FA Memphis Connection: Looking for a Spirit-Filled Church in the 901? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the Assemblies of God

If you are looking for a Spirit-filled church in Memphis or the 901, the Assemblies of God (AG) offers a Bible-centered community focused on the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, the importance of Spirit baptism, and a life dedicated to serving others.

Finding a church home in the 901 can feel a lot like searching for the best barbecue in Memphis, everyone has an opinion, and there are plenty of options to choose from. But if you’re looking for something that goes beyond just a Sunday routine, something that feels alive, empowered, and deeply rooted in the Bible, you might be looking for a Spirit-filled community.

At First Assembly Memphis, we are part of a global family known as the Assemblies of God. Whether you’re in Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or joining us from across the globe through Boundless Online Church, understanding our heartbeat helps you see if this is the right place for your spiritual journey.

A Growing Global Family

Did you know that out of every 100 Christians in the world today, about 30 to 35 of them are Pentecostal? The move of the Holy Spirit isn’t something happening in a dark corner; it is a global movement that is growing rapidly because people are hungry for a real, tangible connection with God.

Here are 10 things you should know about the Assemblies of God as you look for a church home in the 901.

---

1. The Bible is Our Final Authority

In a world of shifting opinions, we believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. It isn't just a historical book; it is the living map for our lives. Whether we are discussing science, family, or our future, we start with "In the beginning, God..." We believe Scripture is the ultimate guide for how we navigate the culture today.

2. Salvation is Through Jesus Alone

At the core of everything we do is the message of the Gospel. We believe that every person has sinned and needs a Savior. Salvation isn't earned by being "good enough" or doing enough religious chores. It is a gift of grace received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Definition: Salvation – The deliverance from the power and penalty of sin, realized through faith in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This is a major Pentecostal distinctive. We believe that after a person is saved, there is a separate experience called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This isn't "extra credit" Christianity; it is the empowerment promised by Jesus in Acts 1:8 to give us the strength to be witnesses and live a life that honors Him.

4. Speaking in Tongues

We believe that the "initial physical evidence" of being baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues, just as the early believers did on the Day of Pentecost. This gift isn't for show; it’s a way to pray and communicate with God that transcends our natural understanding, building us up spiritually.

5. We Believe in Divine Healing

The same Jesus who healed the blind and the lame 2,000 years ago is still at work today. We believe that physical healing is provided for in the atonement of Christ. While we deeply value doctors and medicine, we also pray with expectancy that God can and does perform miracles in our bodies today.

6. Sanctification is a Journey

When you follow Jesus, your life should look different. We call this "sanctification." It’s the process of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Christ every day. It’s not about legalism or a list of "don'ts"; it’s about a relationship that changes your heart and your habits.

Definition: Sanctification – The lifelong process of being made holy and being set apart for God’s purposes through the work of the Holy Spirit.

7. The Blessed Hope: Jesus is Coming Back

We live with a sense of urgency because we believe Jesus Christ is returning. Whether it’s through the Rapture of the Church or His final return to reign on earth, we believe the story of humanity ends with the victory of God. This keeps us focused on what really matters, reaching people while we have the time.

8. Missions and Evangelism are in Our DNA

The Assemblies of God is one of the largest missionary-sending organizations in the world. From the 901 to the nations, we are committed to sharing the Gospel. This is why we invest so heavily in local outreach and global missions. We believe every person, everywhere, deserves to hear about the love of Jesus.

9. Expressive and Heartfelt Worship

If you visit an AG church like First Assembly Memphis, you’ll notice that our worship is often expressive. People might raise their hands, pray out loud, or experience the "gifts of the Spirit" like prophecy or words of knowledge. We believe worship should engage your whole heart, not just your head.

10. A Commitment to the Local Family

We aren't just a weekend event; we are a family. From kids' ministries and First Assembly Christian School to our "Prime Time Cruzers" for seniors, we believe in strengthening families. We want to be a place where you are known, loved, and supported through every season of life.

---

Understanding the Core Doctrines

To help you compare and understand, here is a quick look at how these beliefs translate into our daily church life:

Belief Topic	Scriptural Basis	Practical Application
Holy Spirit	Acts 2:4	We seek the Spirit's power for daily living and witnessing.
Healing	James 5:14-16	We pray for the sick during services and in our daily lives.
The Bible	2 Timothy 3:16	Our sermons and small groups are rooted directly in Scripture.
Community	Hebrews 10:25	We gather in person and online to support and grow together.

Why This Matters for You in the 901

Memphis is a city with a rich spiritual history, but it’s also a place where people are looking for real answers to tough questions. Whether you are dealing with the stress of work, the challenges of parenting, or a deep spiritual hunger, the "Spirit-filled" life isn't about hype, it's about help. It’s about having the power of God available to you on a Tuesday afternoon just as much as on a Sunday morning.

We refuse to allow our faith to become "burnt ashes" of tradition. We are building "war rooms" of prayer and equipping the next generation to lead with faith and courage.

Take One Step Closer

You don't have to have it all figured out to join us. Whether you are a lifelong believer or just curious about who Jesus is, there is a place for you here.

Are you ready to experience a community where the Word of God is preached and the Spirit of God is welcome?

Want to go deeper?

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

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