Looking for a Church in Cordova or Memphis? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the Assemblies of God
- Boundless Team
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Looking for a church in Cordova or Memphis? The Assemblies of God (AG) is a Bible-centered, Spirit-filled fellowship focused on salvation through Jesus, Holy Spirit empowerment, divine healing, and Christ’s return, offering a vibrant, welcoming community for families across the 901 and a global digital home through Boundless Online.
Finding a new church home can feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is the entire 901 area code, and you’re looking for a place that feels like family. Whether you are moving to Cordova, just visiting Memphis, or searching for a spiritual community from across the globe, you’ve likely seen the words "Assemblies of God" on a sign and wondered, “What exactly do they believe, and will I fit in?”
At First Assembly Memphis, we believe you aren’t just a face in the crowd; you are a child of God with a purpose. As a part of the global Assemblies of God fellowship, we are part of a movement that is defying the trends of religious decline. In fact, while many denominations are seeing numbers drop, the Assemblies of God has grown steadily for decades.
High-Impact Growth Statistics:
Global Reach: With over 86 million adherents worldwide, the AG is the largest Pentecostal denomination on the planet.
Steady Growth: In the U.S. alone, membership has more than doubled since 1975, now reaching over 3 million members.
Active Attendance: In 2024, average worship attendance in AG churches increased by 6.2%, showing that people are craving real, in-person, and Spirit-led connection.
Diversity: Nearly 40% of AG churches in the U.S. are comprised of ethnic minority or immigrant congregations, reflecting the beautiful diversity of the Kingdom of God.
If you are curious about what makes an Assemblies of God church like FA Memphis unique, here are 10 things you should know.
1. We Are People of the Book
At the heart of everything we do is the Bible. We believe the Scriptures are the inspired, infallible Word of God and our final authority for faith and living. When you visit us in Cordova or join us via Boundless Online Church, you won't hear a "TED Talk" with a few verses tacked on. You’ll hear teaching that is rooted in the Word, designed to help you navigate the complexities of modern life with ancient, unchanging truth.
Definition: Biblical Inerrancy The belief that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts and is completely trustworthy in all that it affirms.
2. Jesus is the Center of the Story
We believe that salvation is only found through Jesus Christ. It’s not about being "good enough" or checking off a religious to-do list. It’s about a relationship. We teach that through repentance and faith in Jesus, anyone, regardless of their past, can be made new. If you’ve been carrying the weight of mistakes or the "sin" of the past, we offer a pathway to redemption, not a platform for shame.
3. We Experience the Holy Spirit
This is one of our "Pentecostal distinctives." We believe that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church in the Book of Acts is still active today. We encourage believers to seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which provides spiritual power for witnessing and living a holy life. This often includes the biblical sign of speaking in tongues, but more importantly, it results in a life marked by the "Fruit of the Spirit", love, joy, peace, and patience.
Definition: Pentecostal A Christian movement that emphasizes the direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
4. We Believe in Divine Healing
Does God still perform miracles? We believe the answer is a resounding yes. Based on the sacrifice of Jesus, we believe that physical, emotional, and spiritual healing is provided for all believers. At FA Memphis, we regularly pray for the sick and have seen God do incredible things in the lives of our people in Bartlett, Arlington, and beyond.
5. We Are a "Front Porch" Community
You’ll hear us talk about "front-porch hospitality." In a city as big as Memphis, it’s easy to feel invisible. We work hard to ensure that no guest gets lost and no question hits a dead end. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time member, we want you to feel seen and safe. Our goal is to be a local church with a global heartbeat, serving our neighborhoods from Germantown to Collierville with the love of Christ.
6. We Are Committed to the Next Generation
If you have kids, you know how important it is to find a place where they are safe and excited to learn. From our preschool programs to our vibrant student ministries, we are dedicated to helping children and teenagers discover their own faith. We don't just "babysit", we disciple. We want every young person in the 901 to know they are priceless in God’s eyes.
7. We Are Mission-Minded
The Assemblies of God is one of the most mission-focused organizations in the world. We believe every believer is called to reach the lost, whether that’s across the street in Memphis or across the ocean. We support thousands of missionaries globally, ensuring that the Gospel is preached in every tongue and to every tribe.
8. We Live with a "Blessed Hope"
The world can feel chaotic and dark sometimes, but we live with an expectant hope. We believe in the "Blessed Hope", the rapture of the Church at Christ's coming. This isn't about fear; it’s about a future. Knowing that Jesus is coming back gives us the urgency to share His love today and the peace to face tomorrow.
9. We Value Sanctification
We believe that after salvation, God begins a lifelong process of making us more like Jesus. This is called sanctification. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being "set apart" for God’s purposes. We help each other grow through life groups, Bible studies, and intentional community.
Definition: Sanctification The process of being made holy and becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
10. We Are "Boundless"
We realize that not everyone can make it to a physical building in Memphis every Sunday. Maybe you're homebound, traveling, or live in a part of the world where there isn't a healthy local church nearby. That’s why we launched Boundless Online Church. It’s not just a stream; it’s a community with live chat, digital small groups, and pastoral care. No matter where you are, you have a place with us.
Comparison: What Makes Us Different?
Feature | Assemblies of God (FA Memphis) | Traditional Denominations |
Authority | Bible as the final word | Tradition and Scripture |
Holy Spirit | Emphasis on present-day power | Often viewed historically |
Worship | Expressive and Spirit-led | Often liturgical or formal |
Governance | Local church autonomy | Centralized hierarchy |
Outreach | High focus on global missions | Varies by denomination |
Your Life Takeaway: You Are Not Alone
The most important thing to know about the Assemblies of God and First Assembly Memphis isn't a list of rules, it’s a person. Jesus Christ is the reason we gather, and He is the reason we love. If you are looking for a place where you can grow, heal, and find your purpose, you’ve found it.
Whether you walk through our doors in Memphis or log on from your living room, you are stepping into a family that is rooting for you.
Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person. You can explore our upcoming events, listen to past sermons, or find a life group that fits your schedule: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area, unable to attend locally, or just exploring faith from a distance, join our global online church community for live services and digital discipleship: 🌐 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.)
We are here for you.
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