"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'" — Matthew 3:13-17

In scripture we see Jesus being water baptized before his public ministry begins. While this story may be one we’ve heard often, it is a powerful one to examine further as it applies to modern life as a believer.

We first notice that John feels he should object. It’s easily understandable why. I would probably feel the same way! An imperfect man baptizing the perfect Son of God. Yet, Jesus explains —  “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

What is being fulfilled?

Jesus is the fulfillment, the promise of prophecies from the Old Testament. His baptism is a marking moment on the road to redemption. His choice to be baptized signifies his decision to be counted as if he was a sinner. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Time and time again, scripture reminds us that we are followers of Jesus. We are called to model our lives to follow his words and his way. Jesus’ baptism encourages us to take the same step of faith.

THE PURPOSE

Every baptism is an individual step in the journey, each one representing a testimony that we get to celebrate collectively as a church. We believe there is power in celebrating people’s faith journey in community.

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At VOUS, we host multiple baptisms a year, once every several months, giving people the opportunity to make a public declaration of an inward decision.

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We currently host baptisms at two locations:

• A local state beach
• Our VOUS SoMi location after every service

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THE PLAN

A strong baptism celebration requires a strong plan.

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The Team

Within the team, there are different roles. No role is more important than the other, whether handing out T-Shirts, or directing a line each person plays a huge part in making baptisms special.

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Baptism Team Leader:

• Works alongside the I Love My City Director to plan and coordinate all details for each baptism.
• Hosts a Zoom or in-person team meeting the Thursday before Baptisms.
• Plans all operational and logistical aspects of the day.
• Works closely with Operations, Environments, and Production teams.

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Baptism MCs:

• The MCs will lead the ministry moment at the start of each baptism slot and throughout.
• Encourage the crowd to cheer on those being baptized.

• Choose 1 person to share their testimony.

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Baptizers:

• These individuals will be in the water performing the baptisms. They will follow the baptism script.
• Have people enter the water and ask them to sit with their legs crossed. Be sure that there is room behind them to go backward.
• If the person is a female, have the female baptizer ask all questions and conduct the baptism. If the person is a male, have the male baptizer conduct the baptism.‍

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Head Coach:

• The Head Coach functions as the Baptism Coordinator.
• This person oversees their specific service.
• They will have access to all contact information for those being baptized.
• Ensure all things are running smoothly for the service they are coordinating. They will also lead the team huddle.
• Keep high communication with Baptism MCs, Baptizers and Baptism Team.

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Referee:

• The Referee will function as A-Team and will assist Baptism Coordinators with set-up and ensure that people know where to go when they arrive.
• They will also oversee attendance, manage certificates, and t-shirts
• Let each person know what line to join.
• Note: Someone must be 12 years and older to get baptized. If not, please direct child and parent to a VOUS Kids leader to discuss Child Dedication and/or potential baptism.

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Quarterbacks:

• This role will assist with line control at each section.
• This person directs the person getting baptized to the receiver on the stage to enter the tank.
• Flow should allow for one-way to enter tanks and a different path for exiting.
• Ensure everyone is following safety guidelines.

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Receivers:

• This role will be assigned to help people in and out of the tank and help direct the line.
• Must be attentive to those getting baptized and help with any quality control.
• This person receives each person getting baptized from the Quarterback.

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Guard:

• This role will be assigned to help people off the stage down the center stage.
• Must be attentive to those getting baptized and help with any quality control.
• This person receives each person getting baptized from the Receiver.

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The Event

We don’t practice on people. We care about the details of the day, knowing that as we set up an excellent experience, we are preparing the way for people to experience God.

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One of the most important parts of baptism is equipping our baptizers and hosts with clear language. You can check out this guide for key language.

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Whether you’re starting baptisms for the first time in your community, or updating your current baptisms play, we’re believing that the Holy Spirit will be with you as you continue to partner with him.