Become a Christian · Atlanta, GA
How to become a Christian in Atlanta — the Acts 2 way.
When a crowd in Jerusalem asked "what shall we do?", Peter gave a four-part answer that still stands: believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; repent; be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38). You can do all of that in Atlanta this week. No class, no membership, no cost.
What Peter actually said
The first time anyone ever asked "how do I become a Christian?" was about fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead, in Acts chapter 2. Peter had just told a Jerusalem crowd that Jesus — the man they crucified — is both Lord and Christ. The text says they were "cut to the heart" and asked what to do. Here's the answer, straight from the source:
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
— Acts 2:38
Believe
That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. That's how Peter confessed Him (Matthew 16:16) and how John said we come to life in His name (John 20:31). Not a vague spiritual feeling — a settled conviction about who Jesus is.
Repent
Turn around. Not "feel bad about yourself" — change direction, away from your old life and toward God. It's a decision, and you can make it anywhere in Atlanta, today.
Be baptized
Full immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. In the Bible people were baptized the same day they believed — no waiting period, no committee (Acts 8:36-38). Any believer can baptize you.
Receive the Holy Spirit
"The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off" (Acts 2:39). God doesn't leave you to figure the rest out alone.
Following Jesus in Atlanta
Atlanta’s tree canopy and skyline hide a city split by highways, old redlining, and fast redevelopment. Vine City and English Avenue sit beside major attractions while residents face displacement pressure. Buford Highway and nearby Clarkston hold languages and food traditions from around the world. Students move through the Atlanta University Center, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech. Traffic makes location matter, so a gathering near MARTA or within walking distance will usually outlast a grand plan on the other side of town.
Atlanta is a city of short distances and hard borders. The BeltLine can carry you from Old Fourth Ward toward West End, yet neighborhoods a few exits apart may live with different transit, food access, schools, and expectations. Sunday morning has its own borders too.
Jesus calls His people across them. Around a table in a Cascade home, over coffee near Georgia State, or beside a family newly settled in Clarkston, the work stays personal: read His words, share food, repent when we are wrong, serve, baptize believers, and keep showing up. Nobody is paid and nobody collects money.
Atlanta can make Christianity look successful: full calendars, familiar language, and large rooms. Jesus measured a different life. He called people to deny themselves, carry a cross daily, love enemies, welcome strangers, and make disciples who obey His teaching. That life is hard. It is also full of light because Jesus rose from the dead, and His hope gives ordinary service eternal weight.
Where to get baptized in Atlanta
Baptism is full immersion chosen by someone who believes Jesus is the Son of God and is ready to repent (Acts 2:38). Atlanta city rules prohibit swimming in lakes, ponds, and waterways inside city parks, so Piedmont Park’s Lake Clara Meer and similar water are not baptism sites. The city operates indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, but ordinary admission does not authorize a baptism. Ask the facility for explicit approval first. A permitted private pool or a safe tub is usually simpler.
A private backyard or apartment pool
Metro Atlanta
Get clear owner or management permission, confirm guest limits, and plan safe entry, exit, and assistance.
City of Atlanta aquatic facilities
Indoor and seasonal sites
Contact the specific pool before planning anything. Ask for explicit approval, available times, admission charges, supervision rules, and any reservation requirement.
A suitable bathtub
At home
A tub can support careful full immersion. Use non-slip footing and enough helpers for the person being baptized.
A rented private indoor pool
Metro Atlanta
Confirm in writing that baptism is allowed. Do not use Atlanta park lakes, ponds, fountains, or waterways; city park rules prohibit swimming there.
No one in Atlanta to baptize you? Tell us with the form below or text (909) 375-3787. We will personally make sure it happens — that's a promise, not a marketing line.
Becoming a Christian — honest questions
How do I become a Christian?
Believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; repent; be baptized for the forgiveness of sins; and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38).
Will repeating a sinner’s prayer save me?
No. Jesus did not give a conversion prayer, and Peter did not offer one when people asked what to do. He told them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).
Can I be baptized in Piedmont Park’s lake?
No. Atlanta prohibits swimming in lakes, ponds, and waterways in city parks. Use a permitted private pool, an approved aquatic facility, or a suitable tub.
Who may baptize me?
Any follower of Jesus can baptize. You do not need clergy, a stage, or a fee.
Connect with people in Atlanta
Whether you're curious about Jesus or you've followed Him for years, tell us where you're at and what you're interested in. A real person reads every one of these and helps you take a next step — learning, serving, or finding others near you. No spam, and nobody will ever ask you for money.