What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? Your Beginner’s Guide to Pentecostal Life in the 901
- Boundless Team
- May 17
- 5 min read
The Assemblies of God believe in the 16 Fundamental Truths, focusing on four core doctrines: salvation through Jesus Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the Second Coming of Christ. We emphasize the Bible’s authority and a vibrant, Spirit-led life expressed through worship and community outreach.
As the sun sets over the Mississippi River and the neon lights of Beale Street begin to glow, many in the 901 find themselves reflecting on the deeper questions of life. Whether you are winding down in Cordova, finishing a shift in Bartlett, or relaxing at home in Germantown, there is a common thread that connects us all: a desire for a faith that is real, powerful, and active. If you have ever driven past a church and wondered what exactly "Assemblies of God" means, you are in the right place.
Understanding a church’s DNA helps you see how you might fit into the family. At First Assembly Memphis, our roots are deep in Pentecostal tradition, but our heart is wide open to every person across the Mid-South. We believe that faith isn't just a Sunday morning activity; it is an evening reflection, a midnight prayer, and a Monday morning strength.
The Four Core Doctrines: The Pillars of Our Faith
While we hold to 16 Fundamental Truths, the Assemblies of God movement is often summarized by four "core" beliefs. These aren't just theological ideas; they are the lived experiences of people from Collierville to West Memphis.
1. Salvation: The Doorway to Life We believe that every person is a priceless child of God, but sin has created a gap between us and our Creator. Salvation is the beautiful moment when we accept the gift of grace offered through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It is not about being "good enough"; it is about being made new.
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: The Power for Living This is a distinctively Pentecostal belief. We believe that after a person is saved, they can experience an empowering work of the Holy Spirit. This experience, often accompanied by the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues, is intended to give believers the boldness to share God’s love and the strength to live a Christ-like life in a complex culture.
3. Divine Healing: The Touch of the Master We believe that God still heals today. Whether it is a physical ailment, an emotional wound, or a broken spirit, we pray with the expectation that the same Jesus who healed the blind and the lame in the Gospels is active in Memphis today. You can see this heart for restoration in our Prayer and Praise section, where we stand with our community in faith.
4. The Second Coming: The Blessed Hope We live with the expectant joy that Jesus Christ will return. This "Blessed Hope" motivates us to live with purpose and urgency, reaching out to our neighbors in Arlington and Millington with the good news before His return.
Definition Blocks: Understanding the Language of Faith
Salvation: The act of being rescued from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, resulting in a restored relationship with God.
Sanctification: A lifelong process of being set apart for God’s purposes and becoming more like Jesus in character and action through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostal: A Christian movement that emphasizes the direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as seen on the Day of Pentecost in the Bible.
Navigating Culture as a Believer in the 901
Living as a believer in 2026 means navigating a world that often feels divided. We believe the Bible is our infallible guide for faith and practice. When culture shifts, we look to the Word of God for our compass. However, our stance is always one of welcoming hospitality. We aren't here to shout at the world from a distance; we are here to invite the world into a life-changing relationship with Christ.
In Memphis, "hospitality" is more than a category; it is our way of life. Whether we are meeting for Wednesday night dinner or gathering for a sports league, our goal is to show the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways. We believe that by building strong families and supporting one another, we can course-correct the challenges our city faces with Christ-like love.
Top 5 Practical Ways to Experience Pentecostal Life in Memphis
If you are curious about how these beliefs translate into everyday life, here are five ways you can engage with the Spirit-filled community at First Assembly Memphis:
Join a Worship Service: Experience expressive, lively praise where we aren't afraid to lift our hands or pray aloud. It is a "front-porch" feel where everyone belongs.
Attend a Life Group: Small groups are where the "big" theology of the Assemblies of God becomes "small" enough to touch your daily life. It’s where you find friends to pray with during the hard times.
Explore Our History: Learn about how the Pentecostal movement has shaped the 901 and our specific church’s journey by visiting our History page.
Engage in Prayer: Don't wait for Sunday. Use the quiet of the evening to talk to God. If you need someone to stand with you, our prayer line is always open.
Serve the City: Pentecostals are known for missions. Whether it is local outreach in Cordova or global efforts, find a place to give back and show Christ’s love in action.
The Bible: Our Final Authority
At the core of everything we do is a high view of Scripture. We believe the Bible is inspired by God and is the final authority for how we should live. It isn't an ancient, dusty book; it is a living word that speaks to our current struggles and triumphs. When we talk about Mission and Vision, we are talking about aligning our lives with what God has already spoken.
We believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This community of the Godhead is the model for our own community. We are better together, and we are stronger when we are united in the truth of God’s Word.
A Community for Everyone
One of the most beautiful things about the Assemblies of God in Memphis is our diversity. You will find people from every neighborhood and background across the 901. We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, and every part is necessary. Whether you are interested in recreational sports or looking for a place for your children in Mother's Day Out, you are valued here.
As you reflect tonight on where you stand with God, remember that He is not far off. He is as close as a prayer. The beliefs of the Assemblies of God are ultimately about a God who wants to be known, a Savior who wants to heal, and a Spirit who wants to empower you for a life of purpose.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Place
If you’ve been searching for a place to call home, a place where you can grow, learn, and be empowered, we invite you to take the next step. You don't have to have all the answers tonight. Faith is a journey, and we would be honored to walk it with you.
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.)
To learn more about our local community and find resources like podcasts and our church search tool, visit us at www.famemphis.org.
For those looking for online discipleship and a digital community that spans the globe, join us at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org, where we provide outreach and connection led by the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach, part of FA Memphis Church.
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