Become a Christian · Portland, OR
How to become a Christian in Portland: 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 Portland 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 Portland.
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 Portland
Portland's public arguments can hide very private pain. People living outside, refugees, burned-out healthcare workers, foster families, and older renters facing displacement need calm friends who will listen without turning them into a cause. Lents, Cully, St. Johns, and Jade District do not share one identical story. Keep gatherings close to the people attending, learn local history from residents, and never use a neighborhood as scenery for ministry.
Portland's public arguments can hide very private pain. People living outside, refugees, burned-out healthcare workers, foster families, and older renters facing displacement need calm friends who will listen without turning them into a cause. Jesus calls His followers to love as He loved (John 13:34-35). In Portland, that can begin with one shared meal in Lents, a ride from Cully, or a small table close enough to keep meeting.
Portland can turn nearly any belief into a public argument. Jesus did not treat hurting people as material for a cause. He listened, touched people others avoided, ate with outsiders, and told the truth when the truth cost Him something. That gives us a better starting point than defending every action ever taken under a Christian label.
If your concern is that Christians act nothing like Jesus, say the concern plainly and compare their actions with His teaching. If you like Jesus but recoil from institutional Christianity, this guide separates His invitation from the baggage around it. Then read Matthew yourself. Nobody needs to rush you past the hard parts.
A small conversation in Lents should pay attention to the people who live there. The same is true in Cully, St. Johns, and the Jade District. A burned-out healthcare worker may not have energy for a late meeting. Someone living outside may need steady friendship before another speech. Portland is a new growth area for local connections. An online group can begin now, with local introductions made carefully as more nearby people reach out.
Where to get baptized in Portland
In Portland, the simplest baptism is often a permitted private pool or a suitable tub. Public facilities have their own schedules, fees, supervision, and group-use rules, so call first and receive clear approval. Do not improvise in fountains, restricted water, shipping channels, or unsafe current.
A private or apartment pool
Portland area
Get clear owner or management permission. Follow guest, occupancy, access, and safety rules.
Portland Parks indoor pools
Portland
Contact the specific facility first. Ask for explicit permission, an available time, admission or rental cost, supervision, and group rules.
A suitable bathtub
At home
A tub can allow careful full immersion year-round. Plan nonslip footing, safe entry and exit, and enough assistance.
A permitted private indoor pool
Portland metro
Arrange access directly with the operator and confirm that baptism is allowed. Never assume open-swim admission includes group ceremonies.
No one in Portland 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 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 a sinner's prayer save me?
No. Jesus never gave a conversion prayer. Peter told hearers to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).
Where can I be baptized in Portland?
Use a permitted private pool, an approved aquatic facility, or a suitable tub. Confirm facility rules before arriving.
Who may baptize me?
Any follower of Jesus can baptize. Clergy, a stage, payment, and a church building are unnecessary.
Connect with people in Portland
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.