Fill the Tank - Sunday, April 12, 2026 - NC Baptists

Baptism is a powerful, living picture of the gospel. On April 12 North Carolina Baptists are participating in Fill the Tank, a special statewide emphasis designed to help new believers take their next step of faith. Join the movement and find resources for your church at FillTheTankNC.org. 

Below, I have compiled some resources and ideas below to help you in planning a memorable service that day.

Kenny

Baptism represents one of the most significant celebrations in Baptist life. The Baptist Faith and Message describes baptism this way:

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.

As worship leaders, we should strive to make baptisms more memorable for our people–to really celebrate the occasion. Here are a few ideas you can incorporate in your baptism services. Please add your ideas in the comments to share with others.

Here are creative ideas for your baptism service:

Video testimonies
Pre-recorded testimony videos offer a powerful way to share each person’s story in a clear, compelling format. This approach also provides a smooth transition as individuals enter the baptistry. Through intentional questions, these videos can present the gospel message in ways that impact every hearer.

Alternative baptism locations
Consider holding baptisms in a lake, river, or other outdoor venue to create a special gathering.

Fill the Tank t-shirts
Present each person being baptized with a Fill the Tank t-shirt they can wear as both a personal reminder and a witness to friends. Order t-shirts here.

Congregational response through song
Lead the congregation in testimonial songs that help them remember their own salvation and celebrate the joy it has brought. Consider baptism-specific hymns like “Baptized in Water” or contemporary songs that emphasize new life in Christ.

Involve key relationships
Invite family members and others instrumental in the person’s faith journey to stand during the baptism, or ask the newly baptized person to choose someone significant to their faith to pray for them afterward.

Multi-service communication
For churches with multiple services, ensure all congregations can participate in the celebration by sharing testimony videos and informing everyone about the baptism service schedule.

Scripture reading
Include family members in the service by inviting them to read relevant scripture passages.

Congregational covenant
Invite the congregation to publicly covenant to pray for and support each newly baptized person in their discipleship.

Light a candle
Following baptism, light a candle as a visual reminder that each believer is called to shine the light of the gospel to the world around them.

Celebration reception
Host a reception following the service to continue the celebration and welcome new believers into the church family.

Anniversary recognition
Establish a practice of recognizing baptism anniversaries through cards, calls, or visits. Use these touchpoints to encourage ongoing discipleship.

Additional Resources

Lots of resources at the FillTheTankNC.org website.

Baptist Faith and Message: Article 7a: Baptism – commentary on Baptist beliefs about baptism.

Baptism Service Planning Guide (click here for Spanish guide) – a downloadable resource from the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

Resources for Baptism Sunday – a NAMB resource.

Baptism and Worship – some thoughts from Bob Kauflin on his blog, Worship Matters.

Worship Ideas on the Sacrament of Baptism –  while this comes from a different tradition from Baptists, it has some great ideas that you may wish to incorporate in your service.

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Please add ideas to share with others in the comments.