On May 3, 2025, the sunlit shores of Huntington Beach, California, bore witness to a historic spiritual awakening. In an unprecedented event, over 7,750 individuals were baptized in a single day, marking the largest mass baptism in American history. Dubbed “Baptize California,” this monumental gathering drew approximately 30,000 attendees from more than 300 churches across the state, all united in a profound expression of faith.
The event was orchestrated by Oceans Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Francey. Participants of all ages and backgrounds publicly professed their faith through baptisms conducted both in the Pacific Ocean and in portable baptisteries set up along the beach. The atmosphere was electric, filled with worship, music, and a palpable sense of community.
Pastor Francey addressed the massive crowd, proclaiming, “You were part of the largest water baptism in American history. Who thinks that God could do it in the other states of America?” His words resonated with many, igniting a vision for a nationwide spiritual revival.
The event featured performances by prominent Christian artists, including Bethel Music, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Their music provided a soundtrack to the day’s profound moments, as individuals took the significant step of baptism.
Among the thousands baptized was a 71-year-old woman named Joanne, who shared with organizers that she had considered baptism for four decades but never followed through. Pastor Francey baptized her in the Pacific Ocean, saying, “We pray that you would rise up out of these waters with a new nature and a new life.”
The diversity of participants was striking. Organizers recounted stories of individuals from all walks of life—those with ankle monitors, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals in wheelchairs—being baptized. This inclusivity underscored the event’s message: faith and transformation are accessible to all.
The success of Baptize California has set the stage for an even more ambitious endeavor: Baptize America. Scheduled for June 8, 2025, coinciding with Pentecost Sunday, this initiative aims to unite thousands of churches across the United States in what is described as “the largest synchronized baptism in history.” Organizers hope to replicate the unity and spiritual fervor witnessed in California on a national scale.
The choice of Pentecost Sunday is symbolic, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles—a moment often associated with the birth of the Christian Church. By aligning Baptize America with this date, organizers emphasize the event’s spiritual significance and its potential to catalyze a nationwide revival.
Pastor Francey envisions this movement as a unifying force for the Church in America. “This is not about any single church. It’s about churches across the nation united, pursuing the fulfillment of the Great Commission,” he stated. The goal is to transcend denominational lines, focusing on the shared belief in the transformative power of baptism.
To facilitate ongoing spiritual growth, each person baptized at the events hosted by Baptize California received resources from an online database to help them connect with a local church of their choice. This approach ensures that the decision to be baptized is the beginning of a sustained journey of faith within a supportive community.
The momentum generated by Baptize California reflects a broader trend of spiritual resurgence in the United States. Movements like UniteUS are witnessing similar revivals on college campuses, indicating a widespread hunger for spiritual connection and renewal.
As the nation looks ahead to Baptize America, the hope is that the unity and passion displayed in Huntington Beach will inspire communities across the country. Organizers believe that if such a revival can happen in California, it can happen anywhere, spreading a message of hope, transformation, and unity.
In the words of the Baptize America campaign, “Our nation and the nations of the earth will bear witness that God is not done with America. It will be saved.” This bold declaration encapsulates the movement’s vision: a nationwide awakening rooted in faith, community, and the enduring power of baptism.
