God
There is one God, known in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Not three gods, not one person wearing masks. A community of perfect love at the heart of all things.
Our Story
Yates Baptist Church was founded on April 20, 1878, and named in honor of Reverend Matthew T. and Eliza Moring Yates — North Carolina’s first Baptist missionaries to China. For nearly 150 years this congregation has been part of the fabric of Durham.
We have rebuilt after fire (1946), opened one of southwest Durham’s first daycare and kindergarten programs (1966), and renovated our facilities to serve a growing and changing neighborhood (2004 and 2017). Through all of it, the congregation has remained rooted in the same conviction: that following Jesus together means showing up for each other and for the neighborhood.
Today Yates is a congregation of longtime members, young families, students, and newcomers to Durham. We are also home to the Burmese Christian Congregation at Yates, a distinct worshipping community that has, through its work, advanced our vision to be “a growing community alive with Christ, energized to share God’s transforming love!”
What We Believe
Humanity
Every person bears the image of God. Sin fractures that image and breaks our relationships — with God, each other, and creation. Jesus restores what was broken and brings us home.
Scripture
The Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God — our guide for faith, life, and practice.
Priesthood of All Believers
Through Jesus Christ every person has direct access to God. No human intermediary stands between a soul and its Creator.
Believer's Baptism
Baptism follows a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience and public witness, not a prerequisite for belonging.
Local Church Autonomy
Each congregation is self-governing under Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. No denominational body or bishop holds authority over the local church.
Separation of Church and State
A Baptist conviction since before the nation's founding. Faith must be freely chosen — never coerced by civil authority.
Our Staff
Sat Htein
Pastor, Burmese Christian Congregation at Yates
Contact through the church office
Get in Touch
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out through our contact page and we’ll point you in the right direction.