What Is the Strategic Vision for Leading the Next Generation in the 901?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Tier 2 – Young Adults (20s-30s) looking for purpose and calling
The strategic vision for leading the next generation in the 901 is raising and releasing young leaders through church planting, leadership development, mentorship, and real ministry experience—so Memphis and the 901 are transformed by the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why This Matters for FA Memphis
Memphis is rising, and so is the call on this generation. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe God is raising up leaders right here in the 901 who will plant churches, disciple communities, and carry the gospel forward with boldness. This isn't just about maintaining what we have, it's about mobilizing what God is building through the next generation for Kingdom impact across Shelby County and beyond.
The Leading Forward Vision Adapted for Memphis
The "Leading Forward" vision is our roadmap for raising up leaders who will shape the spiritual landscape of Memphis for decades to come. It's not a cookie-cutter program imported from somewhere else, it's a Spirit-led, context-specific strategy for the 901.
Here's what that looks like:
Church planting in underserved neighborhoods across Memphis and Shelby County
Leadership pipelines that identify, train, and deploy young leaders into ministry
Mentorship ecosystems where seasoned pastors invest in emerging leaders
Practical ministry experience that moves people from the classroom to the front lines
We're not just talking about hosting conferences or running programs. We're talking about a sustained, intentional movement to equip young leaders for impact that lasts.
Church Planting: Bringing the Gospel to Every Corner of the 901
Memphis has over 650,000 people, and while there are great churches doing Kingdom work, there are still communities, neighborhoods, and pockets of the city that desperately need a gospel-centered, Spirit-filled church presence.
Church planting isn't just for "super pastors" with big budgets and massive teams. It's for ordinary men and women who are filled with the Holy Spirit, grounded in the Word, and willing to step out in faith.
Our church planting strategy includes:
Identifying called leaders within our congregation and online community
Training in theology, leadership, and practical church operations rooted in Assemblies of God doctrine
Financial and logistical support during the critical launch phase
Ongoing coaching and accountability from experienced pastors
Whether it's a traditional church building, a storefront, or a community center, we're committed to seeing new congregations emerge wherever God is calling leaders to plant.
Leadership Development: Equipping the Called
You can't plant churches without leaders. And you can't raise leaders without intentional development.
Too many young people in Memphis are sitting in pews wondering if God has called them to something more, but they don't know where to start. The Leading Forward vision creates clear pathways for those who sense a call to ministry, whether vocational or volunteer.
Our leadership development framework focuses on four key areas:
1. Biblical Foundation Every leader must be grounded in Scripture. We're talking about the authority of the Bible, the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, salvation by grace through faith, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the return of Christ. No compromise, no drift, just solid, biblical teaching.
2. Spiritual Formation Leadership flows from intimacy with Jesus. We emphasize prayer, worship, Spirit-empowered living, holy character, and personal sanctification. You can't lead people where you haven't been yourself.
3. Practical Skills Ministry requires competence. We train in communication, team building, conflict resolution, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership. God calls us, but we have a responsibility to develop the skills needed to serve well.
4. Real-World Experience We don't just teach theory, we deploy leaders into real ministry environments. Whether it's serving in KidsZone, leading a small group, preaching at a campus outreach, or launching a new ministry initiative, we put emerging leaders in positions where they can learn by doing.
Why Memphis? Why Now?
Memphis is at a pivotal moment. The city is experiencing positive momentum, public safety improvements, economic growth, and cultural renewal. But spiritual transformation is what will truly change lives.
The 901 has a rich spiritual heritage. This city has produced preachers, missionaries, and revivalists who've impacted the world. But every generation must answer the call for themselves.
Here's what we're seeing right now in Memphis:
A younger generation hungry for authenticity and purpose
Communities longing for hope and transformation
A window of opportunity to plant churches before the city becomes over-churched in some areas and still underserved in others
A Spirit-led momentum within our congregation
The question isn't whether God is moving in Memphis. The question is whether we'll partner with what He's already doing.
Equipping Young Leaders for Kingdom Impact
Let's be clear: this isn't about building our own empire. It's about advancing the Kingdom of God.
Kingdom impact means:
Souls saved through the preaching of the gospel
Disciples made who follow Jesus with their whole lives
Churches planted that become centers of transformation in their communities
Leaders raised who multiply the mission across generations
We measure success not by how big our church gets, but by how many leaders we send out, how many churches we plant, and how many lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What This Looks Like Practically
So how do you get involved in this vision?
If you're sensing a call to ministry: Start by connecting with our leadership team. Let's have a conversation about what God is stirring in your heart. We can help you discern your calling and identify the next steps.
If you're already serving: Keep growing. Keep learning. Stay open to where God might lead you next. Some of the best leaders emerge from faithful service in "small" roles.
If you want to support this vision: Pray. Give. Volunteer. Support emerging leaders. Mentor someone younger. Your investment matters.
Moving Forward Together
The strategic vision for leading the next generation in the 901 isn't something we do alone. It's something we do together, across generations, across neighborhoods, and across the Memphis community.
This is a long-term commitment. Church planting doesn't happen overnight. Leadership development takes time. But we're not looking for quick wins. We're building for the long haul.
Memphis is rising. And so is the next generation of leaders who will carry the gospel forward in the 901 and beyond.
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.
Let's Connect
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.)
Join us in Memphis / the 901: Visit us in person at First Assembly Memphis, 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN. Learn more at www.famemphis.net/mission-and-vision or explore ways to connect at www.famemphis.net/connect.
Comments