Baptism stories
PHONE VIDEO WINS: SHARING BAPTISM STORIES
A short, honest testimony shot on a phone often reaches more people than a polished production.
Updated
Nothing your church posts all year will mean more than someone saying, in their own words, why they're getting baptized. And you don't need a camera crew to share it well. Church media teams keep finding that honest beats polished.
Ask first, every time
Before you film anyone, ask. Before you post, show them the video and ask again. For anyone under 18, get a parent's okay too. Some people will say no, and that's fine. Celebrate them in the room instead.
Film the short version
The week before, sit down with the person somewhere quiet and ask one or two questions:
- "What was life like before you followed Jesus?"
- "Why did you decide to get baptized?"
Hold the phone vertically, stand close, and face them toward a window for good light. Thirty to ninety seconds is plenty. You can always trim.
Post it with care
- Add captions so people can follow with the sound off.
- Use their first name only unless they tell you otherwise.
- Don't put the caption to work selling anything. Let the story be the story. "We're so proud of Jenna" is enough.
- Reply to every comment. Their friends and family will show up, and many of them don't go to church.
Then ask the next person. A baptism story often brings the next one.