Looking for a Church in Memphis? 10 Things You Should Know Before Your First Visit
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Quick Answer: Visiting a church for the first time can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Memphis churches, especially here at First Assembly Memphis, are designed to welcome you exactly as you are. No pressure, no awkwardness, just genuine hospitality. Here's what to expect before you walk through the doors.
If you're scrolling through church websites in the 901, chances are you've got questions. What do I wear? Where do I park? Will someone call me out in front of everyone? Will my kids be safe? These aren't small concerns, they're the real barriers that keep people from taking that first step.
Here's the truth: Church isn't supposed to be a barrier. It's supposed to be home.
At First Assembly Memphis in Cordova, we've spent decades learning how to remove the intimidation factor so you can focus on what really matters: encountering God and finding genuine community. Whether you're from Bartlett, Arlington, Shelby County, or anywhere in the Mid-South, here are 10 things you should know before your first visit.
1. You Won't Be Put on the Spot
Let's get this one out of the way first. You will not be asked to stand up, introduce yourself, or come forward in front of the congregation. We don't do that here. You're not a spectacle, you're a guest. And good hosts don't embarrass their guests.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you" (Romans 15:7). That means meeting you where you are, not where we think you should be. You're free to observe, participate as much or as little as you're comfortable with, and leave without anyone chasing you down.
2. Parking Is Free and Easy to Navigate
Sunday mornings at FA Memphis mean free parking right on-site. No meters, no gates, no stress. Our team will be outside to help direct you to open spots, especially if you're bringing young kids and need a closer space.
If you're coming from out of town or unsure about directions, just know we're located in Cordova, TN, right off major routes that serve Bartlett, Arlington, and East Memphis. Plug our address into your GPS, and you'll find us without any downtown one-way street drama.
3. Come as You Are (Seriously)
Jeans and a T-shirt? Perfect. Business casual? Great. Sunday best? Lovely. Shorts and sneakers? You'll fit right in. There is no dress code here. The only thing we care about is that you're comfortable enough to focus on worship and connection.
Memphis is a laid-back, welcoming city, and our church reflects that culture. We're not trying to impress each other with outfits, we're here to meet Jesus and do life together.
4. Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early (It Helps, Trust Us)
Our main Sunday service starts at 10:30 a.m., and if you can arrive around 10:15, you'll give yourself time to:
Grab a free coffee at our welcome station
Get your kids checked into KidsZone (more on that below)
Find a seat without feeling rushed
Meet one of our greeters who can answer any last-minute questions
We know mornings can be chaotic, especially if you're wrangling little ones, but that extra buffer makes all the difference.
5. Your Kids Are Safe, Welcome, and Cared For
This is non-negotiable for us. Every volunteer in our children's ministry is background-checked and trained. We use a secure check-in system so you can pick up your child with confidence. Our KidsZone environment is designed to be engaging, age-appropriate, and gospel-centered.
Parents, you can actually listen to the message without worrying. And if your child needs you during service, we'll text you immediately. Safety and hospitality go hand in hand here.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me" (Matthew 19:14). We take that seriously. Your kids aren't a burden, they're the future of the Church.
6. Expect Genuine Hospitality (Not a Sales Pitch)
Our greeters and guest experience team are here to serve you, not recruit you. Yes, we'd love for you to become part of the FA Memphis family, but that decision is between you and God. We're just here to make your first visit as warm and welcoming as possible.
You'll likely receive a visitor bag with some info about our church, a free coffee voucher, and an invite to our Wednesday night family dinners. No strings attached. No pressure. Just Southern hospitality with a kingdom purpose.
7. The Worship Style Is Modern, Spirit-Led, and Pentecostal
If you've never been to an Assemblies of God church before, here's what you can expect: live worship music (contemporary style), biblical preaching, and an openness to the moving of the Holy Spirit. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, divine healing, and the power of prayer (see Acts 2:38-39).
That said, you won't be forced into anything. If you're new to Pentecostal worship, just observe and let the Spirit lead you. We're passionate, but we're also patient. The Holy Spirit doesn't rush, and neither do we.
8. Service Length: About 90 Minutes (Give or Take)
Most Sundays, our service runs about 90 minutes, sometimes a bit shorter, occasionally a bit longer if the Spirit moves. We start with worship, transition into a message from the Word, and close with prayer and an invitation to respond.
We know your time is valuable. We also know that encountering God can't be rushed. We strike a balance, and if you need to slip out early, no judgment.
9. You Can Take the Next Step at Your Own Pace
After service, you're invited to stop by the Information Desk to learn more about life groups, serving opportunities, or upcoming events. But again, zero pressure. Some people visit once and know immediately they're home. Others take weeks or months to decide. Both timelines are perfectly fine.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together." Community is essential, but it can't be forced. We'll walk with you at whatever pace feels right.
10. This Is a Church for Memphis, and Beyond
First Assembly Memphis has been rooted in the 901 for decades, serving Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, and Shelby County with the love of Christ. We're Memphis through and through. But we also recognize that not everyone can make it to a physical building.
That's why we launched Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org), an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis designed to reach people outside the Mid-South. If you're reading this from another state or even another country, Boundless is your digital home. Same heart, same mission, just a different delivery method.
FA Memphis Series: We want to make sure you know that these resources are being posted to Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org). Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.
The Heart Behind the Welcome
All ten of these points boil down to one core belief: You matter to God, and you matter to us.
Church isn't a performance. It's not a social club or a Sunday routine. It's a family, messy, real, and full of people who are still figuring it out, just like you. We gather because we believe in the power of the gospel, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of doing life together.
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). That means when you walk through our doors, you're not an outsider looking in. You're a missing piece we've been praying for.
What Happens After Your First Visit?
Here's what you can expect after you visit:
A friendly follow-up text or call (if you filled out a connection card)
An invitation to connect deeper through a life group or Wednesday night dinner
No harassment, no guilt trips, just an open door whenever you're ready
We believe the local church is God's Plan A for community, discipleship, and mission. There is no Plan B. So whether you're looking for a church home in Memphis or exploring faith from a distance through Boundless, we're here for you.
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 (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.)
You are not alone.
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