What is the Assemblies of God? AG 101 for Our Cordova Neighbors

The Assemblies of God (AG) is a global Pentecostal fellowship that believes the Bible is God's inspired Word and that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for everyday life. We emphasize salvation through Jesus Christ, divine healing, and the mission of sharing God's love with the world.

Whether you’ve lived in Cordova, Tennessee for decades or you just moved into the 901 area, you might have driven past an Assemblies of God church and wondered, "What exactly do they believe?" At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that understanding your neighbors starts with understanding our shared faith and the values that drive us to serve our community.

This "AG 101" guide is designed to pull back the curtain on our history, our doctrines, and why we are so passionate about the grace of God. We aren't just a denomination; we are a family of believers who believe that the same miracles we read about in the Bible can happen right here in Memphis today.

Rooted in the Word: The 16 Fundamental Truths

The Assemblies of God is anchored by a "Statement of Fundamental Truths." These are not meant to replace the Bible, but to provide a clear, unified summary of what we believe the Scriptures teach. For our neighbors in Bartlett, Arlington, and Cordova looking for a church that stands firm on biblical authority, these truths are our North Star.

Doctrine	Biblical Core	Our Belief
The Bible	2 Timothy 3:16	The Bible is the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
The Trinity	Matthew 28:19	One God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ	John 1:1	Jesus is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life.
Salvation	Ephesians 2:8-9	We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own works.
Holy Spirit	Acts 1:8	The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience available to all believers today.
Divine Healing	Isaiah 53:4-5	Healing is provided for in the atonement and is a privilege for all believers.
The Church	Matthew 16:18	The Church is the Body of Christ, called to evangelize and worship.
The Return	1 Thess. 4:16	We believe in the "Blessed Hope", the rapture of the Church at Christ’s coming.

Definition: What is a "Pentecostal"?

A Pentecostal is a Christian who emphasizes the direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This term comes from the "Day of Pentecost" described in Acts chapter 2, when the early disciples were filled with the Spirit and empowered to change the world.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines: The Heart of the Movement

While we hold to 16 fundamental truths, there are four that we consider "cardinal." These are the pillars that support everything we do at FA Memphis and through Boundless Online Church.

1. Salvation: The Gift of Grace

The most important thing to know is that God loves you. In a world that often feels heavy with judgment or "cancel culture," the Assemblies of God teaches that Salvation is a free gift.

Sin is anything that separates us from God’s perfect plan, but Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve: forgiveness and a fresh start. We believe that no matter what your past looks like, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is enough to cover it all.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Power for Living

We believe that being a Christian isn't just about trying hard to be "good." It’s about having the power of God inside you. This baptism is a distinct experience after salvation that gives believers the courage to witness and the strength to overcome anxiety, addiction, and fear.

3. Divine Healing: Miracles in the 901

One of the most beautiful aspects of the AG movement is our belief in Divine Healing. We don't just pray for people because it's a "nice thing to do"; we pray because we believe God still heals bodies, minds, and hearts today. We’ve seen "Memphis Miracle Stories" where individuals facing terminal illnesses or deep-seated trauma found complete restoration through the power of prayer.

4. The Second Coming: A Reason for Hope

In uncertain times, the "Blessed Hope" of Christ’s return keeps us grounded. We believe that Jesus is coming back for His Church. This isn't a message of fear, but one of ultimate victory and peace.

Sin vs. Grace: Overcoming Life's Hardest Battles

Many of our neighbors in Cordova and the surrounding Shelby County area struggle with the weight of "not being enough." We often see people trapped in a cycle of sin, whether that’s addiction, pride, or deep-seated anxiety, and they feel like they have to "clean themselves up" before they can come to God.

The Assemblies of God teaches the opposite. Grace is the bridge that spans the gap between our sin and God's holiness.

• Sin is the problem that leads to spiritual death and brokenness.

• Repentance is the decision to turn away from that brokenness and toward God.

• Sanctification is the lifelong process of God making us more like Him.

If you are battling addiction or anxiety, know that you are not alone. Our faith isn't about perfection; it’s about a relationship with a Savior who specializes in making all things new.

Definition: What is Sanctification?

Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life to separate them from sin and dedicate them to God. It is both an immediate act at salvation and a progressive, lifelong journey of growing in holy character.

Why a "Dual-Pathway" Church?

At First Assembly Memphis, we understand that life happens in different ways for different people.

• The Local Path: For those in Cordova, Germantown, and the 901, we want to be your home for in-person connection. There is something powerful about sitting in a room with other believers, sharing a cup of coffee, and worshiping together. You can find out more about our local ministries at www.famemphis.org.

• The Global Path: We also realize that some of our neighbors are homebound, traveling, or perhaps live across the globe. That’s why we created Boundless Online Church. It is a digital doorway for anyone, anywhere, to find community and discipleship. You can join us from your living room at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of the Assemblies of God to attend? Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome. We are a "come as you are" community. Whether you have a background in another denomination or no church background at all, you belong here.

What does the AG believe about the Holy Spirit? We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who empowers us, comforts us, and gives us spiritual gifts to serve others.

Is there a focus on missions? Yes! The Assemblies of God is one of the largest missionary-sending organizations in the world. We believe in reaching every nation and every neighborhood, including Cordova, with the Gospel.

How can I get involved in a small group? If you're in the Memphis area, you can check out our Life Groups to find a circle of friends that fits your stage of life.

Take Your Next Step

Whether you are looking for a church in Cordova or seeking spiritual answers from afar, we want to walk with you. Faith isn't a solo journey; it’s a community experience.

Are you ready to discover the power of a Spirit-filled life?

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: 🌐 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.)