Baptism service script for a believer

A believer baptism service includes a profession of faith, baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and prayer with the church. The script below follows believer baptism by immersion, with the church’s own preparation before the service.

Print and slides

Download the ProPresenter text file for text import. Congregational words use two phrase lines per slide. Instructions for the leader stay in the PDF.

Choose the church’s approved practice

This script follows a Baptist profession of faith and immersion. Churches that baptize infants or use a different rite should use their own authorized service. The Baptist Faith and Message, article VII, identifies believer baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances; Matthew 28:19 gives the Trinitarian baptismal command.

Prepare the candidate

Meet before the service to hear the person’s profession and explain what will happen. Ask permission before publishing a testimony, photograph or recording. A child needs the church’s child-protection procedures and appropriate parental involvement. Keep medical or access details out of the public testimony.

Rehearse the movement

Walk through entry, standing position and exit without rushing. Check water temperature, a dry route to the changing area and the sound plan. Keep electrical equipment away from water and have the building’s responsible staff approve the setup. Choose helpers for access needs before the service begins.

Record the baptism

Confirm the person’s name and the date for the church register. Give the candidate a copy of any certificate and explain the next step toward church membership under your church’s rules. Ask separately for consent to publish a photo. After checking the register entry, use the free baptism certificate maker for the candidate’s printed record.

Before entering the water

Confirm the candidate has professed faith and completed the church's preparation. Ask about access needs privately and rehearse entering and leaving the water.

Profession of faith

LeaderDo you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and do you trust him for the forgiveness of your sins?

The candidate answers: I do.

LeaderWill you follow him with this congregation, hearing his Word and serving his people?

The candidate answers: With God's help, I will.

Do you confess Jesus Christas your Lord and Savior,

Leader

and do you trust himfor the forgiveness of your sins?

Leader

Baptism

Use the candidate's name before the formula below. This script follows believer baptism by immersion. Follow your church's approved baptismal practice.

LeaderI baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Baptize the candidate, then help them stand and leave the water safely.

I baptize you in the name of the Fatherand of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader

Welcome and prayer

LeaderChurch, will you pray for our brother or sister and help them follow Christ?

PeopleWith God's help, we will.

Prayer Father, thank you for saving us through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our brother or sister to walk in faith, and help us care for them as your people. Amen.

Church, will you pray for our brotheror sister and help them follow Christ?

Leader

With God's help,we will.

People

Prepare the service

Replace the candidate’s name before printing. Rehearse entering and leaving the water, confirm the microphone placement and keep a towel within reach.

Sources and permission

Church Posting wrote these prayers and responses, which churches may copy and adapt freely.