About us
Welcome!
Yates Baptist Church is Located at the corner of Cornwallis and Chapel Hill Roads in the South Square area of Durham. Once on the campus:
- Parking Spaces near the building are reserved for first-time guests.
- Handicapped parking spaces are available in all parking areas.
- An elevator is available through the Welcome Center entrance to assist navigating the education building.
Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect?
The worship experiences at Yates include music and a message. The music is led by our worship orchestra and choirs. You can expect to be both encouraged and challenged by our Pastor. Each Sunday service lasts for about an hour. Most importantly, we hope you will feel at home!
Will I be singled out as a guest?
You are not asked to stand or speak during the services, but we would appreciate it if you would let us know about you and your visit with us. There is a QR code in our worship guide that will link you with a form to do just that. Feel free to meet someone new at the beginning or end of the service. Join in a conversation or just meet some of our regulars. We have a lot of folks who like to “linger.”
Where should I park?
We have two parking lots on our campus. Parking for our guests is available in either lot.
What should I wear?
Some of our members enjoy wearing their “Sunday best” to worship while others prefer more casual attire. We just want you to come and be comfortable.
Will I be expected to give money?
We do not expect our guests to make a contribution, but if you would like to give, there are offering boxes available in the Sanctuary. You can also give online here.
Do you have facilities for people with disabilities?
At Yates, everyone’s welcome. If you have a disability, accessible entrances with ramps and handicap parking spaces are plentiful and clearly marked. If you are a senior adult, it would be easier to enter through the door closest to the office to attend a Bible Study class.
What if I want to know more?
The first thing you can do is speak to someone new after worship. We have folks who would love to meet you and answer your questions. Second, make sure you meet at least one of our deacons. One of our deacons will pray at the beginning of worship, so feel free to seek them out. You should also feel free to contact our ministers directly if you have questions.
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 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.
