Many believers wonder if they possess the proper authority or spiritual standing to perform a baptism, often assuming the task belongs exclusively to ordained clergy or church staff. According to the Bible, the qualification to baptize is not based on a professional title or a degree in theology, but on one’s status as a follower of Jesus Christ. If you have surrendered your life to Jesus and understand the Great Commission, you are biblically authorized to baptize others as part of the mission to make disciples.
The Biblical Basis for the Great Commission
The primary biblical foundation for who can baptize is found in the final instructions Jesus gave to his followers. Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus issued what we call the Great Commission. He did not limit this command to a small group of “professional” leaders; rather, he gave it to the entire community of believers. Because Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth, he delegates the privilege of expanding his kingdom to every person who follows him.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 28:18-19)
When we read this passage, we see that the command to baptize is inextricably linked to the command to make disciples. If you are qualified to share the gospel and help someone grow in their faith, you are also qualified to perform the outward sign of that faith through baptism. This means a parent can baptize a child, a mentor can baptize a student, or a friend can baptize a neighbor.
The Example of Philip the Evangelist
We see a practical example of a “non-pastor” baptizing in the life of Philip. In the book of Acts, Philip was not one of the original twelve apostles, nor was he an ordained minister in the modern sense. He was originally appointed as a deacon to help attend to the physical needs of the Christian community in Jerusalem. The Bible qualifies him for this role based on his faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a reputation that proved his godly character, and his wisdom.
“Choose seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.” (Acts 6:3)
Philip was simply a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” who followed Jesus and served the church. The Bible does not state his formal education or his specific field of work. Yet, when Philip shared the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road, he did not hesitate to perform a baptism when the man requested it. This demonstrates that any believer who is walking in the Spirit and leading others to Jesus has the authority to baptize.
The Priesthood of All Believers
One common misconception is that the “sacred” nature of baptism requires a “sacred” person to perform it. However, the New Testament teaches the concept of the “priesthood of all believers.” In the Old Testament, only specific priests could mediate between God and man. But because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, every believer now has direct access to God and serves as a representative of his kingdom.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
This “royal priesthood” means that the Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian, empowering them for ministry. You do not need a special license or ordination from a human institution to “show others the goodness of God.” Baptism is a beautiful way to display that goodness. When you baptize someone, you are acting as a witness to their new life in Christ, confirming that they now belong to the family of God just as you do.
Focus on the One Being Baptized
While the person performing the baptism should be a committed follower of Jesus, the focus of the event is never on the baptizer. The power of baptism does not come from the hands of the person doing the dunking; it comes from the faith of the person being baptized and the grace of the God they are following. The validity of a baptism depends on the heart of the individual receiving it and their public profession of faith in Jesus.
Historically, some traditions have restricted baptism to clergy to maintain order and ensure the gospel is clearly explained. While it is wise to consult with your local church leadership and ensure the ceremony is done with dignity and theological clarity, you should not feel “unqualified” simply because you aren’t a pastor. If you are a disciple who is making disciples, you are fulfilling the role Jesus designed for you. The most important qualification is a life submitted to the Lordship of Christ and a heart that desires to see others follow him.
The Takeaway
Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a list of credentials or titles required to baptize another person. Instead, it invites every believer into the mission of making disciples. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are part of a royal priesthood called to represent him to the world. You are qualified to baptize someone because of the authority of Jesus, not because of your own merit. Focus on the joy of the new believer and the beauty of their public declaration of faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
