FA Memphis Connection: How Is the Assemblies of God Reaching Rural America?

The Assemblies of God reaches rural America through the AGTS Rural Church Ministry Partnership, a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative. This program has resourced over 1,200 churches across 31 states, training 6,000+ pastors and lay leaders to strengthen local congregations and revitalize their presence within small-town communities nationwide.

The Heartbeat of the Heartland

In the small towns of West TN, the rolling fields of Arkansas, and the quiet communities of Mississippi, faith isn't just a Sunday activity, it’s the glue that holds life together. For many, the local church is the only place to find hope, help, and a sense of belonging. Yet, rural pastors often face unique challenges, from isolation to limited resources.

How does a global movement ensure that a church in a town of 500 people is just as equipped as a church in a city of 500,000? It starts with a commitment to the "supply lines" of the Kingdom.

A Biblical Foundation: The Galilee Model

When we look at the ministry of Jesus, we see a Savior who spent the vast majority of His time in rural, often overlooked regions. While Jerusalem was the religious and political center, Jesus chose Galilee, a region of small fishing villages and farming communities, as His primary mission field.

In Matthew 9:35, we read: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."

Jesus didn't just wait for the rural crowds to come to the city; He went to the villages. He recognized that every soul, whether in a bustling marketplace or a quiet cornfield, is of infinite value to the Father. The Assemblies of God follows this "Galilee Model" by ensuring that geography never limits the accessibility of the Gospel or the quality of discipleship.

The AGTS Rural Church Ministry Partnership

The backbone of this effort is the AGTS Rural Church Ministry Partnership. Led by the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) and Evangel University, and fueled by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, this initiative is a game-changer for the 901 region and beyond.

Here is what the partnership has accomplished in its first phase:

• 1,200+ Churches Resourced: These congregations are being revitalized with fresh tools to serve their neighbors.

• 31 States Impacted: From the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South, rural churches are finding a voice.

• 6,000+ Leaders Trained: Pastors and lay leaders are receiving specialized education designed specifically for the rural context, teaching them how to lead with limited staff but unlimited vision.

This isn't just about "fixing" small churches; it’s about recognizing that rural churches are often the most influential institutions in their towns. When the rural church is healthy, the rural community thrives.

Defining Our Mission

To understand why this matters, we have to look at the "why" behind the training.

Term	Biblical Definition	Rural Context Application
Discipleship	The process of becoming more like Jesus through teaching and community.	Helping neighbors follow Christ in the everyday rhythms of rural life.
Sanctification	The lifelong process of being set apart and made holy by the Holy Spirit.	Growing in character and integrity within a community where everyone knows your name.
Evangelism	Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.	Showing God's love through practical service and local hospitality.

Memphis: Your Spiritual Supply Station

If you live in West TN, Arkansas, or Mississippi, you know that Memphis is more than just a city, it’s a hub. It’s where you go for healthcare, for commerce, and for connection. At First Assembly Memphis (FA Memphis), we believe we have a specific calling to serve as a Spiritual Supply Station for our surrounding rural areas.

Whether you are in Cordova, Bartlett, or across the bridge in West Memphis, we want to be a place where you can come to get refueled. We don’t see ourselves as a competitor to the small-town church; we see ourselves as a partner.

Through our local campus in Memphis and our digital reach via Boundless Online Church, we provide:

1. Leadership Support: Resources and training for those serving in smaller settings.

2. Community Connection: A place for those who feel isolated to find a broader spiritual family.

3. Global Accessibility: For those who live too far from a healthy local church, Boundless offers a digital doorway to Spirit-filled teaching.

Practical Ways to Strengthen Rural Faith

If you are a believer living in a rural area, here are three ways you can leverage these national and regional resources:

1. Stay Connected Digitally: If your local church doesn't have a midweek service, join the community at Boundless Online Church for Bible studies and prayer.

2. Access the Training: If you are a lay leader, look into the resources offered by the AGTS partnership. You don't need a degree to be effectively equipped for ministry.

3. Visit the Hub: Whenever you are in Memphis or the 901 for errands or appointments, join us for a Sunday service at FA Memphis. Let us encourage you so you can go back and encourage your community.

Life Takeaway

God never overlooks the "small" places. Whether you are in a high-rise in Memphis or a farmhouse in Arkansas, your mission is the same: to reflect the light of Jesus. You are not alone in your ministry, and you are part of a movement that is actively investing in the soil you walk on every day.

How can you share the hope of Jesus with one neighbor in your community this week?

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Want to go deeper?

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

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our online church community at Boundless: 🌐 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.)