Called and Sent from Memphis: How are We Equipping Our Youth for Global Impact?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Tier 2 Parents of Teenagers
First Assembly Memphis equips youth for global impact through The Journey youth ministry, pointing students toward Assemblies of God District youth leadership training resources (example: Georgia AG Youth’s CALLED program) as an optional pathway some may explore to help discern their calling. By combining Pentecostal discipleship, local service in the 901, and global missions, we prepare teenagers in Cordova and beyond for lifelong ministry.
If you’ve spent five minutes in the 901 lately, you know the energy of this city is undeniable. From the hustle of downtown to the quiet suburbs of Cordova and Bartlett, Memphis is a place that moves. But as parents, we often find ourselves looking at our teenagers, sandwiched between TikTok trends and college prep, and wondering: Is there something more for them?
We see the passion they have for justice, for community, and for making a mark. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that passion isn't an accident. It’s a calling. We aren’t just trying to keep your kids "busy" or out of trouble on a Wednesday night. We are in the business of equipping the next generation of world-changers. We’re taking that Memphis grit and refining it with a global mission.
Why We Do What We Do: The Heart of First Assembly Memphis
Our "why" is simple but massive. We believe every young person in Shelby County is a priceless child of God with a specific, heaven-sent assignment. As a Pentecostal lighthouse in the 901, our mission is to provide a place of hospitality where students can encounter the Holy Spirit, discover their identity in Christ, and be sent out to serve.
We don’t believe the "Great Commission" is a suggestion for adults only. When Jesus said to go into all the world, He didn't put an age limit on it. Our goal is to see every student in The Journey, our vibrant youth ministry, move from being a spectator to a participant in God’s global story.
The Journey: More Than Just a Wednesday Night
If you haven't dropped by The Journey yet, you’re missing out on some of the most electric moments in our church. This is where the foundation is laid. We know that a teenager’s life in Memphis, Arlington, or Bartlett can be loud and confusing. The Journey is designed to be a landing pad, a place where they are welcomed exactly as they are.
But we don't leave them where they are. We anchor everything we do in the authority of Scripture and the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. We’re teaching them about salvation by grace through faith and the transformative power of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Why? Because you can’t change the world on your own strength. You need the power that Acts 1:8 promises, a power that starts here in Memphis and reaches the ends of the earth.
Discerning a Calling with Assemblies of God District Training (External Resource)
One thing I love as a parent is knowing our students don’t have to figure out “calling” alone. While The Journey is where we disciple and pastor students week-to-week at FA Memphis, some families also explore Assemblies of God District youth leadership training as an external ministry resource—for example, Georgia AG Youth’s CALLED program—when it’s a good fit for a student’s next step.
Programs like that are designed to help students wrestle with three big questions:
Who is God? (Theology)
Who am I in Him? (Identity)
What am I supposed to do about it? (Mission)
Our heart at FA Memphis is to keep creating space for intentional discernment, helping teens move past the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question and into the “What is God calling you to do now?” question.
From the 901 to the Ends of the Earth: Local and Global Impact
You can’t have a global impact if you’re ignoring your own backyard. That’s why our training starts right here in the Memphis area. We encourage our students to engage with our city, whether it’s helping with local food distributions, participating in community clean-ups, or simply learning how to pray for their schools in Bartlett and Cordova.
But we also look toward the horizon. First Assembly Memphis has a long history of sending teams on mission trips. These aren't just "vacations with a purpose." They are intensive, Spirit-led opportunities for our youth to see God at work in different cultures.
When a student from Memphis stands in a village halfway across the world and sees the power of the Gospel break through language barriers, they come back changed. They don't just come back with photos; they come back with a global perspective that informs how they live their life in the 901.
How We Protect the "Pentecostal Distinctive"
In a world that is constantly shifting its "truth," we stay anchored. We are unapologetically Pentecostal. We believe in divine healing, the sanctification of the believer, and the imminent return of Christ.
When we equip our youth, we aren't just giving them leadership tips we found on a podcast. We are teaching them to listen to the voice of the Spirit. We are teaching them that their character matters more than their platform. In The Journey, we emphasize holy character and Spirit-empowered living because a mission without a foundation is just a project. A mission with the Spirit is a movement.
Supporting Your Teen’s Calling at Home
Parents, you are the primary disciplers of your children. We are here to partner with you. If your teen is starting to express an interest in missions or ministry, here are a few ways you can support them:
Pray together: Make the 901 and the nations a regular part of your family prayer time.
Encourage curiosity: If they have questions about Assemblies of God District youth leadership training resources (for example, Georgia AG Youth’s CALLED program) or want to know more about the Assemblies of God doctrine, let them ask. We love big questions!
Model hospitality: Show them what it means to be a welcoming presence in your neighborhood, whether you're in Cordova, Arlington, or Bartlett.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the "The Journey" at First Assembly Memphis? The Journey is our dedicated youth ministry for middle and high school students. We meet weekly to provide a space for worship, biblical teaching, and community building, all focused on helping students in the Memphis area grow in their relationship with Christ.
How can Assemblies of God District leadership training (like Georgia AG Youth’s CALLED program) help my teenager? Some students may explore District-based leadership training as an external resource to help them grow in ministry skills, clarify gifts, and discern calling. At FA Memphis, our primary week-to-week discipleship happens through The Journey, plus community through Life Groups and family connection.
Does First Assembly Memphis offer mission trips for youth? Yes! We believe in hands-on experience. We regularly organize mission opportunities that allow our students to serve both locally in Shelby County and internationally, putting their faith into action.
How can I get my teen involved if we live in Bartlett or Arlington? We welcome students from all over the 901! You can join us for our Wednesday night services or check out our website at www.famemphis.net/events for upcoming youth gatherings and Life Groups.
Join the Movement
We are more than just a church on the corner; we are a family dedicated to seeing the next generation rise up. Whether your teen is a social butterfly or a quiet thinker, there is a place for them here. We want to help them find their "why" and equip them to carry the light of Christ from Memphis to the world.
The world is waiting for what our Memphis youth have to offer. Let’s make sure they’re ready.
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you and your family in person. Come see what God is doing in The Journey and across our entire community. Visit us at: 🌐 www.famemphis.net
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.)
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