Become a Christian · Chicago, IL
How to become a Christian in Chicago — 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, 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 Chicago
Lake Michigan shapes Chicago weather and its sense of direction. So do the Dan Ryan, the river, freight tracks, and decades of segregation. Uptown has new arrivals and people sleeping outside within a few blocks of expensive apartments. Pilsen and Little Village carry Mexican history; Devon Avenue crosses languages quickly; South Shore and Roseland have deep neighborhood networks that outsiders often overlook. Winter cold makes reliable care urgent.
Chicago is too large to treat like one neighborhood. A table in Rogers Park will feel different from one in Little Village, Bronzeville, Austin, or Pullman. The L joins parts of the city, but long rides and old boundaries still keep neighbors apart.
Following Jesus here starts nearby. Read His words with a few people, share an actual meal, baptize believers safely, and notice who needs help on your block. Nobody is paid and nobody collects money.
Chicago has churches on countless corners, yet a building can never substitute for following Jesus. Ask the difficult questions. Scripture does not tell anyone to repeat a sinner’s prayer, and it does not call disciples to sit through meetings forever. Jesus calls people to take up the cross daily and love as He loved.
Where to get baptized in Chicago
Baptism is a believer’s full immersion in water (Acts 2:38). Chicago Park District has indoor and outdoor pools and published open-swim schedules, but a public-swim slot is not permission for a baptism. Contact the individual facility first about rules, group access, timing, and any fee. Lake Michigan conditions can turn dangerous quickly; never improvise at an unguarded beach.
A private or apartment pool
Across Chicago
Get written owner or management permission, follow guest limits, and plan safe entry and exit.
Chicago Park District pools
Indoor and outdoor facilities citywide
Contact the specific pool before planning. Confirm permission, schedule, admission or rental fees, lifeguard requirements, and current rules.
A suitable bathtub
At home
A tub can work for careful full immersion year-round. Keep the floor dry and have another adult assist if mobility is limited.
Lake Michigan only at a guarded beach
Chicago lakefront
Use only an officially open swimming beach during guarded hours and only after confirming group rules. Check flags, waves, weather, and water-quality notices that day.
No one in Chicago 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 in His name for forgiveness; and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38).
Does a sinner’s prayer save me?
No. Jesus never gave a conversion prayer. Peter answered with repentance and baptism when people asked what to do (Acts 2:38).
Where can I be baptized in Chicago?
A permitted private pool or suitable tub is simplest. City pools require advance facility approval; lake conditions and beach rules must be checked that day.
Who can baptize me?
Any follower of Jesus can baptize. No paid clergy, church building, or fee is required.
Connect with people in Chicago
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.