A Southern California evangelistic organization, “Baptize California,” hopes to make the record books, glorify God, and change thousands of people’s lives May 18-19–at once. The goal is the world’s largest synchronized baptism.

Last year, 280 churches and 4,166 people participated in an unusual baptism. It took place at Corona del Mar, California, on the 50th anniversary of the “Jesus Revolution” movement. In 2024, the organization behind that significant moment seeks a lofty distinction for the symbolic event.

Then named “Baptize SoCal,” the 2023 baptism organized by Oceans Church in Pirates Cove was advertised as “the biggest water baptism in history.”

 

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The Instagram post shows that Baptize SoCal was a rousing success, with more than 8,000 people in attendance. Jesus was alive and well on the West Coast as the thousands of baptisms touched everyone.

Oceans Church Worship Leader Daniel Mamora said of the “incredible” experience, “I was sitting on top of the cliff watching the baptisms and there’s a staircase in order to get down if you want to get baptized and literally, there was a whole line right there and then all of a sudden, the line just goes around into the parking lot, it wasn’t just people wanting to come in and witness but people wanting to get baptized, that blew me away!”

Today, Baptize SoCal is expanding its sights as “Baptize California.” The goal is to reach across the state to create “the world’s largest synchronized baptism.” The faith-based organization hopes to have thousands more attend this year on May 18 and 19 to do it a little differently.

Why? God has more work to do.

A Matter of Record

Baptize California and Oceans Church published a news release to discuss the massive synchronized baptism. The goal is to unite the Body of Christ and declare the work of the Lord.

“God is not done with America, and we are convinced that if we can unite the Church and turn fully back to Jesus, He will heal our land.”

Mark Francey, Lead Pastor of Oceans Church

The two organizations are contacting churches statewide to participate in the free Pentecost Sunday event. The request is for pastors to bring of bus of believers to watch and cheer or bring a few more to get baptized and declare their faith off the Huntington Beach shoreline near the Baptize California headquarters.

Thousands of people will be baptized at once amidst worship by sunset and Christians cheering loudly over the crashing waves. If some churches can’t attend in person, they are encouraged to sign up through the website as a “host church” and perform their baptisms in time with those in the Pacific.

Aside from ecumenical differences about baptism versus christening, Guinness World Records lists the world’s most significant baptism on September 7, 2019, in Ciudad de Victoria, Philippines. Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ, rented out the Phillippine Arena and baptized 18,272 people.

Guinness’ listing states, “Participants completed 25 biblical lessons and attended worship services for a minimum of six months as the church’s requirements before being deemed eligible” for baptism.

The synchronicity is the novelty. Getting churches to baptize at the same time, whether in person at the Huntington Beach location or not, will be the reason this attempt will make the record books and archive them forever in print.

For Pastor Francey, that is an angle God provided.

“God has more in store for California, as evident in the increasing resurgence and spiritual hunger among individuals and churches in the state, fostering a sense of unity and promoting widespread spiritual awakening.”

The Baptize California website describes God’s glory “sweeping across the shorelines of the entire state,” and every church united to pursue “the fulfillment of the Great Commission.”

If you’re interested in hosting or joining the statewide event, Oceans Church and Baptism California has shared a documentary about last year’s 50th anniversary celebration, “Live from the Cove.”

Churches wanting to join or get involved should sign up by Pentecost Sunday, May 19. For additional information about upcoming events or to sign up to host a Baptize California baptism at your church, visit BaptizeCalifornia.com.

If you plan on driving or flying there, the two organizations created a complete Spotify playlist for the ride. If you have a moment and want to be part of a life-changing vacation event, plan on joining Pastor Francey shoreside on May 18 and 19.