Become a Christian · Durham, NC
How to become a Christian in Durham: 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 Durham 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). This is a settled conviction about who Jesus is, not a vague spiritual feeling.
Repent
Turn around. Repentance means changing direction, away from your old life and toward God. It is deeper than feeling bad about yourself, and you can make that decision anywhere in Durham.
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, with no waiting period or 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 Durham
Durham's neighborhoods carry histories that predate today's growth. Hayti, East Durham, Bragtown, Walltown, Southside, downtown, and the university areas do not experience housing, transit, or development the same way. Medical and university schedules run around the clock. Newcomer families may be learning systems and language at once. Keep gatherings geographically honest, learn local history from residents, and let service strengthen a person's agency.
Durham holds deep Black history, universities, research labs, hospital corridors, newcomer communities, and neighborhoods feeling the pressure of rapid change. Hayti, East Durham, Bragtown, Walltown, and Southside should never become scenery for somebody else's ministry idea. Following Jesus means learning names, listening to residents, and staying when the first interesting day has passed.
Durham has thoughtful skeptics, exhausted believers, people hurt by churches, and neighbors reading Jesus for the first time. Every honest question is welcome. We will use Scripture rather than slogans and admit what the text does not settle.
Where to get baptized in Durham
Durham Parks and Recreation operates indoor and seasonal pools with schedules, programs, staffing, and facility rules. Contact the exact pool and receive explicit permission. A permitted private pool or suitable tub may be easier. Natural water should never be used without legal access and careful safety review.
Campus Hills Pool
South Durham
Durham Parks and Recreation operates this indoor pool. Ask about current schedule, rental or group rules, lifeguards, fees, and baptism permission.
Edison Johnson Aquatics Center
North Durham
Contact the facility about current access, programs, supervision, and whether a brief immersion can be arranged.
A permitted private or apartment pool
Durham
Get owner or management approval and follow guest, capacity, safety, and weather rules.
A suitable bathtub
At home
Plan safe entry, full immersion, exit, privacy, and nonslip footing.
No one in Durham to baptize you? Tell us with the form below or text (909) 375-3787. We will personally help you arrange it. That's a promise, not a marketing line.
Becoming a Christian: honest questions
What is the biblical response to Jesus?
Believe He is the Christ, the Son of God; repent; be baptized in His name for forgiveness; and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38).
Where can I be baptized in Durham?
Use an approved aquatic facility, a permitted private pool, or a suitable tub. Ask first and plan safety.
Connect with people in Durham
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.