If someone has been telling you that then they are misinformed. All you have to do is confess, repent and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. That's it. Seriously. As a result of that, you enter into a relationship with God and start changing from the inside out, as it were. Anyone who gives you a list of "you must do this" is selling you religion, not faith. Reading the bible, praying, baptism etc - all important stuff. But to become a Christian proper is not about ticking boxes but relationships with both God and other people. Having said that, the JW's have a different slant on things so if you are wishing to join their particular faction then they will tell you something else. The core message of Christianity is about salvation - forgiveness, redemption, grace etc. It's not about good works or religion but rather relationship with God. I got baptised when I was 14 and I knew hardly anything about the bible -but it explicitly states to believe and be baptised. So when I was ready, I got dunked. That was all there was to it. It's an outward expression of an inward faith. I'm non-denominational which basically means anyone and everyone who accepts Jesus as the Son of God and their personal Saviour can get stuck in and have a good time. We've got Catholics, Baptists, Protestants, former atheists - all kinds.
You are correct on all points made here, I think.
I don't know, JW's have a differing slant to Christianity to Catholics - Which was the first faith I kind of adopted, but I've learnt from the JW's that God is a God of unconditional love, and therefor wouldn't create a Hell. You'd have to be hateful to create a place of eternal suffering for anybody.
Now before you ask "If God is so loving, why does he allow suffering?"
The truth is, God has allowed Man to govern himself for a lengthly time. This was the claim I believe Satan (God of this current system of things) made against God was that "Man doesn't need God - He is capable of governing himself".
This is what I believe God has allowed Man to do. Govern himself, and look what state the world is in:
Fear, corruption, suffering, misery, regret, pain, and sorrow. Hate worldwide.
Thus, Man fails to govern himself.
I agree about the relationship being the most vital part of things. What we who believe need, is an intimate relationship with God.
You mention how we eventually start changing from the inside out. I assumed this was after you undergo an immersion baptism, hence getting filled with the Holy Spirit, thus the Holy Spirit begins to change you depending on if your obedient to God's law/way of living.
Atleast that makes sense to me. lol
Throughout my life I've considered Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormon faiths. Even Atheism actually but that belief made no sense to me.
I'm joyful to see so many Christian's on this board!
I'm currently reading a book called Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. It's a fascinating read! 
