Bible Study: What is the Assemblies of God? AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Finding a Church in Memphis

If you have lived in the 901 for long, you’ve likely driven past several churches with "First Assembly" or "Assembly of God" on the sign. You might be wondering: what exactly does that mean? Is it a denomination? A movement? And most importantly, is it the right place for you and your family to grow in faith?

The Assemblies of God (AG) is a global Pentecostal fellowship that believes the Bible is God's inspired Word and that the Holy Spirit is active and moving today. It emphasizes a personal relationship with Jesus, Spirit-empowered living, and a heart for missions that reaches from Memphis to the nations.

A Brief History: From Hot Springs to the Bluff City

The Assemblies of God didn't start in a corporate boardroom. It began in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, when a group of 300 believers gathered with a single goal: to better organize the growing Pentecostal revival that was sweeping across America. They wanted to protect the purity of the Gospel, coordinate world missions, and provide a home for those who were seeking a "Spirit-filled" experience.

Today, the AG is the largest Pentecostal fellowship in the world. In Memphis, this means you are part of a massive spiritual family that values deep biblical teaching while remaining open to the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit. Whether you are in Cordova, Bartlett, or Arlington, finding a church that aligns with these roots means finding a community that prioritizes the Presence of God over religious performance.

The 4 Cardinal Doctrines: The Core of Our Faith

Every AG church, including First Assembly Memphis, builds its house on four non-negotiable pillars. These are often called the "Cardinal Doctrines" because they represent the heartbeat of everything we teach.

1. Salvation: The belief that every person can be restored to fellowship with God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A distinct experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service.

3. Divine Healing: The conviction that God still heals the sick today, a privilege provided for in the atonement of Christ.

4. The Second Coming: The "Blessed Hope" that Jesus will return for His Church, bringing a final end to suffering and sin.

AG 101: The 16 Fundamental Truths

To ensure that every local church remains doctrinally sound, the Assemblies of God adheres to 16 Fundamental Truths. These aren't just rules; they are the biblical guardrails that keep us moving toward Jesus.

Truth Topic	Biblical Focus	Our Practical Takeaway
Scripture	2 Timothy 3:16	The Bible is our final authority for living.
One True God	Deuteronomy 6:4	God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ	Matthew 1:23	Jesus is fully God and fully man.
The Fall of Man	Genesis 1:26-27	Humanity is separated from God by sin.
Salvation	Romans 10:13	Grace is received through faith in Jesus.
Ordinances	Matthew 28:19	We practice water baptism and communion.
Spirit Baptism	Acts 1:8	We seek the empowerment of the Spirit.
Initial Evidence	Acts 2:4	Tongues is the first sign of Spirit baptism.
Sanctification	Hebrews 12:14	We are called to live holy, set-apart lives.
The Church	Ephesians 1:22-23	We are the Body of Christ on earth.
Ministry	Mark 16:15-20	We are all called to serve and reach the lost.
Divine Healing	Isaiah 53:4-5	We pray for the sick with faith in God’s power.
Blessed Hope	1 Thess. 4:16-17	Jesus is coming back for His people.
Millennial Reign	Revelation 20:1-6	Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years.
Final Judgment	Matthew 25:46	There is an eternal destiny for all.
New Creation	2 Peter 3:13	We look forward to a new heaven and earth.

Understanding the Language: AG Definitions

Walking into a Pentecostal church for the first time can feel like learning a new language. Here are a few key terms we use often:

• Salvation: The act of being "born again" or saved from the power of sin through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection. It’s the start of your walk with God.

• Sanctification: The lifelong process of being "set apart" from sin and becoming more like Jesus in our character and actions.

• Repentance: A "change of mind" that leads to a change of direction, turning away from sin and turning toward God.

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An outpouring of the Spirit’s power that gives a believer "boldness" to share their faith and operate in spiritual gifts.

• Divine Healing: The belief that God’s power is available to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness to people today.

What to Expect When You Visit an AG Church in Memphis

If you’re looking for a church in Memphis, you might be nervous about what a "Pentecostal" service looks like. At First Assembly Memphis, we strive to make everyone feel at home. You can expect:

1. Vibrant Worship: We believe in praising God with our whole hearts. This might include uplifting music, raised hands, and moments of quiet prayer.

2. Biblical Preaching: Our mission and vision are centered on the Word of God. You won’t just hear a motivational speech; you will hear what the Bible says about your life today.

3. A Focus on Family: From kids' ministries to student groups, we believe the church should be a place where every generation thrives.

4. Openness to the Spirit: We leave room for God to move. This might mean a specific time of prayer for the sick or waiting for the Holy Spirit to speak through the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12.

Digital Discipleship: Faith Beyond the 901

We realize that not everyone can make it to a physical building in Memphis every Sunday. Some of you are traveling, homebound, or living in a different time zone altogether. This is why we launched Boundless Online Church.

Boundless isn't just a "livestream"; it’s a digital community designed for those who need a bridge to the local church. Whether you are looking for online Bible studies or just a place to ask the hard questions about faith, we are here for you. The Kingdom of God isn't limited by zip codes, and neither is the power of the Holy Spirit.

5 Steps to Finding Your Church Home

1. Pray for Guidance: Ask God to lead you to the community where you can grow and serve.

2. Check the "About Us" Page: Look for a church's core beliefs. Do they align with the 16 Fundamental Truths?

3. Visit in Person (or Online): Try a service. See if the worship and teaching resonate with your spirit.

4. Connect with Leadership: Don't be afraid to ask questions. A healthy church welcomes curious seekers.

5. Get Involved: Growth happens in the "circles," not just the "rows." Join a small group or a volunteer team.

Takeaway: A Place to Belong

The Assemblies of God is more than just a name on a sign, it’s a commitment to living a life that is biblical, Spirit-led, and mission-focused. Whether you are looking for a local church in Memphis or a digital home through Boundless, the goal is the same: taking one step closer to Jesus every single day.

Are you ready to discover what God has for you in this new season?

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join us online: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)