Friday, November 14, 2025

Life-change has always been at the heart of CedarCreek's story — people saying "yes" to Jesus and stepping into the adventure of following Him. One of the most beautiful expressions of that "yes" is baptism — a public declaration of an inward decision to follow Christ.

As of November 2, 2025, 698 people have taken that step of faith this year alone! But baptism has been part of CedarCreek's heartbeat from the very beginning.

So, let's take a look back to the summers when hundreds gathered outdoors to celebrate what became known as MOAB: The Mother of All Baptisms.

The first MOAB took place in July 2012, with 389 people baptized in a single day. The following summer, MOAB 2 drew attendees from across campuses, with 500 people baptized, marking a milestone — 5,000 lives changed through baptism since CedarCreek began in 1995.

The event wasn't about numbers; it was about stories. Each one of these numbers represents real people whose lives are being impacted for Christ…people who are saying yes to the life-changing adventure of following him! Families, friends, and generations stood side by side, celebrating.

"There were multigenerational baptisms happening at that event," remembered Casey Wagner, a longtime staff member. "Brothers and sisters, whole families … that's what made MOAB so special — seeing people step forward together."

Behind the scenes, the planning was massive — and full of heart. Lauri White, who led baptisms for years, recalled where the idea started: "I drove past Packo's every day and saw the sign for MOAD — the Mother of All Dogs — and joked, 'What if we did the Mother of All Baptisms?' Lee loved it. And we did it!"

They bought six three-foot pools —one for each campus —color-coded with balloons. The campus pastors baptized attendees from their campuses as bands played, food trucks rolled in, and fireworks capped off the night. It was more than an event — it was a moment of unity and joy. "The final year, we did over 500 baptisms in one day. It was incredible!" Lauri said.

From the first splash to the thousands since, every baptism tells a story — of surrender, hope, and new beginnings.

The methods may change, but the mission remains the same: to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with Him.

💧 Want to take your next step? Baptisms happen the first weekend of each month at every CedarCreek location. Learn more or sign up at cedarcreek.tv/baptism.

Sources:

Donna Eoff, Casey Wagner, and Lauri White are all retired members of the CedarCreek staff. Their hearts for the mission of the church still shine brightly today. All three are still actively involved and serve on multiple DreamTeams around the campuses. (2025)

Rewatch the documentary that has highlights on the church's history and mission: to introduce the spiritually restless to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him. Watch HERE.