Baptism Resources for Pastors
Baptism Sunday is one of the most joyful Sundays of the year — and one of the most poorly explained. Pastors who give clear teaching before, during, and after baptism produce believers with a settled understanding of their identity in Christ.
These resources help you do the work of preparing candidates, conducting the ordinance, and giving them something tangible to take home.
Key KJV scriptures
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 2:38, 41 (KJV)
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Acts 8:36-38 (KJV)
"And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?… And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death."
Colossians 2:12 (KJV)
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God."
Practical pastoral guidance
What to teach in baptism class
Three sessions: (1) what baptism IS — a public profession of faith, an act of obedience, a picture of death and resurrection; (2) what baptism IS NOT — it does not save, does not replace conversion, does not transfer the church's faith into the candidate; (3) what to expect on the day — practical walkthrough, what to wear, what to say.
A simple testimony format
Ask each candidate to prepare three short paragraphs: (1) my life before Christ; (2) how Christ saved me; (3) what He has done since. Two minutes spoken. Practice it in baptism class.
The words at the baptism
Most Baptist churches use the formula: 'Upon your profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I baptize you, [name], in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Buried with Christ in baptism — raised to walk in newness of life.'
Children and baptism
Most Baptist pastors will not baptize before a child can clearly articulate the gospel and their own faith — usually around 8–10 years old, though it varies. Resist parental pressure to baptize too early. Wait until the child can give their own testimony in their own words.
Companion resources
Frequently asked questions
Should I baptize on demand or in scheduled services?
Both. Scheduled baptism Sundays serve the body; on-the-spot baptisms (like the Ethiopian eunuch) honor genuine spontaneous faith. Make space for both.