Baptism is a powerful, living picture of the gospel.

On April 12, North Carolina Baptists are participating in Fill the Tank, a special statewide emphasis designed to help new believers take their next step of faith. Join the movement and find resources for your church at FillTheTankNC.org. This year, resources are also available in Spanish at sumergetenc.org. 

Why baptism is central to our witness

Baptism represents one of the most significant celebrations in Baptist life. The Baptist Faith and Message describes baptism this way:

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.

As worship leaders plan for Fill the Tank Sunday, consider how your service can make baptism more meaningful and memorable, to be a true celebration of what God has done in each person’s life.

Here are creative ideas for your baptism service:

Video testimonies

Prerecorded testimony videos offer a powerful way to share each person’s story in a clear, compelling format. This approach also provides a smooth transition as individuals enter the baptistry. Through intentional questions, these videos can present the gospel message in ways that impact every hearer.

Alternative baptism locations

Consider holding baptisms in a lake, river or other outdoor venue to create a special gathering.

Fill the Tank T-shirts

Present each person being baptized with a Fill the Tank T-shirt they can wear as both a personal reminder and a witness to friends. Order T-shirts here.

Congregational response through song

Lead the congregation in testimonial songs that help them remember their own salvation and celebrate the joy it has brought. Consider baptism-specific hymns like “Baptized in Water” or contemporary songs that emphasize new life in Christ.

Involve key relationships

Invite family members and others instrumental in the person’s faith journey to stand during the baptism, or ask the newly baptized person to choose someone significant to their faith to pray for them afterward.

Multiservice communication

For churches with multiple services, ensure all congregations can participate in the celebration by sharing testimony videos and informing everyone about the baptism service schedule.

Scripture reading

Include family members in the service by inviting them to read relevant Scripture passages.

Congregational covenant

Invite the congregation to publicly covenant to pray for and support each newly baptized person in their discipleship.

Light a candle

Following baptism, light a candle as a visual reminder that each believer is called to shine the light of the gospel to the world around them.

Celebration reception

Host a reception following the service to continue the celebration and welcome new believers into the church family.

Anniversary recognition

Establish a practice of recognizing baptism anniversaries through cards, calls or visits. Use these touchpoints to encourage ongoing discipleship.

Fill the Tank resources

Download the new Fill the Tank 2026 artwork and graphics at FillTheTankNC.org to promote the emphasis throughout your church. These resources help build anticipation and encourage your congregation to pray and prepare for April 12.

Explore additional baptism resources here:

By Kenny Lamm, N.C. Baptist Worship Ministries Strategist