Top Worship Songs for Baptism 2023

Worship songs you can sing during water baptism services. 

Let's set the scene: you get given the heads-up that next Sunday is going to be a baptism service at your church. Naturally, you start to stress a little bit. As a worship leader, putting together a strong setlist week after week is stressful enough - but, for somebody getting baptized, this service is going to be a memory they cherish for the rest of their lives. It isn't just a turning point in their faith journeys, it is a celebration that their closest family and friends might be attending.

So... how do you put together the right worship songs that can encapsulate the momentous celebration of being baptized?

This article discusses what to look for in songs for a baptism church service, and also provides several suggestions for your setlist. To browse sheet music and tutorials, check out Worship Artistry.

The Role of Worship in Baptism

Baptism is a very special moment for a follower of God. It is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ, a celebration of forgiveness of sins, and an invitation for the holy spirit to enter one's life. As a transformation takes place, the church rallies around the baptized individual, commemorating everything that has occurred in their life to get them to this moment. 

Naturally, this experience creates a powerful moment of worship to praise the Lord for the resurrection, for Christ's sacrifice, for the gift of renewal, and for being set free from sins. It's a beautiful moment, and leading praise is an impactful opportunity for both the person being baptized and the church as a whole to reflect on these important things.

Choosing the right song has the opportunity to support those moments and help others connect with their Lord. Getting to lead that experience is a blessing, and using your gift of music to curate a meaningful baptism service is an honor.

How to Choose a Song for Baptism

Let's discuss how you should approach selecting worship songs you can sing during water baptism services. Consider what baptism is all about: being washed clean by God and His mercy, dedicating yourself to a life walking alongside Jesus Christ, and gratitude for the sacrifices that have saved your life. Search for Christian song selections that explore themes of renewal, commitment, and dedication. Don't get overwhelmed by the pressure to pick the 'right song'. At the end of the day, your job as a worship leader is to help the congregation praise Jesus and build a setlist that complements the service as a whole.

Collaboration is Key

Let's alleviate some of the pressure: this service isn't all on your shoulders! Discuss your setlist ideas with other people involved to determine what could be the best song options. There are several people you can go to for ideas and opinions as you put together a baptism worship setlist. Your band will likely have preferences and certain strengths they might want to highlight. Likewise, your lead pastor will likely have a particular message they're communicating during this service that could spark more ideas. 

Also - chat with the individual getting baptized! For all you know, they may have a meaningful song they would like to have played. They may love Mark Hall songs or a particular affection for a particular Hillsong piece. 

Our Picks for Baptism Songs 2023

This I Believe by Hillsong Worship

Build My Life by Pat Barrett

Not Ashamed by Passion

Thank You God For Saving Me by Chris Tomlin

In The River by Jesus Culture

All Things New by Hillsong Worship

New Wine by Hillsong Worship

Made Alive by Citizens

The Stand by Hillsong United

Make Room by The Church Will Sing

Found In You by Vertical Worship

Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise) by Hillsong Worship

Come To The Water by Passion

Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship

God You're So Good by Passion

Holy Water by We The Kingdom

Alive In You by Jesus Culture

Have It All by Bethel Music 

I Surrender by Hillsong Worship

Jesus Take All of Me (Just As I Am)  by Brenton Brown  

And the possibilities don’t end there! Jump over to Worship Artistry to explore more songs for your next baptism service.

Elevate Your Worship Leading Skills with Worship Artistry

Here at Worship Artistry, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping worship leaders all over the globe to sharpen their skills, expand their repertoire of songs, and find greater confidence in their musical abilities.

We’ve got tutorials, sheet music, and lyrics readily available for a wide range of Christian music. Praise songs, worship songs, hymns – you name it, you can probably find it in the Worship Artistry Range. Our online worship teaching resource features 5-piece, label-approved arrangements and technique lessons for guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. With over 600 songs by over 100 artists, you can better your abilities and find appropriate songs for every worship service in the year.