top of page

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

Search

What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About Speaking in Tongues?

Tier 3  Pentecostal Seekers


Direct Answer (50 words): In the Assemblies of God, speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift, and it is also the initial physical evidence that a believer has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Fundamental Truth #8). We believe this experience empowers believers for witness and Spirit-filled living (Acts 1:8).

Why This Matters for Memphis (and Beyond)

Here in Memphis and across our Boundless Online Church community worldwide, we get this question constantly. Whether you're new to Pentecostal faith, visiting from another tradition, or just curious, I want you to know: we’re not chasing hype. We’re talking about an Acts 2 kind of empowerment that helps everyday believers live bold, Spirit-led lives.

At FA Memphis and Boundless, we’re committed to explaining why we believe what we believe—clearly, biblically, and with a pastoral heart.

What We Mean by “Initial Physical Evidence” (AG Fundamental Truth #8)

The phrase “initial physical evidence” can sound technical. You won’t find those exact words in the Bible, but the idea is drawn from repeated patterns in Acts—when believers were baptized in the Holy Spirit, tongues showed up as the first outward sign.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown:

  • “Evidence” = a sign you can recognize.

  • “Physical” = outward and observable (it can be heard).

  • “Initial” = the first sign, not the only sign.

Tongues aren’t the finish line. They’re the doorway into a deeper, Spirit-empowered life that should also show fruit (Galatians 5:22–23) and gifts (1 Corinthians 12).

[IMG] Open Bible in Acts with Holy Spirit symbolism

The Biblical Foundation: What We See in Acts

As Pentecostals in the Assemblies of God, we look to Acts as a reliable picture of what the Spirit was doing in the early church—and what He still does today.

Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” This is the first outpouring on the church, and tongues were the immediate result.

Acts 10:44–46 – “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” Peter recognized Gentile believers had received the Spirit because tongues were audible evidence.

Acts 19:6 – “...the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Again: Spirit baptism, then tongues.

You’ll also hear Pentecostals mention Acts 8 and Acts 9. Those passages don’t explicitly say “tongues,” so I treat them with care—but they do show something observable happened when believers received the Spirit.

Pentecostal Worldview: Why Tongues Matter (Without Making It Weird)

Here’s the big Pentecostal “why”: God still empowers people with the Holy Spirit today, not just to feel something in worship, but to live on mission.

  • Spirit baptism is empowerment for witness (Acts 1:8).

  • Tongues are the initial physical evidence of that baptism (Acts 2:4; AG Fundamental Truth #8).

  • After that, a Spirit-filled life grows in character, gifts, and boldness (Galatians 5; 1 Corinthians 12).

And just to be crystal clear: we believe tongues are from the Holy Spirit, not something you manufacture.

[IMG] Diverse person praying with gentle sound waves and glow

Clearing Up Misconceptions (Pastorally)

Misconception #1: “If I don’t speak in tongues, I’m not saved.” No. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate experience that God offers to believers for empowerment.

Misconception #2: “Tongues are just emotionalism or gibberish.” Tongues are Spirit-inspired speech. In Acts 2, they were known languages. In Corinthians, Paul also describes tongues in ways that point to prayer beyond our natural understanding (see 1 Corinthians 14). Either way, we believe the Holy Spirit is the source.

Misconception #3: “This doctrine is divisive.” I get why it can feel that way. We hold this doctrine firmly because we see it in Scripture and in our AG statement of faith, but we also hold it with humility. We’re grateful for every believer who loves Jesus, honors the Bible, and follows Him faithfully.

Practical Steps: If You’re Seeking the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

If you’re hungry for more of God, here are some simple next steps:

  1. Start with Jesus. If you haven’t surrendered your life to Christ, that’s the first step.

  2. Ask the Father. Jesus invites us to ask (Luke 11:13).

  3. Seek in an environment of faith. Worship, prayer, and community matter.

  4. Yield to the Spirit. You can’t force it, but you can surrender control.

  5. Keep seeking. Some people receive quickly; others over time. God is faithful.

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.

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) 213-7341

We are here for you.

Comments

bottom of page