For the last several years, North Carolina Baptists have seen God use one particular Sunday to spark gospel conversations, awaken bold faith and lead many to publicly declare new life in Christ through baptism.
That’s what we look forward to every Fill the Tank Sunday, a statewide baptism emphasis happening this year on April 12. Every N.C. Baptist church across the state is invited to participate.
Fill the Tank Sunday is set aside to celebrate what God is already doing — transforming lives through the gospel — and to act in faith by calling people to respond in obedience through baptism. Churches boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus, trust the Holy Spirit to move and invite believers to take their first step of obedience and discipleship.
Last year, God answered those prayers. More than 1,740 individuals across North Carolina publicly professed their faith in Christ through baptism during Fill the Tank. This year, we’re praying for even more.
Why Fill the Tank?
Baptism is a beginning, not the finish line. As Jesus commanded, we are called to “teach them to obey” all that He has commanded.
Churches can prepare now to walk faithfully with newly baptized believers by helping them grow in biblical literacy and develop healthy spiritual habits; teaching them how to read and respond to Scripture for themselves; and pairing them with mature disciple makers who can offer intentional guidance and encouragement.
Along the way, churches can also equip new believers to share their faith confidently, using simple tools and their own testimony to tell the story of what God has done in their lives. These steps help ensure baptism leads to lifelong discipleship and gospel impact.
Prepare through prayer
As churches prepare for April 12 (or a nearby Sunday), prayer continues to anchor and fuel evangelism and ministry efforts. Here are five ways churches can pray in the weeks leading up to Fill the Tank:
- Pray for open hearts — that people would be receptive to the gospel message (Luke 8:5-12).
- Pray for boldness — that believers would share the gospel clearly and confidently (Acts 4:29-31).
- Pray for gospel response — that many would hear the truth and respond in faith (Acts 2:37-41).
- Pray for obedience in baptism — that those who already trust Jesus would take the next step (Romans 6:1-4).
- Pray for ongoing fruit — that God would continue drawing people to Himself long after April 12 (Acts 2:41).
Will your church join us? Fill the baptistry, pool, or make plans to head to wherever you will hold baptisms, and trust God to save people between now and then.
What might God do if churches across North Carolina step out in faith together?
Let’s fill the tank and watch God change lives. Sign up and begin praying today to be part of what God is doing across our state. Find more resources and tools to help your church plan for Fill the Tank Sunday at fillthetanknc.org.
