26,000 Baptized Across U.S. in Largest Mass Baptism Event in American History
by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
Pirate’s Cove, CA (Worthy News) – In a historic display of unity and spiritual awakening, more than 26,000 people were baptized across the United States on Pentecost Sunday, marking what organizers say is the largest synchronized baptism event in American history.
The movement, known as Baptize America, brought together over 650 churches from all 50 states in a coordinated effort to declare their faith in Jesus through water baptism publicly. The initiative represents a significant expansion of Baptize California, which began in 2022 with 4,000 baptisms and grew to over 6,000 last year.
“The prayer of Jesus in John was that we would become one,” said Pastor Mark Francey, one of the event’s organizers. “And I think that’s what we’re seeing right now — a unity around what we all agree on, which is water baptism.”
The national campaign traces its roots to a vision birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when church gatherings were restricted and many believers felt isolated. Francey and a group of West Coast pastors began dreaming of a statewide baptism movement that would help reignite spiritual hunger. That vision became Baptize California — a decentralized model that empowered local churches to host baptisms simultaneously across the state.
Inspired by the momentum and growing demand from leaders in other regions, the movement expanded into Baptize America in 2024. Its mission: to see mass water baptisms in every state, uniting believers around the simple act of obedience that transcends denominational lines.
The heart of this year’s event took place at Pirate’s Cove, a beach etched into American church history. Once the site of mass baptisms during the 1970s Jesus Movement led by Pastor Chuck Smith — an era portrayed in the film Jesus Revolution — the beach again became a sacred stage for revival.
For many participants, the moment was deeply personal.
“It felt like God was there — just amazing,” said Kaili Newby, who was among the thousands baptized.
Gabriel, another participant, described how his decision surprised his mother and marked a dramatic turn in his life.
“If it wasn’t for her prayers, and if it wasn’t for God’s grace, I would either be dead or in jail because of the activities I was involved with in the Middle East,” he said.
Jorge Gonzalez, baptized alongside his brother, called the experience transformative: “God was pulling all my heartstrings. I had to come out here and finally accept Jesus as my Savior. And today was the perfect opportunity.”
Volunteers like Alissa Circle said they were moved by witnessing so many lives changed in a single day. “I really think the coolest part about being out there is just experiencing people experiencing Jesus,” she said.
Francey sees this not as a conclusion, but a beginning. “It’s just getting started,” he said. “Our belief is that what happens at this beach will go to the ends of the earth.”