What Are the Assemblies of God Core Beliefs? (AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide for the 901)

The Assemblies of God (AG) core beliefs focus on the "Four Cardinal Doctrines:" salvation through Jesus Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return. These beliefs are rooted in the Bible as the inspired, final authority for faith and life.

Whether you just moved to Cordova, grew up in Midtown, or are simply curious about that large steeple in the 901, understanding the "why" behind a church's "what" is essential. The Assemblies of God is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, but at its heart, it is a movement focused on the power of the Gospel to change lives right here in Memphis.

First Assembly Memphis belongs to this global family, meaning our mission is anchored in these shared truths. We believe that God isn't a distant historical figure but an active, loving Father who is moving in our city today.

The Big Picture: What Kind of Church Is This?

Before diving into the specific "Fundamental Truths," it helps to understand the DNA of an AG church. We are Christian, Evangelical, and Pentecostal.

• Christian: We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to a relationship with the Father.

• Evangelical: We hold the Bible as the ultimate authority and believe in the importance of sharing the "Good News" (the Gospel) with everyone.

• Pentecostal: We believe the same Holy Spirit power seen in the Book of Acts is available to believers today for healing, guidance, and spiritual gifts.

If you are looking for a place that values both the deep roots of Scripture and the fresh wind of the Spirit, you are in the right place. Explore our mission and vision to see how these values play out in our local community.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines: The Heartbeat of the Faith

While the AG has 16 Fundamental Truths, four are considered "cardinal" because they represent the essential mission of the church. Think of these as the four pillars holding up the house.

1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ

Everything starts here. We believe that every person has a "sin problem", a separation from God that we can't fix on our own. Jesus Christ, being fully God and fully man, died on the cross to pay the debt for our sins and rose again to give us new life. Salvation is a free gift; you don’t earn it by being a "good person" in Germantown or doing enough community service in Bartlett. You receive it by faith.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This is a distinct experience following salvation. We believe Jesus promised His followers "power from on high" to be His witnesses. This baptism isn't about being "extra holy;" it’s about being equipped for service. In the AG tradition, we believe the initial physical evidence of this baptism is speaking in tongues, as experienced by the early church on the Day of Pentecost.

3. Divine Healing

We believe that God still heals the sick today. Divine healing is provided for in the atonement (Christ’s work on the cross) and is a privilege for all believers. Whether it is a physical ailment or emotional trauma, we believe in laying on hands and praying for God’s restorative power to move.

4. The Blessed Hope (The Rapture)

We live with the expectant joy that Jesus is coming back. We believe in the "imminent" return of Christ to gather His Church. This isn't meant to be scary; it’s a "Blessed Hope" that motivates us to live holy lives and share the Gospel with urgency across the Mid-South.

The 16 Fundamental Truths Simplified

Beyond the four pillars, the Assemblies of God maintains a full list of 16 truths that guide our theology. These ensure we stay biblically grounded and united in our message.

Topic	Core Belief
The Bible	It is the inspired Word of God and our only rule for faith and conduct.
The Trinity	One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Fall of Man	Humanity was created good but fell into sin, bringing physical and spiritual death.
The Ordinances	We practice Water Baptism by immersion and Holy Communion.
Sanctification	An act of separation from evil and dedication to God.
The Church Mission	To seek and save the lost, worship God, and build a body of believers.
The Ministry	A divinely called and scripturally ordained leadership serves the Church.
The Millennial Reign	Christ will return with His saints to rule earth for 1,000 years.
Final Judgment	There will be a final judgment for those who reject Christ.
New Heavens/Earth	We look forward to a perfect, eternal home with God.

Definition Blocks: Understanding the Language

To help you navigate these concepts, here are a few brief definitions of terms you might hear during a Sunday service or in a Life Group.

Justification: The act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s like "just-as-if-I’d" never sinned. Sanctification: The ongoing process where the Holy Spirit makes us more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Pentecostal: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of God's presence. The Atonement: The work Jesus Christ did on the cross to reconcile humanity to God.

What Does This Look Like in the 901?

At First Assembly Memphis, these beliefs aren't just words on a page; they are the engine behind everything we do. When you visit us, you’ll see these truths in action:

1. Vibrant Worship: Because we believe God is alive and the Spirit is moving, our worship is expressive and heartfelt.

2. Biblical Preaching: We don’t just share opinions; we dive into the Word of God to find practical solutions for modern life.

3. Prayer for the Sick: If you are hurting, you will find a community ready to pray for your healing.

4. A Focus on the Next Generation: From VBS to our Mother's Day Out, we want children to know they are priceless children of God.

5. Community Impact: Our beliefs drive us to love our neighbors in Memphis, Millington, and beyond through outreach and service.

Value Section: Top 5 Ways to Apply AG Beliefs to Your Life

1. Start with the Word: Make the Bible your daily compass. If it’s the final authority, let it guide your decisions at work and at home.

2. Seek the Spirit: Don't try to live the Christian life on your own strength. Ask God for the "power" of the Holy Spirit to help you be a witness in your neighborhood.

3. Pray with Boldness: Since we believe in divine healing, don’t hesitate to pray for your friends, family, and coworkers when they are struggling.

4. Live with Purpose: Because we believe Jesus is returning, every day matters. Invest your time in things that have eternal value.

5. Connect Locally: Faith isn't meant to be a solo sport. Join a community like First Assembly Memphis to grow alongside others. Check out our upcoming events to find your place.

The Bridge: From Doctrine to Discipleship

Understanding doctrine is the first step, but the goal is always a deeper relationship with Jesus. Whether you are a lifelong Memphian or a newcomer to the Mid-South, these core beliefs provide a firm foundation. They tell us that we are loved, that we have a purpose, and that God has provided a way for us to live empowered lives.

If you are looking for a church that feels like home and stands on the truth of the Bible, we invite you to join us. You can explore more of our local history or simply show up this Sunday. There is a seat saved for you.

Take the Next Step

Ready to dive deeper? We offer multiple pathways for you to grow in these truths and find your community.

Local Pathway (Memphis/901): Visit us in person at First Assembly Memphis. You can explore our blogs, listen to past podcasts, and use our church search tool at www.famemphis.org. Whether you’re interested in sports leagues or senior ministries, there is a place for you to connect.

Global Pathway (Digital Community): If you aren't in the Memphis area or prefer to start your journey online, join our digital discipleship community at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org. We offer resources, digital life groups, and a global community focused on Spirit-empowered living.

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.)