Largest Single-Day Baptism In America Stuns Nation
In what is being described as the largest single-day baptism in U.S. history, more than 7,750 people were baptized on Saturday in the Pacific Ocean along Huntington Beach, California.
The massive event, known as Baptize California, was led by Pastor Mark Francey and organized by Oceans Church. It brought together a crowd of approximately 30,000 people and involved participation from over 300 churches statewide.
People of all ages stepped into the ocean or used portable baptism pools stationed on the beach to publicly affirm their faith. Addressing the gathered crowd, Pastor Francey said, “You were part of history today — the largest water baptism event in America.” He then challenged attendees to believe that similar spiritual awakenings could occur in other states.
This year’s turnout surpassed last year’s total of 6,000 baptisms and is seen by organizers as a stepping stone to an even larger campaign. The follow-up event, Baptize America, is scheduled for June 8 — Pentecost Sunday — and aims to mobilize churches across the nation to participate in what is being called the most extensive synchronized baptism effort in history.
The initiative seeks to inspire a collective spiritual renewal, with organizers emphasizing unity across denominational lines. “This is bigger than any one church,” the campaign’s website states. “It’s about fulfilling the Great Commission — together.”
The Huntington Beach gathering included live worship music from well-known Christian artists like Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Bethel Music, creating a vibrant, worshipful atmosphere throughout the day.
One particularly moving moment came when a 71-year-old woman named Joanne was baptized after decades of consideration. Pastor Francey personally prayed over her during the baptism, asking for her transformation through Christ to be complete.
Looking ahead to the June event, organizers are rallying churches from every state to participate. “Our goal is to flood communities nationwide with public declarations of faith,” Francey explained. “If revival can begin in California, it can happen anywhere — even globally.”
Francey shared that the vision for this movement began two years ago while he was praying. He felt called to champion baptism as a way to energize and unify the local church. The plan, he says, is not only to host large events but to help participants stay connected afterward.
Everyone baptized through Baptize California will receive access to resources that can guide them toward a local congregation for ongoing spiritual growth. According to Francey, the ultimate objective isn’t simply high attendance — it’s long-term church engagement and discipleship.
“We’re not just showing up for a big day and then disappearing,” he said. “This is about strengthening the Church and helping people find a home in a local community of believers.”
Francey concluded by emphasizing his long-term hope: to see Pentecost Sunday become an annual global celebration of baptism, echoing the birth of the early Church in the Book of Acts — where bold preaching led to 3,000 people accepting the faith and being baptized on the same day.