FA Memphis Connection: Assemblies of God 101: What Does Our Memphis Church Actually Believe?

As an Assemblies of God (AG) church, First Assembly Memphis believes in the absolute authority of the Bible, salvation through Jesus Christ, the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the imminent return of Christ. We are a Spirit-filled community committed to making disciples in the 901 and globally.

If you’ve ever driven past a church in Memphis or scrolled through an online service and wondered, “What do they actually stand for?” you aren’t alone. In a world full of different denominations and theological labels, it can be confusing to know what a church truly believes at its core.

At First Assembly Memphis, we are part of a global fellowship called the Assemblies of God. But we aren’t just a "brand" of church. We are a family of believers in the 901 area, and through Boundless Online Church, a global community, dedicated to following Jesus according to the patterns we see in the Bible.

The Foundation: The 16 Fundamental Truths

The Assemblies of God is anchored by 16 Fundamental Truths. These aren't just ideas we like; they are biblical convictions that guide how we preach, how we pray, and how we treat our neighbors in Memphis and beyond.

While we hold to 16 specific truths, four of them are considered our Cardinal Doctrines. These are the "Big Four" that define the heartbeat of our ministry.

1. Salvation: The Gateway to Life

We believe that every person has "fallen" or turned away from God’s perfect plan. The only way back to a relationship with Him is through Jesus Christ.

Definition Block: Salvation Salvation is God’s free gift of forgiveness and eternal life, received by repenting of sin and placing faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is not earned by good works but by grace through faith.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Power for the Journey

We are a Pentecostal church. This means we believe the Holy Spirit isn't just a historical figure from the book of Acts, but a living presence who empowers believers today to live bold, holy lives.

Definition Block: Baptism in the Holy Spirit Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience following salvation where the believer is "filled" with the Spirit for power in witnessing and service. We believe the initial physical evidence of this is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

3. Divine Healing: God Still Restores

We believe that the same Jesus who healed the blind and the broken in the Gospels is still in the business of healing today. Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we pray with the expectation that God can and does intervene.

Definition Block: Divine Healing Divine Healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement (Christ’s death on the cross) and is the privilege of all believers.

4. The Blessed Hope: Jesus Is Coming Back

We live with an "eternal perspective." We believe that Christ will return for His Church, and this motivates us to reach as many people as possible with the message of hope before that day arrives.

Definition Block: The Blessed Hope The Blessed Hope refers to the imminent return of Jesus Christ to gather His believers (the Rapture), followed by His visible return to reign on earth for a thousand years.

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A Snapshot of Our Beliefs

To make things easy to scan, here is how those 16 truths break down into practical everyday faith:

Topic	Scripture Reference	Our Core Message
The Bible	2 Timothy 3:16	It is God’s inspired, infallible word for our lives.
The Trinity	Matthew 28:19	One God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit.
The Fall of Man	Romans 5:12-19	We chose sin, which separated us from God.
The Church	Ephesians 1:22-23	We are the Body of Christ, called to worship and mission.
Sanctification	Romans 12:1-2	A lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.
Final Judgment	Revelation 20:11-15	Every person will account for their life before God.

Why Does This Matter for You in Memphis?

You might think, "That’s a lot of theology. How does that help me on a Tuesday in Cordova or Bartlett?"

At First Assembly Memphis, these beliefs aren't just for a textbook. They are for transformation.

• Because we believe in the Bible, we offer clear, practical teaching that helps you navigate your career, your marriage, and your parenting.

• Because we believe in the Holy Spirit, we aren't just trying to "do better" on our own strength. We rely on God’s power to overcome addiction, anxiety, and grief.

• Because we believe in the Church’s mission, we are deeply invested in the 901. From serving local schools to supporting families in crisis, we believe faith is a verb.

Navigating Culture as a Believer

As the sun sets over the Mississippi River and you reflect on your day, you might find that living out these truths feels like swimming upstream. Culture changes, but God’s Word remains steady. We believe that by staying rooted in these "101" basics, we can be a "peace-bringing" presence in a chaotic world.

Whether you are attending in person at our Memphis campus or joining us through Boundless Online Church from halfway across the globe, the message is the same: Jesus loves you, God has a purpose for you, and you don't have to walk this journey alone.

Take One Step Closer

Do you have questions about these beliefs? Are you looking for a place where you can grow without being judged? We invite you to explore more.

Want to go deeper?

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

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global digital family 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.)

Are you ready to discover what God has for your life?

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