What Is the Assemblies of God? AG 101 for Families in Memphis

If you’ve ever driven down Walnut Grove or through the neighborhoods of Cordova and wondered exactly what that "Assembly of God" sign means for your family, you are looking for a place that feels like home.

The Assemblies of God (AG) is the world’s largest Pentecostal fellowship, prioritizing the Bible’s authority, salvation through Jesus, Spirit-empowered living, and divine healing. In Memphis, churches like First Assembly provide a family-centered community focused on making disciples and serving the 901 area with Christ-like love.

Understanding the Movement: Faith That Moves

The Assemblies of God isn’t just a name on a building; it’s a global movement of people who believe that the same power that worked in the early Church is still available to families in Memphis today. Founded in 1914, the AG has grown from a small group of believers in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to a global fellowship of over 69 million people.

In the 901 area, our history is deeply intertwined with the story of the city itself. Memphis serves as a unique crossroads for Pentecostal history, where diverse traditions have met and flourished for over a century. Whether you are in Bartlett, Germantown, or Arlington, the AG presence is about more than just Sunday mornings, it’s about a lifestyle of faith, family, and following Jesus.

Metric	Statistic
Global Adherents	Over 69 Million
Founding Year	1914
Core Doctrines	16 Fundamental Truths
Memphis Presence	Since 1907 (Early Roots)

The 16 Fundamental Truths: Simplified for Your Kitchen Table

We know that "theology" can sometimes sound like a heavy word, but at its heart, it’s just what we believe about God. The Assemblies of God holds to 16 Fundamental Truths. For families, these are the guardrails that help us raise our children with a firm foundation.

1. The Bible is Our Guide: We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word and our ultimate map for life.

2. One True God: He exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

3. Jesus is Lord: He is fully God and fully man, our Savior who rose from the grave.

4. The Problem of Sin: We believe everyone has fallen short, but God has a plan for restoration.

5. Salvation is a Gift: We are made right with God by trusting in Jesus, not by our own "goodness."

6. Baptism and Communion: We follow Jesus' example through water baptism and remembering His sacrifice at the Lord's Table.

7. The Holy Spirit's Power: God wants to fill us with His Spirit to give us strength to serve others.

8. Initial Evidence: We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by speaking in tongues, as seen in the Book of Acts.

9. Becoming Like Jesus: This is called sanctification, a lifelong process of growing in holiness.

10. The Church’s Mission: We exist to worship God, build up believers, and reach the world.

11. Leadership: God calls specific people to lead and care for the church family.

12. God Still Heals: We believe in divine healing for our bodies and minds today.

13. The Blessed Hope: Jesus is coming back for His people.

14. The Millennial Reign: Christ will return to earth to rule in peace.

15. The Final Judgment: Every person will stand before God.

16. New Heavens and Earth: We look forward to a perfect, eternal home with God.

Definition Block: Sanctification Sanctification is the process of being "set apart" for God’s purposes. It isn't about being perfect overnight; it's the daily journey of letting the Holy Spirit change our hearts and habits to look more like Jesus.

The "Big Four" Cardinal Doctrines

While all 16 truths are important, there are four "Cardinal Doctrines" that serve as the pillars of our fellowship. These define the "Pentecostal" experience you’ll find when you visit First Assembly Memphis.

Doctrine	The Family Message
Salvation	Jesus saves us from our past and gives us a future.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit	God empowers us to be bold witnesses in our schools and workplaces.
Divine Healing	We can pray for our children and loved ones, trusting God for miracles.
The Second Coming	We live with hope, knowing Jesus will make all things right.

A Century of Faith in the 901

The Assemblies of God has a storied history in Memphis. In the early 1900s, a pastor named L.P. Adams began preaching a message of Spirit-filled living that eventually led to the formation of First Assembly of God. Memphis is unique because it is a hub where the AG and the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) have shared a deep, historical connection, making our city a central point for the global Pentecostal movement.

Today, First Assembly Memphis, located at 8650 Walnut Grove Road in Cordova, continues that legacy. We aren't just a church for people who "have it all together." We are a multigenerational family where your kids can learn about Jesus at FACS (First Assembly Christian School), and you can find a community that supports you during life’s toughest seasons.

Definition Block: Pentecostal Derived from the Day of Pentecost in the Bible, "Pentecostal" refers to Christians who believe in the ongoing power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, as active parts of the faith today.

5 Ways Your Family Can Connect This Week

If you are looking for a way to grow in your faith right here in the Memphis area, here is a practical checklist to get started:

1. Join a Life Group: Faith wasn't meant to be lived alone. Our Life Groups meet at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings to help you build real friendships.

2. Experience Worship Onsite: Come see us this Sunday at 10:30 am at our Cordova campus. You’ll find warm hospitality and a place for every age group.

3. Explore Boundless Online: If you’re traveling or homebound, you can still be part of the family through Boundless Online Church, our digital community that reaches around the world.

4. Volunteer to Serve: Whether it's through our Wednesday night family dinners or local outreach, serving the 901 is one of the best ways to grow.

5. Ask Questions: We love curious hearts. Check out our Mission and Vision page to learn more about our heartbeat for the city.

Why It Matters for Memphis Families

In a world that often feels divided or overwhelming, the Assemblies of God offers a steady anchor. We believe that God has a purpose for your family in Memphis. Whether you are navigating the challenges of parenting, looking for career direction, or seeking healing from a past hurt, there is a place for you in this fellowship.

We don't just talk about the Bible; we aim to live it out in our neighborhoods. From the streets of East Memphis to the growing communities of Collierville and Millington, we are a people who believe that the Gospel still changes everything.

Life Takeaway: Your Foundation for Tomorrow

Building a family on the principles of the Assemblies of God means more than attending a service. It means creating a home where prayer is normal, the Bible is the final word, and the Holy Spirit is a daily guest. It’s about teaching the next generation that they serve a God who is both great enough to rule the universe and close enough to hear their smallest prayer.

How could a deeper connection to a Spirit-filled community change the atmosphere of your home this week?

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person at First Assembly Memphis: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community at Boundless: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

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.)

We are here for you.