Southern Baptist Convention Reports Adults Now Lead in Baptisms
Lifeway Research reported in August 2026 that adults aged 30 and older now make up the largest share of baptisms in Southern Baptist churches, accounting for 33 percent of the 263,075 total baptisms recorded in 2025. It marks the fifth straight year of baptismal growth for the denomination.
Adults aged 30 and older are now the largest group being baptized in Southern Baptist Convention churches, according to data released by Lifeway Research in August 2026.
The 2025 Annual Church Profile showed 263,075 total baptisms across SBC congregations, the highest number since 2016 and the fifth consecutive year of growth. Adults 30 and older accounted for 33 percent of that total, or about 86,448 baptisms.
Youth aged 12 to 17 made up 25 percent, children 11 and younger accounted for 22 percent, and young adults 18 to 29 represented 20 percent.
Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said the shift reflects broader demographic trends. The number of children under 12 in the United States has reached its lowest level in more than a decade, which affects the raw count of child baptisms.
The age profile of SBC baptisms has changed significantly over the past 50 years. In 1971, children 11 and younger made up 37 percent of baptisms. Adults surpassed children as the largest group in 2014.
Despite the lower share, children still show the highest baptism rate per 1,000 people within their age group at 5.66, compared to other demographics.
The data comes from churches that voluntarily submit annual reports to the SBC. Not all churches participate, so the figures represent a portion of the full denomination.
