How to Find Your Place and Connect at First Assembly Memphis: From Newcomer to Involved Member

Part 5 of 5: Your Journey Home

Walking through those church doors for the first time can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've been attending First Assembly Memphis for a few weeks, or perhaps you're still considering that first visit. Either way, you're wondering: "How do I actually connect here? How do I move from being a visitor to feeling like I truly belong?"

The beautiful truth is this, you're already loved, already welcomed, and already part of God's family. The journey from newcomer to involved member isn't about earning your place; it's about discovering the home that's been waiting for you all along.

Taking Those First Steps Forward

Your journey begins with showing up, and at First Assembly Memphis, that's easier than you might think. Sunday morning services at 9:30 am and 10:30 am provide natural entry points into community life. Start with a Life Group at 9:30 am where you'll meet people in a smaller, more intimate setting over coffee and Bible study. Then flow into the 10:30 am sanctuary service for worship and teaching.

Don't worry about fitting in perfectly from day one. There's no dress code, no financial expectations for guests, and if you have children ages 6 weeks through 5th grade, they're welcomed with loving childcare during services. Park in one of the designated guest spots at the front, yes, they literally roll out the red carpet for newcomers.

After your first service, make your way to the Welcome Table. This isn't just a pit stop, it's your gateway to connection. Pastor Lindberg and hospitality hosts are there specifically to meet you, answer questions, and help you understand what First Assembly Memphis offers. You'll receive a complimentary gift, but more importantly, you'll start building relationships with people who genuinely care about your spiritual journey.

Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts and Passions

As an Assemblies of God church, First Assembly Memphis believes in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that every believer has been uniquely gifted to serve God's kingdom. But here's what Layne McDonald, our Assimilation and Retention specialist, wants you to know: discovering your gifts isn't a pressure-filled performance, it's an exciting adventure of self-discovery.

Maybe you've always felt drawn to music, teaching, serving others, or working with children. Perhaps you have skills in technology, administration, or creative arts. Or maybe you're not sure what your gifts are yet, that's perfectly normal and absolutely okay.

The Wednesday Evening Ministry Groups, starting at 6:30 pm, provide excellent opportunities to explore different areas of service. Come early for the Fellowship Meal (served 5:00-6:15 pm for just $7) and stay for engaging classes that might spark recognition of gifts you didn't know you had.

Don't forget about Right Now Media's video Bible library, which First Assembly Memphis provides free to all members. These resources can help you understand spiritual gifts, explore your calling, and discover how God has uniquely designed you to serve.

Connecting with Leadership: They Want to Know You

One of the most common hesitations newcomers have is approaching church leadership. "They're probably too busy," or "I don't want to bother them," are thoughts that keep many people from making meaningful connections. But here's the reality at First Assembly Memphis: the leadership team genuinely wants to know you, your story, and your heart.

Start with simple conversations after services. When you meet Pastor Lindberg at the Welcome Table, share a bit about yourself, your background, what brought you to First Assembly Memphis, or what you're hoping to find in a church home. These leaders have committed their lives to shepherding people, and that includes helping you discover your place in God's family.

If you're ready to take a bigger step, consider scheduling a coffee meeting or casual conversation. Most pastoral staff members love getting to know people's stories, dreams, and passions. This isn't an interview or interrogation, it's relationship-building. Share what excites you, what you're passionate about, and where you feel God might be leading you.

Don't underestimate the power of serving alongside leadership in various ministries. Whether it's helping with children's ministry, joining the worship team, or participating in community outreach, working side-by-side creates natural opportunities for deeper relationships and mentorship.

Finding Community When You Feel Alone

If you're walking through a season of loneliness, please hear this: First Assembly Memphis is designed to be a place where isolation ends and belonging begins. The church's heart cry is "Loving God & Loving People," and that love extends especially to those who feel forgotten or alone.

Life Groups are intentionally small and relational, creating space for authentic friendships to develop. These aren't just Bible studies, they're communities where people share life together, pray for one another, and build lasting relationships. If you're naturally introverted or hesitant about jumping into large groups, Life Groups provide the perfect starting point.

The Fellowship Meals on Wednesday evenings create another layer of community. There's something powerful about sharing a meal together, barriers come down, conversations flow naturally, and you'll find yourself connecting with people across different ages and life stages.

For those who can't always attend in person, remember that Boundless Online Church extends First Assembly Memphis' reach globally. Through live chat, video calls, prayer boards, and online groups, you can connect with this church family 24/7, no matter where you are or what your circumstances might be.

Taking the Leap: From Visitor to Family Member

The transition from visitor to involved member doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't require a dramatic moment or perfect timing. It's a gradual process of saying "yes" to small steps that lead to deeper engagement and stronger relationships.

Start by committing to attend regularly for a season, perhaps four to six weeks. This gives you time to experience the church's rhythm, meet people multiple times (relationship-building takes repetition), and begin feeling at home in the environment.

Next, choose one area of deeper involvement. Maybe it's joining a Life Group, volunteering in children's ministry, participating in the worship team, or helping with community outreach. The key is choosing something that aligns with your interests or gifts, making involvement feel natural rather than forced.

As you become more involved, you'll naturally find yourself in conversations with leadership about potential areas of service or ministry. This is where your earlier relationship-building pays off, leaders who know you personally can help guide you toward opportunities that fit your gifts and passions perfectly.

Your Boundless Connection

Whether you're physically present at 8650 Walnut Grove Road in Cordova or connecting through Boundless Online Church, you're part of something bigger than a local congregation, you're part of a global family that spans ZIP codes and countries.

The beauty of this dual connection means you're never truly alone. On days when you can't make it to the physical building, Boundless Online Church provides podcasts, blogs, live ministry support, and group connections. When you are present on Walnut Grove Road, you're connecting with people who share your digital faith community as well.

Your journey from newcomer to involved member isn't just about finding your place at First Assembly Memphis, it's about discovering your role in God's larger story. Every gift you bring, every passion you share, every relationship you build contributes to a community that's actively loving God and loving people.

Remember: you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God. Your place at First Assembly Memphis isn't something you have to earn or prove worthy of, it's a gift waiting for you to unwrap through relationship, service, and authentic community.

The next step is yours to take. Whether it's visiting that Welcome Table this Sunday, joining a Life Group, or simply reaching out to say hello, your church family is ready to welcome you home.

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Ready to take your next step? Visit us at www.famemphis.org or connect with our global community at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org. We're here for you 24/7.

First Assembly Memphis 8650 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, Tennessee 38018 Phone: 901-843-8600 Email: info@famemphis.net