Originally published in Thrive!News
A global baptism movement saw nearly 18 000 people publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday, as churches across 49 countries joined together for what organisers describe as one of the largest coordinated baptism efforts tied to a single global initiative.
According to organizers of Baptize The World, 17 910 baptisms were reported during the Pentecost gathering, with participation from more than 1 600 churches and representation from all 50 U.S. states. Leaders say those numbers are expected to grow as churches continue reporting baptisms in the days following the event.
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The worldwide gathering was anchored in Washington, DC, at the Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theater, where worship, testimonies, prayer, and livestreamed baptisms from around the globe created a unified celebration of faith.
Led by Pastors Mark and Rachelle Francey of Oceans Church, the event featured worship from Leeland, Tiffany Hudson, and Oceans Music, alongside testimonies of transformation and updates from churches participating worldwide.
“This was never about one event or one location,” Pastor Mark Francey said. “This was about the Body of Christ coming together around the world to lift up the name of Jesus and publicly declare new life through baptism.”
Special guests included Pastor Ken Wilde, Bishop Brett Fuller, and UniteUS founder Tonya Prewett. The event also featured a testimony from former mob figure Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, who shared about his personal transformation, as well as messages from ministry leaders including Christine Caine.
Reports and livestream footage came in from nations including Australia, Uganda, Pakistan, South Korea, Brazil, Romania, the Philippines, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Organisers highlighted baptisms in Tajikistan — where Christians represent less than 1% of the population — and a moment in Equatorial Guinea where nine siblings were baptised together.
The Pentecost gathering followed the momentum of Baptize California, held May 2 at Pirate’s Cove in Orange County, where more than 1 100 people were baptised in the Pacific Ocean during a large public worship event overlooking the coastline.
Since its launch in Southern California, the Baptize movement has expanded from regional beach gatherings to national and global efforts through initiatives such as Baptize California and Baptize America. Organizers report that more than 69 900 baptisms have taken place through the movement over the past several years.
“Pentecost Sunday is the perfect moment for this,” Francey said. “From Washington, DC, to nations around the world, we witnessed people saying yes to Jesus in ways that were visible, powerful, and deeply personal.”
Organisers are already preparing for next year’s event on Pentecost Sunday, May 16, 2027, encouraging churches and ministry leaders to begin planning for another worldwide day of baptism, worship, and public declarations of faith.
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