FA Memphis Connection: Looking for a Spirit-Filled Church in Memphis? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the Assemblies of God?

Finding a church home in a city like Memphis can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, until you find a place that finally feels like family.

What does the Assemblies of God believe?

The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal Christian denomination that follows the 16 Fundamental Truths. These core beliefs focus on the authority of the Bible, the salvation found in Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living, and the promise of Christ's return.

If you’ve driven through Cordova, Bartlett, or downtown Memphis, you’ve likely seen an Assemblies of God church. But what does that label actually mean? For some, "Pentecostal" brings to mind specific traditions, while for others, it represents a vibrant, Spirit-led way of life. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that understanding these roots helps you connect deeper with God and His people.

Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just starting to ask questions about faith, here are 10 foundational things you should know about the Assemblies of God and why they matter for your journey today.

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1. The Bible is Our Ultimate Map

In a world of shifting opinions, we believe truth shouldn't be a moving target. The Assemblies of God teaches that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It isn't just a historical document; it is our "infallible rule of faith and conduct." This means when we face big life decisions or moral crossroads in the 901, we look to Scripture first.

2. We Believe in the One True God (The Trinity)

We believe in one God who has revealed Himself in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. This isn't just a theological puzzle; it’s about relationship. We see God as a loving Creator, a redeeming Savior, and a comforting Presence who is with us every day.

3. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man

Everything at FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church centers on Jesus. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, and His substitutionary death on the cross. Most importantly, we celebrate His bodily resurrection. Because He lives, we have hope that transcends any earthly struggle.

4. Salvation is a Gift, Not an Achievement

You can’t work your way into God’s good graces. The Assemblies of God teaches that salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. It is a "new birth" that happens the moment you trust in Christ’s shed blood for the forgiveness of your sins.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." , Ephesians 2:8

5. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for Everyone

One of the most distinct markers of an AG church is our belief in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. We believe this is an experience distinct from and following the new birth. Why does it matter? Because it provides the believer with power for life and service. It’s not about being "holier" than others; it’s about having the "equipment" needed to share God's love effectively.

6. Tongues as the Initial Physical Evidence

We believe that when a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the first outward sign is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This follows the pattern seen in the Book of Acts. While this is a hallmark of Pentecostal faith, it is always intended to lead toward a deeper prayer life and greater boldness in witnessing.

7. Sanctification is a Lifelong Process

Becoming more like Jesus doesn't happen overnight. Sanctification is the act of separation from what is evil and dedication unto God. It is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. At FA Memphis, we walk this path together, encouraging one another to grow in character and holiness.

8. The Church Has a Dual Mission

The Church isn't just a building on a corner in Memphis; it is the Body of Christ. Its mission is two-fold: to seek and save those who are lost and to build up a body of believers who are becoming more like Christ. This is why we focus so heavily on both local outreach in the 901 and global missions through efforts like Boundless.

9. Divine Healing is Still for Today

We believe that God is the Great Physician. Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel and is provided for in the Atonement (Christ’s suffering for us). While we value medical professionals, we also believe in the power of prayer. We regularly pray for the sick, trusting that God still performs miracles today.

10. The Blessed Hope: Christ is Returning

We live with an expectant heart. The "Blessed Hope" is the imminent return of Jesus to gather His people. This truth motivates us to live with purpose, to share the Gospel with urgency, and to remain hopeful even when the world feels chaotic.

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Core Definitions to Know

When you join a conversation at First Assembly Memphis, you might hear a few "churchy" words. Here is what they mean in plain English:

Term	Biblical Definition
Salvation	Being rescued from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus.
Repentance	A "U-turn" in life, turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Spirit Baptism	An empowering experience after salvation that gives believers strength to witness.
Sanctification	The ongoing process of being made holy and more like Jesus every day.
Divine Healing	God’s supernatural power restoring health to the human body.

Why This Matters for You in Memphis

Whether you live in Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or any other part of the 901, these truths aren't just for Sunday morning. They are for the single parent looking for strength, the professional looking for purpose, and the student looking for identity.

The Assemblies of God is a "Spirit-filled" movement because we believe the same Holy Spirit who moved in the Bible is moving in Memphis today. He is moving in our FA Kids ministry, our Young Adult groups, and our Life Groups.

Take Your Next Step

If you are looking for a church that values the Word of God, experiences the power of the Spirit, and feels like a genuine family, we invite you to come see for yourself. You don't have to have it all figured out to walk through our doors.

We’d love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.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.)