Family Devotionals: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About Family? 5 Values We Live by in Memphis
- Boundless Team
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Raising a family in the 901 today comes with a unique set of joys and challenges, from navigating the local school system to finding safe, community-driven spaces for our children to grow. Whether you are in the heart of Memphis, Cordova, or Bartlett, you aren’t just looking for a "church program", you are looking for a foundation that holds firm when life gets complicated.
What does the Assemblies of God believe about family? We believe the family is God’s primary design for nurturing faith and character, centered on marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. In this sacred unit, parents are called to be the lead disciples, modeling Christ’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit to the next generation.
At First Assembly Memphis, we don't just talk about family values; we live them out through biblical teaching, local outreach, and a commitment to seeing every home in Shelby County transformed by the Gospel. If you aren't in the Memphis area, you can find this same community and spiritual support through Boundless Online Church.
The Doctrinal Foundation: Why Family Matters to God
Before we dive into the practical values we hold dear in Memphis, it is essential to understand the "Why" behind our beliefs. The Assemblies of God (AG) views the family not as a social experiment or a cultural tradition, but as a divine institution.
From the opening pages of Genesis to the beautiful metaphors of Christ and His Church in the New Testament, family is the centerpiece of God’s plan for humanity. It is the first "mission field" for every believer.
Definition: Discipleship In the context of family, discipleship is the intentional process of following Jesus together. It involves parents teaching children to observe everything Christ commanded, modeling a life of prayer, and growing in spiritual maturity through the Word of God.
Definition: Sanctification Sanctification is the lifelong process, led by the Holy Spirit, of being set apart for God’s purposes. Within a family, this often happens through the daily "refining" of living together, learning to forgive, serve, and love one another as Christ loves us.
Value 1: Marriage as a Sacred, Lifelong Covenant
In a world where relationships can sometimes feel disposable, we believe marriage is a sacred covenant. In the Assemblies of God, we teach that marriage is more than a legal contract; it is a spiritual union instituted by God between one man and one woman.
In Memphis, we know that strong marriages build strong neighborhoods. When a husband and wife commit to a lifelong journey of "grace and truth," they create a stable environment where children can thrive and the community can see a living picture of God's faithfulness.
We encourage couples to view their marriage as a ministry. Whether you are attending a marriage retreat at FA Memphis or joining a digital small group through Boundless, the goal is the same: to reflect Christ’s self-giving love.
Value 2: Parents as the Lead Disciplers of the Home
If you are a parent in Shelby County, you probably feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Between safety concerns, school board shifts, and the influence of social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing the battle for your child’s heart.
The Assemblies of God teaches that the primary responsibility for a child’s spiritual growth lies with the parents, not just the youth pastor or Sunday school teacher. We believe in "Deuteronomy 6 living", talking about God’s Word when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Our role at First Assembly Memphis is to equip you. We provide the resources, but you provide the relationship. We want to see Memphis parents empowered by the Holy Spirit to lead their children into their own personal relationship with Jesus.
Value 3: The Authority of Scripture in Every Room
We believe the Bible is the final authority for how we live, speak, and relate to one another. In our homes, this means we don't just follow "expert" advice or the latest parenting trends; we look to the Word of God.
Whether it’s teaching a toddler about kindness or helping a teenager navigate complex cultural questions about identity and truth, the Bible provides the compass. In our blog and resources, we frequently explore how to apply ancient biblical truths to modern Memphis life. For our global community, the Boundless Bible resources offer a way to stay anchored in the Word regardless of your zip code.
Value 4: A Heart for Community and Hospitality
The "lone ranger" family is a vulnerable family. We believe God designed us to live in community, what we call the "household of faith." In the 901, this looks like opening our homes, sharing meals, and looking out for one another’s children.
The Assemblies of God emphasizes that the local church should feel like an extended family. We celebrate together, mourn together, and serve our city together. This value of hospitality extends beyond our physical walls. Through Boundless Online Church, we provide a "digital front porch" where those who are homebound, traveling, or living in isolated areas can still find the warmth of a spiritual family.
Value 5: A Kingdom-Centered Perspective on the Future
Finally, we believe every family has a mission. We aren't just raising children to be "good citizens" of Memphis; we are raising them to be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. This means we value:
Missions: Teaching our kids to care about the world.
Service: Volunteering in our local community to meet practical needs.
Spirit-Empowerment: Seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit so we have the power to witness.
When families in Memphis focus on the Kingdom, the "small" struggles of daily life start to fit into a much larger, more hopeful story.
Practical Steps for a Healthy Christian Home
How do you take these big beliefs and put them into practice on a random Tuesday in Shelby County? Here are five practical ways to strengthen your family today:
Start a 5-Minute Family Devotional: Don't overcomplicate it. Read one verse, ask one question, and pray together before bed or breakfast.
Model Repentance: When you mess up as a parent or spouse, ask for forgiveness. It’s the most powerful way to show your kids what grace looks like.
Prioritize the Gathering: Make a commitment to be part of a local body. If you're in town, join us at FA Memphis. If you’re remote, join the Sunday Live Worship.
Limit the Noise: Create "tech-free" zones in your house to allow for real conversation and prayer.
Serve Together: Find a local Memphis outreach project or a global missions goal and contribute as a family.
Life Takeaway: Your Family is God's Masterpiece
At the end of the day, the Assemblies of God believes that your family is a "light on a hill." You aren't meant to be perfect; you are meant to be a pointer to the One who is. By grounding your home in covenant marriage, intentional discipleship, and biblical authority, you create a legacy that outlasts any challenge Memphis can throw your way.
Does your family have a spiritual "home base" where you feel supported and equipped?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person. Whether you're looking for family-centered events or a place to grow in your faith, you belong here: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for discipleship and care: 🌐 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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