel mysterious and intimidating to some, and that’s okay. When people share their personal stories of faith, it helps remove that uncertainty. It puts language to the journey, makes the step feel more tangible, and reminds others that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.
7. Consider joining a movement like Baptize the World.
Throughout May, Baptize the World hosts multiple baptism gatherings that churches can be part of, whether by hosting an event or simply participating. It is a simple way to create momentum, celebrate stories at scale, and remind your people that what God is doing in your church is part of something much bigger.
A Moment Worth Preparing For
Your church may already be seeing this rise in baptism interest firsthand. Or you may be a season away from it. Either way, the preparation looks the same. Make baptism clear, accessible, and connected to a genuine pathway of ongoing discipleship.
If you want to make sure your systems are ready to support that growth, Tithely can help you track engagement, follow up consistently, and keep people connected from their first expression of interest all the way into community.
podcast transcript
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
If someone walked into your church this Sunday and decided they wanted to be baptized, would your church have a game plan to help them?
Right now, more people are making that decision than we have seen in years.
Baptisms Are Increasing Worldwide
Across the globe, more people are stepping forward to publicly declare their faith in Jesus. In France, over 13,000 adults and 8,100 adolescents were baptized at the April 4th Easter Vigil this year. In Belgium, dioceses are noting a 30% increase in baptism candidates compared to 2025.
The United States is seeing similar momentum. Baptize the World (formerly Baptize California) has brought together more than 1,600 churches and recorded over 50,000 baptisms across the U.S. in two years. Their Pentecost Sunday event in June 2025, in partnership with more than 600 churches, resulted in approximately 28,000 baptisms in a single day.
All of this raises a practical question for church leaders. If people are ready to be baptized, is your church ready to receive them?
Why Baptisms Are Rising Now
Barna CEO David Kinnaman puts it simply in reference to the 2026 State of the Church research: “The research doesn’t predict a revival…Yet, it reveals something worth paying attention to: a large number of Americans believe one is possible—and for younger adults especially, that belief is being forged in some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.”
The data is fascinating. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults believe a spiritual revival could be coming in the next 12 months. Among Gen Z, that number rises even higher.
When asked what is driving people toward faith, the answers are not surprising. Rising anxiety, cultural instability, and a search for meaning that social media and self-optimization cannot satisfy are pushing people to look deeper.
The same conditions that produce burnout and loneliness also produce spiritual hunger. And in many cases, people are not just curious about Jesus – they are ready to respond to Him.
According to Barna, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus has increased from 54 percent to 66 percent since 2021, representing nearly 30 million more adults – and many more baptisms.
How to Prepare Your Church for More Baptisms
Churches that are paying attention to this moment are not waiting for revival to arrive. They are preparing for the people who are already on their way.
Here are a few practical ways to prepare your church for one of the most meaningful steps someone can take in their faith.
1. Make the Path Clear and Visible
In many churches, baptism is available but not obvious. Someone can feel completely ready and still not know who to talk to or what to do next. A clear next step on your website, a consistent mention during services, and a straightforward follow-up process can make all the difference.
It is worth asking yourself honestly: if a first-time visitor wanted to be baptized after this Sunday's service, would they know exactly what to do? If the answer is anything other than yes, that is the place to start.
2. Simplify Without Losing the Meaning
Preparation and understanding are important, but unnecessary complexity creates barriers. It is worth taking a fresh look at your process and asking whether every step genuinely helps people move forward, or whether some elements slow them down without adding real spiritual value.
Are you requiring a multi-week class before baptism? Multiple meetings? A long gap between “I’m ready” and the next step? These may be well-intentioned, but they can slow someone down who is ready now. Simplifying might look like offering a short pre-baptism class, creating an immediate next step, or making space for same-day baptisms with discipleship to follow.
3. Train Your Team to Respond Well
When someone expresses interest in baptism, the person they talk to first matters more than we sometimes realize. That conversation is both theologically and emotionally significant, and having a team that can respond with warmth, clarity, and confidence creates a consistent and supportive experience for everyone who takes that step.
One simple way to support this is by creating a clear, easy-to-understand resource that explains what your church believes about baptism. A short handout with key Scriptures, a brief explanation, and next steps can help your team communicate consistently while also giving the person something they can reflect on after the conversation.
4. Offer Baptism More Frequently
Many churches schedule baptisms a few times a year, which works well in normal seasons. But as interest in baptism rises, flexibility becomes increasingly important. It is worth considering whether you can create more opportunities throughout the year, or whether your church should adopt the posture to baptize someone when they are ready, rather than when the calendar allows.
5. Be Ready for the Moment
This may sound simple, but it makes a real difference. Keep extra clothes, towels, and anything someone might need for baptism on hand. You never know when someone will be ready to take that step.
6. Invite People to Share Testimonies
Baptism can feel mysterious and intimidating to some, and that’s okay. When people share their personal stories of faith, it helps remove that uncertainty. It puts language to the journey, makes the step feel more tangible, and reminds others that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.
7. Consider joining a movement like Baptize the World.
Throughout May, Baptize the World hosts multiple baptism gatherings that churches can be part of, whether by hosting an event or simply participating. It is a simple way to create momentum, celebrate stories at scale, and remind your people that what God is doing in your church is part of something much bigger.
A Moment Worth Preparing For
Your church may already be seeing this rise in baptism interest firsthand. Or you may be a season away from it. Either way, the preparation looks the same. Make baptism clear, accessible, and connected to a genuine pathway of ongoing discipleship.
If you want to make sure your systems are ready to support that growth, Tithely can help you track engagement, follow up consistently, and keep people connected from their first expression of interest all the way into community.
VIDEO transcript
If someone walked into your church this Sunday and decided they wanted to be baptized, would your church have a game plan to help them?
Right now, more people are making that decision than we have seen in years.
Baptisms Are Increasing Worldwide
Across the globe, more people are stepping forward to publicly declare their faith in Jesus. In France, over 13,000 adults and 8,100 adolescents were baptized at the April 4th Easter Vigil this year. In Belgium, dioceses are noting a 30% increase in baptism candidates compared to 2025.
The United States is seeing similar momentum. Baptize the World (formerly Baptize California) has brought together more than 1,600 churches and recorded over 50,000 baptisms across the U.S. in two years. Their Pentecost Sunday event in June 2025, in partnership with more than 600 churches, resulted in approximately 28,000 baptisms in a single day.
All of this raises a practical question for church leaders. If people are ready to be baptized, is your church ready to receive them?
Why Baptisms Are Rising Now
Barna CEO David Kinnaman puts it simply in reference to the 2026 State of the Church research: “The research doesn’t predict a revival…Yet, it reveals something worth paying attention to: a large number of Americans believe one is possible—and for younger adults especially, that belief is being forged in some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.”
The data is fascinating. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults believe a spiritual revival could be coming in the next 12 months. Among Gen Z, that number rises even higher.
When asked what is driving people toward faith, the answers are not surprising. Rising anxiety, cultural instability, and a search for meaning that social media and self-optimization cannot satisfy are pushing people to look deeper.
The same conditions that produce burnout and loneliness also produce spiritual hunger. And in many cases, people are not just curious about Jesus – they are ready to respond to Him.
According to Barna, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus has increased from 54 percent to 66 percent since 2021, representing nearly 30 million more adults – and many more baptisms.
How to Prepare Your Church for More Baptisms
Churches that are paying attention to this moment are not waiting for revival to arrive. They are preparing for the people who are already on their way.
Here are a few practical ways to prepare your church for one of the most meaningful steps someone can take in their faith.
1. Make the Path Clear and Visible
In many churches, baptism is available but not obvious. Someone can feel completely ready and still not know who to talk to or what to do next. A clear next step on your website, a consistent mention during services, and a straightforward follow-up process can make all the difference.
It is worth asking yourself honestly: if a first-time visitor wanted to be baptized after this Sunday's service, would they know exactly what to do? If the answer is anything other than yes, that is the place to start.
2. Simplify Without Losing the Meaning
Preparation and understanding are important, but unnecessary complexity creates barriers. It is worth taking a fresh look at your process and asking whether every step genuinely helps people move forward, or whether some elements slow them down without adding real spiritual value.
Are you requiring a multi-week class before baptism? Multiple meetings? A long gap between “I’m ready” and the next step? These may be well-intentioned, but they can slow someone down who is ready now. Simplifying might look like offering a short pre-baptism class, creating an immediate next step, or making space for same-day baptisms with discipleship to follow.
3. Train Your Team to Respond Well
When someone expresses interest in baptism, the person they talk to first matters more than we sometimes realize. That conversation is both theologically and emotionally significant, and having a team that can respond with warmth, clarity, and confidence creates a consistent and supportive experience for everyone who takes that step.
One simple way to support this is by creating a clear, easy-to-understand resource that explains what your church believes about baptism. A short handout with key Scriptures, a brief explanation, and next steps can help your team communicate consistently while also giving the person something they can reflect on after the conversation.
4. Offer Baptism More Frequently
Many churches schedule baptisms a few times a year, which works well in normal seasons. But as interest in baptism rises, flexibility becomes increasingly important. It is worth considering whether you can create more opportunities throughout the year, or whether your church should adopt the posture to baptize someone when they are ready, rather than when the calendar allows.
5. Be Ready for the Moment
This may sound simple, but it makes a real difference. Keep extra clothes, towels, and anything someone might need for baptism on hand. You never know when someone will be ready to take that step.
6. Invite People to Share Testimonies
Baptism can feel mysterious and intimidating to some, and that’s okay. When people share their personal stories of faith, it helps remove that uncertainty. It puts language to the journey, makes the step feel more tangible, and reminds others that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.
7. Consider joining a movement like Baptize the World.
Throughout May, Baptize the World hosts multiple baptism gatherings that churches can be part of, whether by hosting an event or simply participating. It is a simple way to create momentum, celebrate stories at scale, and remind your people that what God is doing in your church is part of something much bigger.
A Moment Worth Preparing For
Your church may already be seeing this rise in baptism interest firsthand. Or you may be a season away from it. Either way, the preparation looks the same. Make baptism clear, accessible, and connected to a genuine pathway of ongoing discipleship.
If you want to make sure your systems are ready to support that growth, Tithely can help you track engagement, follow up consistently, and keep people connected from their first expression of interest all the way into community.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
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