The word “Baptists” comes from the Greek word “baptize” which means, “to immerse”; it was used to describe the Baptists’ habit of immersing those who choose to follow Jesus in their belief that he is the Messiah. The custom of baptism comes from the Jewish custom of immersing in the mikveh. Baptists do not baptize babies, but only those who choose to be believers in Yeshua (Jesus).

Baptists’ public worship is free in style; they do not have a prayer book or a regular prayer schedule. Worship usually includes prayers, singing, reading from the Bible and a message. Baptists are part of the world-wide community of believers in Jesus. There are about 100 million Baptists who can be found in almost every country in the world–approximately 50 million Baptists are in the United States alone.