What Does First Assembly Memphis Actually Believe?
- Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
First Assembly Memphis is a Bible-centered, Spirit-led, Kingdom-focused Assemblies of God church serving Memphis, Cordova, and the 901. We exist to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, strengthen families, equip leaders, serve our city, and reach the world—together in person through FA Memphis and from anywhere through Boundless Online Church.
The Question You're Really Asking
Most people aren’t looking for a “perfect church.” You’re really asking: “Will this be biblically solid, Spirit-led, and safe for my family?”
That’s a fair question. And I’m glad you’re asking it.
Our Pentecostal (Assemblies of God) Worldview—in Plain English
First Assembly Memphis is part of the Assemblies of God (AG). That means we’re committed to the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Jesus, and the active work of the Holy Spirit today—just like in the book of Acts.
When people say “Pentecostal,” we don’t mean hype. We mean we expect God to be present, to transform lives, and to empower everyday believers to follow Jesus with courage.
Here are a few of the big “anchors” you’ll hear us come back to again and again:
Salvation: We’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Spirit Baptism: The baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to believers for power to witness and live boldly.
Divine Healing: We pray because God still heals—body, mind, and heart.
Christ’s Return (Rapture): Jesus is coming back, and we live with hope and urgency.
And we don’t try to live this out alone—because community matters. Faith grows best when you’ve got people around you who will pray with you, tell you the truth with love, and help you take your next step.
The WHY Behind FA Memphis (Memphis-Rooted)
We exist to help people in Memphis, Cordova, and the 901 move from watching church to belonging in it. Our beliefs aren’t walls—they’re foundations. They give us a shared language, a biblical anchor, and a clear picture of who God is and what He’s doing in the world.
When you join us, you’ll hear Bible-centered preaching. You’ll experience Spirit-filled worship. And you’ll meet real people growing in real faith—imperfect, loved, and learning.
The WHY Behind Boundless (Global Reach)
For those outside Memphis—or anyone who can’t make it into a building right now—Boundless Online Church exists as a bridge. The Kingdom of God is bigger than a zip code.
You can be homebound, deployed, traveling, skeptical-but-curious, or living somewhere without a healthy church nearby, and still find real discipleship, community, and care.
What We Actually Believe (The Foundations)
Here are the core beliefs that guide everything we do—rooted in Scripture and aligned with the Assemblies of God.
1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ Alone
Scripture:"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." : John 3:16
Sin separates us from God. We can’t fix that through good works, church attendance, or trying harder. Jesus did what we couldn’t do: He lived the perfect life, died in our place, and rose again. When we surrender to Him, we’re reconciled to God. That’s salvation—gifted, not earned.
2. The Bible Is God's Word
Scripture:"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." : 2 Timothy 3:16
We believe the Bible is inspired, authoritative, and sufficient. It’s not just ancient advice—it’s the living Word of God that speaks into every area of life.
3. The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers (Assemblies of God Distinctive)
Scripture:"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses." : Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit isn’t a theory—He’s a Person. He lives in every believer who surrenders to Christ. He empowers us to live holy lives, gives us spiritual gifts, and helps us become more like Jesus.
As an Assemblies of God distinctive, we believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit (with the evidence of speaking in tongues) is available to all believers, just like it was in the book of Acts.
4. Sanctification (Assemblies of God Distinctive)
Scripture:"For this is the will of God, your sanctification..." : 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Sanctification is a lifelong process where God keeps shaping us to look more like Jesus. It means being set apart for God in our motives, habits, relationships, and choices—not overnight perfection, but steady transformation as we follow Him and yield to the Holy Spirit.
5. Water Baptism and Communion
We practice water baptism by immersion as an outward sign of what God has done inward. We celebrate communion regularly to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and renew our commitment to Him.
6. Divine Healing
Scripture:"He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross... by his wounds you have been healed." : 1 Peter 2:24
We believe God still heals today. Not always in the way or timing we expect—but He is a healing God. We pray for the sick, trust God’s power, and walk in faith while also respecting medical care.
7. Christ's Return (Our Blessed Hope)
Scripture:"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back." : Acts 1:11
Jesus is coming back. We live with hope and urgency, knowing every day matters. That belief shapes how we love people, invest in eternity, and share the Gospel locally and globally.
Why This Matters for Your Life (Not Just Sunday)
These beliefs aren’t meant to sit on a shelf. They’re meant to hold you up.
Stability When Life Shakes
When life falls apart, truth holds you steady. If your faith is built on feelings, trends, or popular opinion, it won’t survive pressure. But if it’s anchored in Scripture and the character of God, you’ll have something that lasts.
A Faith That Becomes a Family
If you’ve been burned by church before, I get why community can feel risky. But healthy community is where healing happens—where someone learns your name, prays with you, and helps you keep going.
Power for Monday, Not Just Sunday
Pentecostal faith says: God isn’t distant. The Holy Spirit strengthens, convicts, comforts, and empowers believers in everyday life—at work, at home, and in hard seasons.
Next Steps (Local + Online)
If you’re in Memphis, Cordova, or the 901: www.famemphis.org
If you’re outside the area or can’t attend locally right now: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
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
You are not alone.
FA Memphis Series
FA Memphis Series: so we can make sure we know that these 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.
Summary PDF (Option B – 1 Page)
Title: What We Believe at FA Memphis (Quick Reference)
50-Word Summary: First Assembly Memphis believes in salvation through Jesus Christ, the Bible as God's Word, the Holy Spirit's power, water baptism, communion, divine healing, and Christ's return. These beliefs shape how we worship, serve Memphis, and care for people locally and online.
Core Beliefs:
Why It Matters:
Stability: Truth holds you steady when life falls apart.
Community: Shared beliefs create a foundation for real relationships.
Direction: Knowing what you believe helps you take the next step.
Next Steps:
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join us online: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
If you need prayer or someone to talk to, you are not alone.
📞 Call or Text: 901-843-8600
Text (901) 213-7341 for prayers.
We are here for you.
Contact Information:
First Assembly Memphis 8650 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, TN 38018 Phone: 901-843-8600 Web: www.famemphis.org
Boundless Online Church Web: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org Email: info@boundlessonlinechurch.org
Subscribe for weekly updates at www.famemphis.org.
FA Memphis Series: This resource is part of the FA Memphis Series, published to Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org). Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.
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