Vision Statement
A growing community alive with Christ, energized to share God’s transforming love.
Who Is Yates?
Yates Baptist Church is a welcoming family of faith dedicated to helping people build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and encouraging spiritual growth. Here, we embrace every person with the same grace and warmth that God extends to us. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong Durham resident, we invite you to worship with us in the name of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Our commitment extends beyond worship; we serve our neighbors and nurture our community through ministries for children, youth, adults, seniors, and music. We celebrate our diversity and strive to reflect our vibrant neighborhood in our ministry and membership.
Becoming a Part of Yates
We welcome new members through baptism or by transferring from another congregation. If you’re worshiping and serving with us but maintain membership elsewhere, you’re still a valued part of our community.
Our worship services feature Bible readings, prayers, a range of musical offerings, and inspiring messages from the Bible. Our style blends traditional and contemporary music, and our attire ranges from dresses and suits to business casual and jeans. Whatever your style, you’ll find a place here.
A Place for Open Dialogue
Yates embraces a variety of theological perspectives and denominational views. Our church fosters an environment where open and honest discussion is encouraged, without disrupting the strong fellowship we share. We follow traditional Baptist principles, including the authority of the Bible, the priesthood of all believers, believer’s baptism, local church autonomy, and the separation of church and state.
Our Yates Family
Yates embraces a variety of theological perspectives and denominational views. Our church fosters an environment where open and honest discussion is encouraged, without disrupting the strong fellowship we share. We follow traditional Baptist principles, including the authority of the Bible, the priesthood of all believers, believer’s baptism, local church autonomy, and the separation of church and state.
Our Yates Family
Our family includes young families, professionals, students, and lifelong members. This blend of tradition and innovation enriches our Christian growth and fellowship.
Looking Back
Founded on April 20, 1878, Yates Baptist Church began as a country offshoot of the First Baptist Church of Durham. Named after Rev. Matthew T. Yates, North Carolina’s first Baptist missionary to China, the church has a rich history of resilience. Despite challenges such as world wars, the Great Depression, and a fire in 1946, Yates has grown and evolved. We established the first daycare and kindergarten in southwest Durham in 1966, and our facilities have been updated over the years, including major renovations in 2004 and 2017.
Looking Forward
Our future is strong, grounded in the hope of Jesus Christ. We are excited about the journey ahead, guided by a loving and present God. As we continue to focus on our vision of inviting people into a personal relationship with Jesus and guiding them toward spiritual maturity, we anticipate a future filled with diverse experiences. Whether it means healing from past choices, deepening Biblical understanding, or answering a call to missions or ministry, we trust in God’s plan for us and offer our continuous praise and thanksgiving.