Looking for a Way to Serve the 901?

Yes, you can serve the 901 by volunteering through local outreach, family ministries, and community support at First Assembly Memphis. Serving others is a practical way to live out the Gospel, build community, and make a tangible difference in Memphis and the surrounding suburbs.

We all want our lives to matter, to know that our presence makes a difference in the city we call home. In the 901, that impact starts when you step beyond the pews and become the hands and feet of Jesus to a neighbor in need.

Serving Memphis: More Than Just a Task

When you look at the city of Memphis, you see more than just a skyline or a zip code. You see families, students, neighbors, and friends. You see a community with deep roots and a vibrant spirit. But you also see needs, needs for encouragement, for practical help, and for the hope that only the Gospel can provide. If you have been asking yourself how to get involved, you are not alone. Many people in the 901 area are looking for ways to move beyond the pews and into the streets to make a real impact.

At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that every person is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve. Whether you are in Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or right in the heart of Memphis, there is a place for you to contribute. Volunteering is not about filling a slot on a calendar; it is about being the hands and feet of Jesus in our local community. It is about transforming lives, one interaction at a time.

10 Things You Should Know About Volunteering in Memphis

Before you jump into a volunteer role, it is helpful to understand the heart behind why we serve and how it works within the context of our local church and city. Here are ten essential things to know about serving the 901.

1. Purpose Over Busy-Work

Serving is not about just staying busy. In the Kingdom of God, every act of service has a spiritual purpose. When you volunteer, you are participating in the mission of God to reach the lost and strengthen the found. Whether you are helping with Wednesday dinners or assisting in a classroom at FACS (First Assembly Christian School), your work contributes to the greater goal of making disciples.

2. Every Skill Is a Tool for the Kingdom

You might think you don’t have "spiritual" skills, but God uses everything. Are you good with technology? Our digital media teams need you. Do you enjoy cooking? Our hospitality ministries are always looking for help. Do you have a heart for children? VBS (Vacation Bible School) and our nursery ministries are vital areas of service. Your professional skills and personal hobbies can all be used to serve Memphis.

3. Serving Is a Pathway to Discipleship

We often think of discipleship as sitting in a circle and studying a book. While that is important, serving is "discipleship in motion." As you serve alongside others in Life Groups or outreach teams, you grow in your faith. You learn patience, humility, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit. Serving others often ends up changing the volunteer as much as the person being served.

4. The 901 Is Our Mission Field

We are a local church with a global heartbeat, but our first priority is the 901. This includes Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Arlington, and beyond. When we serve locally, we are showing our neighbors that God cares about their physical and spiritual well-being. Local outreach is the front door to the Gospel for many people in our city.

5. Strengthening Families Is Central

Many of our volunteer opportunities focus on the family unit. From MDO (Mother's Day Out) to youth sports and recreational programs, we aim to provide a safe, Christ-centered environment for families to thrive. By volunteering in these areas, you are helping to build a stronger, healthier Memphis, one family at a time.

6. No Experience Required

Don't let a lack of experience stop you. Most of our ministry areas provide all the training you need. What matters most is a willing heart and a spirit of servanthood. We believe that God doesn't always call the equipped, but He always equips the called.

7. Consistency Creates Connection

While one-time events like the Bike-a-thon or Trunk or Treat are great, consistent service is where deep relationships are built. When you serve regularly, you become a familiar face to those you are helping. This consistency builds trust and opens doors for spiritual conversations.

8. Serving Heals the Neighborhood

Memphis faces challenges, but we believe the Church is the hope of the world. When Christians show up to serve, cleaning up parks, tutoring students, or providing meals, it brings a sense of light and healing to the neighborhood. It proves that the Church is not just a building on the corner, but a living presence in the community.

9. The Holy Spirit Empowers Your Service

As a Spirit-filled church aligned with the Assemblies of God, we believe that we don't serve in our own strength. The Holy Spirit provides the grace, energy, and wisdom needed to serve effectively. When you feel tired or uncertain, you can lean on God’s power to help you finish the task.

10. Serving Leads to Community

If you are looking for a way to meet people and find your "tribe," start serving. The bonds formed while working toward a common goal are incredibly strong. You will find that your fellow volunteers become some of your closest friends and prayer partners.

Defining Our Mission

To help clarify our focus, let’s look at two key terms that define our approach to service:

Definition: Missions The act of being sent by God to share the Gospel through both word and deed, whether locally in the 901 area or globally through digital outreach and international support. It is the outward movement of the Church to reach those who do not yet know Christ.

Definition: Servanthood The biblical attitude of putting others' needs before your own, modeled after Jesus Christ, who "came not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). It is the heart-posture required for all effective ministry and community work.

A Dual Pathway for Impact

At First Assembly Memphis, we recognize that the call to serve can be answered in different ways depending on where you are located.

The Local Pathway (FA Memphis): If you live in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Atoka, or West Memphis, we invite you to join us on the ground. From participating in local outreach to exploring ways to serve families and neighbors, there are meaningful ways to make a difference. Visit www.famemphis.org to explore blogs, podcasts, and the church search tool, and find your next step.

The Global Pathway (Boundless Online Church): Perhaps you are reading this from outside the 901, or maybe your schedule makes physical volunteering difficult. You can still stay connected through Boundless Online Church. Digital discipleship is a powerful way to grow, pray, and build community from anywhere. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join the digital community and take your next step online.

Life Takeaway: Your Next Step

Serving the 901 is about taking one small step of obedience. You don't have to have all the answers or a perfect schedule. You just have to be willing to say, "Here I am, Lord, use me." Whether it is helping with a meal, mentoring a student, or simply smiling at a newcomer, your service matters. It changes lives, it builds the Church, and it honors God.

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 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.)

Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9–4 CST. Sunday live-streaming includes live chat with the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach.

You are not alone. We are here for you, and we are here for Memphis.