Who is allowed to baptize another person? Is anyone permitted to baptize/ perform baptisms?

TL;DR:

Any believer may baptize another under Christ’s authority, but the Bible ties baptism to the life and oversight of the local church. While not limited to pastors or elders, baptisms are best done with church guidance.

what does the bible say?

The New Testament gives no strict rule about who may perform a baptism. Scripture presents baptism as part of the church’s mission rather than the duty of any specific office. Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples and baptize them, giving this responsibility to all believers under His authority (Matthew 28:19–20).

In practice, baptisms were usually performed by recognized gospel workers. Philip baptized believers in Samaria and later the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:12–13, 36–39). Peter directed Gentile converts to be baptized (Acts 10:47–48), and Paul’s coworkers carried out baptisms, though Paul himself baptized only a few (1 Corinthians 1:14–17). During Jesus’ ministry, it was His disciples—not Jesus—who performed baptisms (John 4:2). These examples demonstrate baptism as a shared ministry among believers, not limited to pastors or elders.

No passage restricts baptism by age, gender, or title. The focus is on repentance, faith, and identification with Christ (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3–4). Yet, baptism was always tied to the fellowship and teaching of the church (Acts 2:42). For this reason, baptisms should occur under the oversight of a local church. Any believer may baptize another if it is done in submission to Christ and in harmony with the church’s leadership and mission.

from the old testament

The Old Testament does not directly address baptism as a Christian practice, since baptism is a New Testament ordinance instituted by Jesus.

from the new testament

The New Testament doesn’t restrict who may perform a baptism, but it does expect all believers to be baptized as an act of obedience and identification with Christ (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41). Baptism belongs to the life of the church and is part of the disciple-making mission entrusted to every follower of Jesus.
In practice, most baptisms recorded in Scripture were administered by recognized leaders or missionaries. Philip baptized new believers in Samaria and later the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:12–13, 36–39). Peter directed that Gentile converts be baptized (Acts 10:47–48), and Paul’s coworkers carried out baptisms during his ministry (1 Corinthians 1:14–17). These examples show that baptism was typically led by those already serving in gospel ministry.
Each baptism took place within the fellowship and teaching of the church (Acts 2:42). The act was never independent or detached from the local body but served as a visible entry into the community of believers.

implications for today

If you are considering baptism—whether to be baptized yourself or to baptize someone else—it is wise to begin by speaking with your church leaders. Different congregations may have specific guidelines regarding who performs baptisms, and these guidelines exist to maintain unity, accountability, and good order. Scripture teaches believers to honor and submit to those who lead and watch over their souls (Hebrews 13:17).

Approach the conversation about baptism with humility and a desire to serve Christ faithfully. Besides spiritual guidance, consider the practical realities of baptism, such as the physical ability of the person performing it to immerse and lift another person safely out of the water. The goal is not personal preference but obedience to the Lord and respect for the structure He has established within His church. Whatever your leaders decide, trust that God works through their care and wisdom. When baptism is carried out in harmony with your church family, it becomes not just a personal act of obedience but a shared celebration of God’s saving grace.

understand

Scripture does not restrict who may perform a baptism.
Baptism is tied to the fellowship and teaching of the local church.
While pastors or leaders often perform baptisms, any believer can baptize another.

reflect

How does knowing that any believer can baptize another under Christ’s authority affect your view of baptism?
How do you submit to the guidance and oversight of your local church when participating in practices like baptism?
How can you ensure that your actions, even in serving others spiritually, reflect both obedience to Christ and unity with His people?

engage

How does understanding the biblical practice of baptism impact the way we practice it today?
Why is church oversight important in baptism, and how does it protect both the individuals and the congregation?
How can we balance the freedom any believer has to perform baptism with the wisdom of maintaining order, accountability, and safety in the church?