Become a Christian · Columbus, OH
How to become a Christian in Columbus — 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus
Ohio State shapes the northwest side, while state government anchors downtown and logistics work stretches toward the outer belt. Columbus also receives refugees and immigrants from Somalia, Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and elsewhere. Housing costs have risen unevenly. Some neighborhoods have easy access to groceries and parks; others do not. COTA routes, school schedules, and winter weather matter when a group claims it wants everyone at the table.
Columbus keeps adding apartments, warehouses, students, and new neighbors. The Short North version of the city is only one slice. Linden, the Hilltop, Franklinton, the South Side, Northland, and Eastmoor carry different stories and different pressures.
A follower of Jesus learns the names close by. We gather around small tables, read His words, share food, baptize believers, and put love to work during the week. Nobody takes an offering or earns a salary.
Columbus has large churches, house gatherings, campus ministries, and plenty of people who want nothing to do with any of them. Jesus still asks the same thing: follow Him. That means daily self-denial, costly forgiveness, open tables, truth, baptism, and active love. A sinner’s prayer cannot replace the response Peter gave in Acts 2.
Where to get baptized in Columbus
Baptism is a believer’s full immersion in water (Acts 2:38). Columbus operates aquatic facilities, but contact the specific center in advance for permission, timing, fees, and safety rules. City rules prohibit swimming in Columbus reservoirs, so Hoover, Griggs, and O’Shaughnessy are not baptism options. A permitted private pool or suitable tub is simpler.
A private or apartment pool
Across Franklin County
Secure owner or management permission and follow all guest, occupancy, and safety requirements.
Columbus aquatic facilities
City recreation pools
Contact Recreation and Parks first. Confirm explicit approval, schedule, admission or rental cost, lifeguard coverage, and group rules.
A suitable bathtub
At home
A tub can allow careful full immersion year-round. Use a nonslip plan and assistance where needed.
A permitted private indoor pool
Columbus metro
Arrange the use directly with the operator. Reservoir swimming is prohibited, so do not use Hoover, Griggs, or O’Shaughnessy.
No one in Columbus 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 forgiveness; and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38).
Does the sinner’s prayer save?
No. Jesus never taught a conversion prayer. Peter told hearers to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).
Where can I be baptized?
Use a permitted pool or suitable tub. Columbus reservoirs prohibit swimming and must not be used.
Who may baptize?
Any follower of Jesus can baptize. Clergy, a building, and payment are unnecessary.
Connect with people in Columbus
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.