Become a Christian · Irvine, CA
How to become a Christian in Irvine: 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 Irvine 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 Irvine.
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 Irvine
Irvine is organized into villages such as Woodbridge, Northwood, University Park, and newer communities around Great Park, with UCI and the Spectrum shaping different daily rhythms. City rooms and pools require formal reservations. Older-adult transportation, high housing costs, and international student life can create needs hidden inside a well-planned city. Keep gatherings close, pronounce names carefully, and ask people what welcome feels like to them.
Irvine's villages, campuses, offices, and apartment communities can make life efficient without making it close. A UCI student may be thousands of miles from family. An older adult may lose independence when driving ends. A family near Great Park can carry housing stress behind a quiet front door. Following Jesus means slowing down enough to see the person the schedule keeps passing.
Irvine brings together many religious backgrounds, academic questions, and people who have never read a Gospel. Nobody has to hide that. We keep Jesus' words in context, distinguish the Bible from later tradition, and invite you to read the sources yourself.
Where to get baptized in Irvine
Irvine's aquatic facilities require applications, fees, insurance, schedules, and staff approval. Contact Woollett or Northwood directly and ask whether baptism can be accommodated. A permitted residential pool or suitable tub may be more personal and easier to arrange.
William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center
Heritage Park
Aquatic rentals require a city application and may include fees and insurance. Ask for explicit baptism permission and current availability.
Northwood Aquatics Center
Northwood
Confirm rental season, pool space, supervision, fees, and whether a brief immersion is allowed.
A permitted association or private pool
Irvine villages
Get owner or association approval and follow resident, guest, capacity, and safety rules.
A suitable bathtub
At home
Plan safe footing, privacy, enough assistance, and a careful full immersion.
No one in Irvine 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
How do I respond 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).
Who can baptize me?
A follower of Jesus can baptize you. The water must be lawful, safe, and permitted; a building or paid minister is unnecessary.
Connect with people in Irvine
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.