Christian Living: Assemblies of God 101, Is This Memphis Church the Right Place for Your Family?
- Boundless Team
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
An Assemblies of God church like First Assembly Memphis provides a Bible-centered, Spirit-empowered environment designed to strengthen families through vibrant children's ministries, relational community, and practical teaching. By focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in daily life, we help parents and children in the 901 area grow closer to Jesus and each other.
Choosing a church for your family is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. Whether you are living in Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or are part of our global community through Boundless Online Church, you aren't just looking for a "service" to attend. You are looking for a spiritual home, a place where your kids are safe, your marriage is strengthened, and your faith is fueled by the truth of God’s Word.
If you’ve driven past an Assemblies of God (AG) church in Memphis or seen our digital campus online, you might have questions. What does "Pentecostal" mean for my kids? Is the teaching based on the Bible? Will we fit in? In this guide, we’re going to break down "AG 101" specifically through the lens of family life, helping you discover if this is the right place for you to plant roots.
The 901 Family: Rooted in Faith and Community
Life in Memphis and the surrounding Shelby County area is beautiful, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Families today are navigating a culture that is often loud, confusing, and disconnected. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe the church should be the primary support system for the home.
Our mission is built on three simple goals that guide everything we do for families. We call it our "Reach" strategy:
Reach Up: We reach up to God for power and presence. We believe that we cannot be the parents or spouses we were meant to be without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Reach In: We reach in to one another. First Assembly is a family of faith. Before we reach the world, we take care of our own, supporting our children, our seniors, and our marriages.
Reach Out: Once we are strong and filled, we reach out to our city and the nations with the love of Jesus.
Understanding the "Pentecostal" Experience for Families
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal fellowship. For many families, that word can feel mysterious. Simply put, being Pentecostal means we believe that everything God did in the book of Acts, He is still doing today.
Feature | What it Means for Your Family |
Biblical Authority | We use the Bible as our "manual for life," providing clear boundaries and hope for parents. |
Spirit Baptism | We believe in a "power boost" for believers to help them live holy, bold lives in a difficult world. |
Divine Healing | We pray for the sick, believing God cares about your family’s physical and emotional health. |
Vibrant Worship | Our services are participatory and joyful, showing kids that following Jesus is an exciting journey. |
Core Definitions: The Language of Our Faith
As you explore FA Memphis, you’ll hear a few key terms. Here is a quick "cheat sheet" to help your family understand our theological foundation:
Salvation: The act of God’s grace where we are forgiven of our sins and restored to a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the starting point for every family member. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A distinct experience following salvation where a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit for power in life and service. This often includes the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues, as seen in the New Testament. Sanctification: The lifelong process of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Jesus in our character and actions. It’s God’s way of "polishing" us to reflect His love.
Is FA Memphis Safe and Fun for My Kids?
One of the first questions any parent asks is, "What about my children?" At First Assembly Memphis, we don't view children's ministry as "babysitting." We view it as discipleship.
KidsZone: Our children’s ministry is designed for kids to experience God on their level. From high-energy worship to small-group Bible teaching, we want every child in the 901 to know they are priceless in God’s eyes.
Youth Ministry: For middle and high school students, we provide a safe harbor. In a world of social media pressure, our youth ministry focuses on building real relationships and a solid biblical identity.
Mother’s Day Out (MDO): We offer local support for parents through our weekday programs, ensuring that even the youngest members of your family are cared for in a Christian environment.
5 Signs FA Memphis is the Right Place for Your Family
You Value the Bible Over Tradition: If you want a church where the sermon is rooted in Scripture and gives you "Monday-ready" tools for parenting, you’ll feel at home here.
You Want Your Kids to Have a Real Faith: We don't just teach stories; we teach kids how to pray, how to hear God’s voice, and how to lead their friends.
You Are Looking for a "Faith Family": Whether you are a single parent, a grandparent raising grandkids, or a newlywed couple, our "Reach In" goal means there is a place for you to be known and loved.
You Believe in the Power of Prayer: We are a praying church. We believe that prayer changes things, from healing a sick child to restoring a struggling marriage.
You Want to Make a Difference Locally and Globally: From local 901 outreach to planting churches in Africa and Asia, we give families the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.
The Global Bridge: Boundless Online Church
We realize that not every family is located in Memphis, and not every family can make it to our physical campus every Sunday. This is why we created Boundless Online Church.
Boundless is our digital doorway for the homebound, the traveler, and the global seeker. If you are outside the 901, you can still experience the same Spirit-filled teaching and community. Through our online Bible studies and digital small groups, your family can grow in the Assemblies of God tradition from anywhere in the world.
Life Takeaway: Your One Next Step
You don’t have to have it all figured out to walk through our doors or join our online community. The Christian life is a journey, not a destination. If you are looking for a place where your family can be built up, where the Holy Spirit is welcome, and where the Bible is the foundation, then First Assembly Memphis is here for you.
Our "Reach In" goal reminds us: Do you take care of other families before you take care of your own? Of course not. We are a family first. We want to help you take care of yours.
Are you ready to see what God has in store for your family this year?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person this Sunday: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for worship and discipleship: 🌐 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.)
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