How Can They Hear the Gospel in Memphis Today?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 8 min read
Tier 1 Local Seekers
Why: This post connects the global AGWM 2026 missions theme to the everyday lives of Memphians, helping our neighbors understand that the call to share the Gospel starts right here in the 901 through authentic relationships and Spirit-empowered hospitality.
People in Memphis can hear the Gospel today when everyday believers share Jesus in real conversations, real kindness, and Spirit-empowered courage—at home, at work, and across the 901. Romans 10 reminds us that hearing happens because someone is sent, and that “someone” is often you.
WHY: We want Memphis to encounter Jesus through people who live the Gospel out loud—because that’s how families get strengthened, disciples get made, and our city gets served.
Sunday Morning at FA Memphis (Memphis/901):Sunday Classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM—come as you are, bring your questions, and let’s grow together.
Today (March 9) Update: Pastoral Staff Meeting at 9:00 AM.
If you’ve spent any time driving down Germantown Parkway or navigating the morning rush on I-40, you know that Memphis is a city with a rhythm all its own. We are a city of deep roots, incredible food, and a grit-and-grind spirit that doesn’t quit. And if we’re being honest, life here isn’t always neat and tied up with a bow—most days, faith feels more like a journey than a finish line. But beneath the surface of our busy 901 lives, there is a question that echoes from the pages of Scripture right into the heart of Shelby County: How can they hear?
This year, the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) has set "How Can They Hear" as the central theme for 2026, drawing straight from Romans 10. While that theme often makes us think of far-off lands and international mission fields, the truth is that the mission field starts the moment you pull out of your driveway in Cordova or Bartlett.
So, how exactly does the message of Jesus reach someone in Memphis today? It’s not just about billboards or slogans; it’s about the "beautiful feet" of believers moving through the city with purpose.
Definition Block: What Is “The Great Commission”?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ command for His followers to make disciples of all nations—sharing the Gospel, baptizing new believers, and teaching people to obey His Word (Matthew 28:18–20). In other words: we don’t keep good news to ourselves; we lovingly pass it on.
The Romans 10 Mandate in the 901
The Apostle Paul didn't mince words in Romans 10:14-15: "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they be sent?"
In the context of First Assembly Memphis, "preaching" isn't reserved for someone behind a wooden pulpit on Sunday morning. In our Pentecostal tradition, we believe every believer is called to witness. That means the parent at the playground, the student on campus, the coworker on your shift—you may be the “sent one” God uses to help someone hear.
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again so that we might have eternal life through grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). It’s a message of salvation that is available to everyone in Memphis, regardless of their past. But for them to believe it, they have to hear it. And for them to hear it, we have to speak.
Aspect of the Gospel: Scripture + Everyday Application
Aspect of the Gospel | Scripture | Application |
God loves and pursues people | John 3:16 | Start with compassion, not arguments—listen well, love first, and keep showing up. |
All have sinned (we all need rescue) | Romans 3:23 | Share from humility: “I needed Jesus too,” not “I’m better than you.” |
Jesus died for our sins and rose again | 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 | Keep the message centered on Jesus—His cross and resurrection are the heart of the Gospel. |
Salvation is by grace through faith | Ephesians 2:8–9 | Invite people to trust Christ, not to “clean themselves up” first. |
Repentance and forgiveness are offered in His name | Luke 24:46–47 | When someone is ready, clearly explain turning to Jesus and receiving forgiveness. |
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness | Acts 1:8 | Before hard conversations, pray: “Holy Spirit, help me love, help me speak, help me be brave.” |
Go a step deeper: If you’re rebuilding your foundation (or you’re brand new to all this), our Bible 101 resources can help you understand what we believe and why. And if missions has been on your heart, explore Missions to see how we pray, give, and go with a global heartbeat.
Hearing Through Hospitality
At First Assembly Memphis, our heartbeat is hospitality. And I’ll just say it plainly: First Assembly Memphis is not perfect—but God is. We’re a bunch of real people learning to follow Jesus day by day, sometimes taking big steps forward, sometimes needing a little grace and a reset. We believe a welcoming spirit is often the front door to a person’s heart. When we open our lives to others, we create a space where the Gospel can be heard without the noise of judgment or the static of religious tradition.
Think about your neighborhood in Cordova. When was the last time you truly listened to a neighbor’s story? Hospitality isn't just about hosting a fancy dinner; it’s about making someone feel seen and valued as a child of God. When people feel welcomed, their ears open.
Our church history is full of stories of people who walked through our doors looking for community and found Christ because someone took the time to say, "I'm glad you're here." You can learn more about our journey as a church on our history page. Whether it’s through our Prime Time Cruzers for seniors or our sports programs, every interaction is an opportunity for someone to "hear" the love of God.
The Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Witness
We can’t talk about sharing the Gospel without talking about the Holy Spirit. As an Assemblies of God congregation, we hold fast to the promise that we receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).
In a city like Memphis, where people are often tired, stressed, or dealing with the "grind," a natural human conversation can only go so far. But a Spirit-empowered conversation? That’s where the breakthrough happens. The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say when we don't know what to say. He gives us a spirit of discernment to know when a coworker needs a prayer or when a friend is ready to hear about the hope we have in Christ.
Sharing the Gospel in the 901 isn't about having a perfect script. It’s about being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading while you’re picking up groceries or cheering at a baseball game. It’s about being a living testimony of sanctification, showing that Christ is changing us from the inside out.
Where Can They Hear?
If someone in Memphis is looking for the truth, where do they go? While we pray they find their way to a Sunday service, the reality is that many will "hear" the Gospel in other settings first.
In Life Groups: Real life happens in circles, not just rows. When we gather in homes across the 901 to study the Word and share our burdens, the Gospel becomes tangible.
Through Our Families: Our children hear the Gospel first from us. Whether it's through VBS or just nightly prayers, we are raising the next generation of witnesses. And for parents who need community (and a little breathing room), our MUMs gatherings and Mother’s Day Out (MDO) are part of how we care for families—MDO hours are 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
In Times of Need: Memphis is a city that knows how to show up for one another. When we offer support through ministries like Heart to Heart, we are showing the Gospel in action.
During Community Events: Events like Trunk or Treat aren't just for fun; they are points of connection for families who might never step foot in a sanctuary but will happily walk through our parking lot.
Practical Steps for Your "Sent" Life
So, how do you practically live out the "How Can They Hear" theme this week? Here are a few ways to sharpen your witness in the Memphis area:
Pray for Your 901 Circle: Make a list of five people in your life, friends, coworkers, or neighbors in Cordova/Bartlett, who don’t know Jesus. Pray for them by name every day.
Be Bold with Kindness: Sometimes the "hearing" starts with a simple act of service. Help a neighbor with their yard or bring coffee to a stressed-out colleague.
Invite Them In: It can be as simple as saying, "Hey, I'm heading to church this Sunday, would you like to come with me?" You can point them to our I'm New page so they know what to expect.
Share Your Story: You don’t need a theology degree to tell someone what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony is a powerful tool that no one can argue with.
Rooted in Truth
In all our efforts, we remain anchored in the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. We believe the Bible is the inspired, only infallible, and authoritative Word of God. This is the message we share. We aren't just sharing "good vibes" or "self-help." We are sharing the life-saving truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
As we look toward the future of First Assembly Memphis, our vision remains clear: to be a place where the Gospel is heard loudly and clearly through our words and our lives. We want to see every corner of the 901 impacted by the transformative power of Christ.
Whether you’ve been a part of our Legacy for decades or you’re just starting to explore what faith looks like, you have a role to play. You are part of the answer to the question: How can they hear?
Daily Quests: Your Path to Alignment
To help you stay focused on the mission this week, here is a simple rundown of "Quests" for your daily walk:
Day 1: Scriptural Soak – Read Romans 10:1-15 three times today. Ask God to highlight one phrase that applies to your life in Memphis.
Day 2: The 901 Prayer Walk – Take a 10-minute walk in your neighborhood or workplace. Pray silently for every person you pass, asking that their ears would be opened to the Gospel.
Day 3: Hospitality Audit – Look at your calendar. Is there space to invite someone over or grab a meal with a non-believer?
Day 4: Doctrinal Refresh – Visit our Mission and Vision page to remind yourself why we do what we do.
Day 5: The "Beautiful Feet" Challenge – Intentionally start a conversation with someone new today and look for a natural way to mention your faith or your church family.
The Gospel is moving in Memphis. From the church plants reaching students at the University of Memphis to the youth ministries in the urban core, God is at work. Let’s make sure that when our neighbors look for hope, they hear it clearly through us.
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.)
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
Outside the area? Join our online church community: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayer? 📞 Call or Text: (901) 213-7341
You are not alone.
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