On Pentecost Sunday, tens of thousands of new believers across the United States made a public declaration of faith in what organisers hailed as the largest synchronised baptism event in American history.
The one-day initiative saw at least 26,657 individuals baptised and 6,445 salvations recorded across 1,080 baptism events hosted by 650 churches in all 50 states, according to preliminary numbers.
Organisers expect those figures to rise with 10% of host churches still to report their numbers at last count.
The baptisms took place in a wide variety of areas — from small rural churches to outdoor locations like Pirates Cove in Southern California.
In Colorado Springs, Zeal Church held baptisms indoors at the large Citadel Mall shopping centre with hundreds of onlookers.
“IT WAS ABOUT LAUNCHING PEOPLE INTO A LIFE WITH JESUS”
The Baptize America event was the brainchild of Oceans Church Pastor Mark Francey who has previously helped organise three other mass baptism events in California.
Those gatherings also saw thousands baptised.
“This wasn’t just about a moment in the water; it was about launching people into a life with Jesus, surrounded by a community that can help them grow,” Pastor Francey declared.
“We witnessed countless personal transformations and families baptised together; it was a movement of hope.”
“The prayer of Jesus in [the Book of] John was that we would become one, and I think that’s what we’re seeing right now — a unity around what we all agree on, which is water baptism.”
ORIGINS OF US MASS BAPTISMS
The event grew out of Baptize California which began two years ago with 4,000 baptisms. That number jumped to more than 6,000 last year.
This year’s nationwide expansion culminated in a massive gathering at Pirate’s Cove — a beach with deep spiritual roots.
It’s the same site where Pastor Chuck Smith conducted mass baptisms during the 1970s Jesus Movement, as portrayed in the 2023 film Jesus Revolution.
“IT FELT LIKE GOD WAS THERE. JUST AMAZING!”
For those present, the event was more than a celebration or milestone. It was a deeply personal spiritual experience.
“It felt like God was there. Just amazing!” said Kaili Newby, who was one of the thousands baptised.
Gabriel surprised his mother by taking part.
“If it wasn’t for her prayers and if it wasn’t for God’s grace, I would either be dead or in jail because that’s the activities I was involved with in the Middle East,” he reflected.
“GOD WAS PULLING ALL MY HEARTSTRINGS”
Jorge Gonzalez, who was baptised alongside his brother, described the moment as transformative.
“God was pulling all my heartstrings,” he said.
“I had to come out here and finally accept Jesus as my Saviour. And today was the perfect opportunity.”
Volunteers echoed the emotional power of the day.
“I really think that the coolest part about being out there is just experiencing people experiencing Jesus,” said volunteer Alissa Circle.
“THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING”
Pastor Francey believes this is just the beginning.
“Our belief is that what happens at this beach will go to the ends of the earth.”
His Oceans Church posted:
We gathered at historic Pirate’s Cove for Southern California’s Regional Baptism, joining with thousands of churches across America
Countless lives were forever changed as people publicly declared their faith in Jesus!
Here in SoCal, the presence of God was tangible testimonies, salvations, baptisms. Revival is here and He’s just getting started!
We are in awe of all God did across our nation this weekend. To Him be all the glory! ✨
‘BAPTIZE AMERICA’ TO BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT
Pastor Francey announced that Baptize America will become an annual event held on Pentecost Sunday.
“We believe Pentecost Sunday will be marked yearly by revival, renewal, and restoration across America,” he predicted
“Our heart was to unite the local church, to work together, to really reach our world, and then to build a kingdom by connecting all of these people that are making a decision to get connected to the local church”
“GOD IS NOT DONE WITH AMERICA AND CALIFORNIA”
He told Crosswalk Headlines: “For us, the win isn’t the count of how many got baptised.”
“It’s going to be how that translates into how we are getting people connected to the local church.”
“God is not done with America and California,” he asserted.
“In the 1960s, revival followed campus riots and national division. Light shines brightest in the dark windows of time.”
“If this can happen in California, it can spread across America.”
