Evangelical baptism as a guest

01 Before the day

Evangelical, Southern Baptist, non-denominational, and Pentecostal baptisms are believer's baptisms by immersion. The candidate has made a personal profession of faith and is now publicly declaring it through baptism. The candidate is typically an older child, teen, or adult; infants are not baptized in this tradition (the family equivalent for an infant is child dedication).

The setting may be an indoor baptistry inside the church (a built-in water pool, common in Baptist church buildings) or an outdoor setting (a river, lake, ocean, or swimming pool, common among newer non-denominational and contemporary congregations). The family or the church is the source for the specific setting.

02 Attire

Smart-casual is typical for an indoor church baptism. For outdoor baptisms (a river, lake, or ocean), more casual attire is appropriate; comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground, sand, or grass. The family or the church is the source for the specific dress expectations.

03 The gift

Practice varies. Some evangelical congregations and families have a tradition of marking believer's baptism with a small gift (a Bible, a Christian book, a small piece of religious art, a baptism-themed memento). Others do not. Close family typically gives a more substantial gift; other guests often simply attend.

04 At the ceremony

The baptism is most commonly part of a regular Sunday service of the congregation, often after the music and before or after the sermon. The pastor calls the candidate(s) forward.

The candidate gives a brief personal testimony (one to five minutes, describing how they came to personal faith in Christ); some churches pre-record this on video. The pastor then asks a profession-of-faith question, typically along the lines of "Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"; the candidate answers "I do" or similar. The pastor then immerses the candidate fully in the baptistry, formula: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The candidate is immersed once.

The gathered congregation typically applauds or worships as the candidate comes up out of the water. Multiple candidates baptized at the same service is common; each takes about three to five minutes.

Pentecostal congregations may add: prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, laying on of hands by the pastor and others, prophetic words. Where these are part of the service, the pastor or worship leader will direct guests on what to do.

05 The reception

The family commonly hosts a small reception or meal following the baptism. The reception is informal; the family is the source for the specific arrangements.