What Does the MM33 Vision Mean for Churches in Memphis?
- Boundless Team
- May 8
- 5 min read
The MM33 vision is a global Assemblies of God initiative aiming for 1 million churches by 2033. In Memphis: it means multiplying disciples, planting local communities in the 901, and expanding the Kingdom through Spirit-empowered outreach in areas like Cordova, Bartlett, and via digital platforms like Boundless.
The 2033 Moonshot: A Vision for the World and the 901
Have you ever wondered what the Church will look like in ten years? As we approach the 2,000th anniversary of the Resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, the Assemblies of God has launched a "moonshot" for the Kingdom of God: MM33. This isn't just a corporate goal; it’s a Spirit-led mandate to see the Gospel reach every corner of the globe, and every neighborhood in Memphis.
For those of us serving in the 901, from the heart of Cordova to the growing streets of Bartlett and Arlington, MM33 represents a call to action. It’s a vision that moves us beyond maintenance and into multiplication. It asks a simple but profound question: How can we ensure that every person in our city has a healthy, Spirit-filled church within reach?
Understanding MM33: Mandate and Mission
MM33 stands for "Mandate and Mission 2033." Launched by the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the goal is to grow from approximately 370,000 churches to 1 million churches and preaching points worldwide by the year 2033.
This vision is anchored in the Great Commission. It recognizes that while the message of the Gospel never changes, our methods for reaching the lost must be as dynamic as the Spirit of God. In Memphis, this means we aren't just looking to fill pews at our main campus; we are looking to ignite fires of faith in living rooms, community centers, and digital spaces.
Local Multiplication: Why Memphis Needs New Communities
You might ask: "Don't we already have enough churches in Memphis?" While our city has a rich history of faith, the reality is that tens of thousands of our neighbors in the 901 remain "unchurched" or spiritually isolated.
Local church planting is about accessibility. When we plant a new community or a "preaching point" in a specific neighborhood:
Relationships Grow: People are more likely to attend a gathering hosted by a neighbor they trust.
Needs are Met: A local community can respond to the specific challenges of its area, whether that's supporting families in Cordova or reaching out to students in Bartlett.
Discipleship Deepens: Small, local groups allow for the kind of "life-on-life" mentoring that large gatherings sometimes miss.
Definition: Church Planting
The process of establishing a new, local Christian congregation. In the Assemblies of God tradition, this is seen as the primary way to fulfill the Great Commission, ensuring that every community has a Spirit-led witness for Jesus Christ.
The Role of Leaders and Volunteers: You are the Engine
If you are a leader or a volunteer at First Assembly Memphis, MM33 is a direct invitation to you. We cannot reach 1 million churches globally, or dozens of new preaching points locally, without a massive wave of Spirit-empowered believers stepping into their calling.
Whether you are serving in children’s ministry, leading a Life Group, or helping with outreach, you are part of the multiplication process. MM33 isn't about professional clergy doing all the work; it’s about the "priesthood of all believers" being equipped and sent. We are looking for those who are willing to be coached, mentored, and eventually, to lead others into the same life-changing relationship with Jesus.
A Pentecostal Priority: Empowered by the Spirit
At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that we cannot accomplish this vision through human effort alone. As a Pentecostal community, we rely on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit to provide the "power from on high" (Acts 1:8) required for bold witness and supernatural service.
Definition: Pentecostal
Refers to a move of God that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gifts, and the empowerment of believers to live holy lives and share the Gospel with miraculous evidence.
MM33 is fundamentally a "Spirit-first" initiative. We pray for divine appointments in the 901, for healing in our neighborhoods, and for the wisdom to know where God is already moving so we can join Him there.
The Dual-Pathway: Local Roots and Global Reach
Our Mission and Vision at First Assembly Memphis has always been about serving the 901 and beyond. MM33 perfectly aligns with our dual-pathway approach:
FA Memphis (Local): We are committed to strengthening our physical presence in Memphis and the surrounding suburbs. This includes our Events that serve the local community and our focus on building strong families.
Boundless Online Church (Global): For those who are homebound, traveling, or live in areas where a healthy Spirit-filled church is not available, Boundless serves as a vital bridge. Boundless is our digital "preaching point" that contributes directly to the MM33 goal of reaching those outside traditional church walls.
The Pastor for Boundless Online outreach, part of FA Memphis Church, often reminds us that "the Kingdom of God has no borders." Whether we are planting a physical campus in a Memphis suburb or a digital community for seekers worldwide, the goal is the same: transformation in Christ.
Five Practical Ways to Participate in MM33 Today
Identify Your "Preaching Point:" Your workplace, your gym, or your neighborhood park in Cordova is a potential mission field. Start seeing yourself as a missionary to that space.
Join a Life Group: Multiplication starts with discipleship. Get connected to a small community where you can grow and eventually help lead.
Pray for the 901: Specifically pray for the neighborhoods in Memphis that lack a vibrant, Spirit-filled church presence.
Volunteer for Outreach: Check our Events page for opportunities to serve our city practically.
Support Boundless: Invite friends who are spiritually curious or geographically isolated to join us online.
Life Takeaway: Your Part in the Big Picture
The MM33 vision can feel massive, 1 million churches is a lot! But Kingdom growth always happens "one by one." It happens when one person in Memphis decides to follow Jesus, when one volunteer steps up to lead, and when one family invites a neighbor over for dinner.
You are not just a member of a church; you are a participant in a global movement of the Holy Spirit. As we look toward 2033, let’s commit to making First Assembly Memphis a hub of multiplication, where the Gospel is proclaimed, lives are healed, and the Kingdom expands across every zip code in the 901.
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.)
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.
First Assembly Memphis Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST. Join us every Sunday for our live stream with live chat from the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach, part of FA Memphis Church. We are here for you!
Comments