9 Worship Songs for Baptism Services (Celebrating New Life in Christ)

Planning songs for a baptism service is a unique challenge. You are not just choosing songs that sound good, you are choosing songs that help your church celebrate salvation, declare new life, and remember the gospel.

Done well, your baptism songs help the whole room participate in the story that is unfolding in the water – moving from death to life, from old to new, from fear to freedom in Christ.

Why These Songs Work for Baptism Services

These songs tend to make baptism moments powerful because they:

• Celebrate salvation clearly. Lyrics focus on rescue, grace, and the finished work of Jesus.
• Tell a before-and-after story. They give language to what is happening in the lives of those being baptized.
• Are easy to sing. Strong, memorable melodies help the whole church join in the moment.
• Carry a joyful tone. Even when they mention sin and death, they resolve in victory and hope.

Use this list as a starting point for your next baptism service, then shape the set around your congregation, your space, and the stories you are celebrating.

9 Worship Songs for Baptism Services

1. Glorious Day – High energy and testimony-driven. Perfect for celebrating the moment someone steps out of the water into a new life in Christ.
2. Graves Into Gardens – A strong declaration that God turns death into life and shame into glory – a clear picture of what baptism represents.
3. Living Hope – Centers the room on the cross and resurrection, reminding everyone that baptism points to the empty grave.
4. Death Was Arrested – Tells the story of the gospel from death to freedom with a powerful, joyful chorus that fits perfectly after baptisms.
5. This Is Amazing Grace – Accessible, familiar, and focused on the finished work of Jesus. Great as an opener or mid-set anthem.
6. Who You Say I Am – Helps new believers declare their identity in Christ – chosen, not forsaken, a child of God.
7. House Of The Lord – A joyful, upbeat song that invites the whole church to celebrate together what God is doing in your midst.
8. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Connects the classic language of grace with a modern chorus – powerful for multi-generational congregations.
9. Because He Lives – Reminds the church that our hope, courage, and future are secure because Jesus is alive.

Example Baptism Service Setlists

Setlist 1 (Testimony and Joy)

1. House Of The Lord – Celebrate and welcome the room into the joy of what God has done.
2. This Is Amazing Grace – Lift up the gospel clearly before any baptisms begin.
3. Graves Into Gardens – Sing about God turning death into life as people are baptized.
4. Glorious Day – End with a strong, joyful anthem of rescue and new life.

Setlist 2 (Story of the Gospel)

1. Living Hope – Start with the cross and resurrection front and center.
2. Death Was Arrested – Tell the story of grace and freedom as people prepare to be baptized.
3. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Give the room space to reflect on salvation and sing about grace.
4. Because He Lives – End by pointing to the hope and confidence we have for the future.

How to Use This List in Your Church

• Plan the moment, not just the songs. Decide where baptisms will fall in the service and how songs will support what is happening on stage.
• Connect songs to stories. Before or after a song, briefly highlight how the lyrics connect to the testimonies people are hearing.
• Keep lyrics visible. Make sure screens, slides, and tech are ready so guests and newer believers can follow along easily.
• Repeat key songs. Do not be afraid to use the same baptism songs multiple times a year so your church learns to sing them with confidence.

Next Steps

Look ahead to your next baptism Sunday and choose one of the setlists above as a starting point.

Then adjust the keys, arrangement, and flow to fit your band and your congregation. Over time you will build a reliable rotation of baptism songs that help your church celebrate every story of new life in Christ.