What Should I Expect on My First Sunday at FA Memphis?
- Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
Expect a warm welcome, clear next steps, and a service with Spirit-filled worship, Bible-centered preaching, and a real sense of community in the 901. You can come as you are, sit where you’re comfortable, and participate at your pace—whether you join us in person in Cordova or connect online.
Walking into a new church for the first time can feel overwhelming. I get that tension between wanting community and not knowing what to expect. At First Assembly Memphis (FA Memphis) in Cordova, we work hard to keep Sunday mornings simple, friendly, and Spirit-led—with room for the Holy Spirit to work as we worship and hear God’s Word (John 4:24; Acts 2:4).
You are seen, heard, and loved here.
Sunday Morning Schedule
Our Sunday schedule follows a consistent two-part structure:
9:30 am – Life Groups & Sunday School 10:30 am – Main Worship Service
Life Groups meet in smaller classroom settings organized by interest and study topic. The main worship service takes place in the sanctuary and may also be available online for those unable to attend in person (check www.famemphis.org for current options).
Life Groups & Sunday School (9:30 am)
Life Groups provide focused Bible study in smaller group environments before the main service. Current group options include:
Cross Training – strengthening your relationship with God through practical application
The Source – Bible-centered teaching and discussion
A to Z – in-depth word study suitable for all ages
Rock Solid Families – equipping parents with biblical parenting principles
The Bridge – studying challenging passages and difficult questions
Each group has a designated leader and assigned meeting location on campus. First-time visitors are welcome to visit any group without prior registration.
Main Worship Service (10:30 am)
Our worship service includes contemporary worship and Bible-centered preaching, with an expectation that the Holy Spirit is present and active as we worship Jesus (John 4:24; Acts 2:4). Services typically run 60–75 minutes and follow a clear flow: welcome, worship, message, and closing.
If you’re new to Pentecostal church culture, don’t worry—you won’t be singled out. Some people lift their hands during worship, some pray quietly, some just listen. You’re free to engage at your comfort level. And if you’re not able to be here in Cordova, we also have an online option through Boundless Online Church so you can stay connected from anywhere.
What Happens When You Arrive
Parking & Entry
Parking is available in multiple lots surrounding the building. Signage directs visitors to main entrances. Greeters are stationed at doors to provide direction and answer questions.
The Welcome Desk
Our welcome desk is located in the main lobby. Staff and volunteers provide:
Campus maps
Service information
Children's ministry check-in assistance
Free visitor bags with church information and local welcome items
First-time guests receive a visitor bag without needing to fill out lengthy forms or provide contact information unless they choose to.
The Good Cup Coffee Station
Sue Berry oversees The Good Cup, our Sunday morning coffee station located near the main lobby. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are available before and between services at no cost. This space functions as an informal gathering point before Life Groups and the main service.
Children & Family Services
Children's ministry is available during both the 9:30 am and 10:30 am time blocks. Check-in stations are clearly marked. Parents receive identification tags for secure child pickup.
Programming is age-specific:
Nursery (infants through age 2)
Preschool (ages 3-5)
Elementary (grades K-5)
The Sunday Morning Stress-Free Setup
Preparing the night before significantly reduces Sunday morning stress and increases the likelihood of arriving on time and focused.
Saturday Evening Prep Checklist
Layout clothes – Select and lay out outfits for every family member, including shoes and accessories.
Pack bags – Prepare diaper bags, snack bags, and any materials needed for the next day.
Set coffee timer – Program your coffee maker to brew 15 minutes before wake-up time.
Gas check – Ensure vehicle has adequate fuel to avoid Sunday morning gas station stops.
Identify route – If this is your first visit, review directions and parking information at www.famemphis.org.
Set alarms – Set wake-up alarms 15 minutes earlier than you think necessary.
This systematic preparation shifts decision-making and problem-solving to Saturday evening when stress levels are lower and time pressure is reduced.
What We Believe About Gathering
Scripture provides clear direction on the value of consistent community gathering:
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another: and all the more as you see the Day approaching." – Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
This passage establishes three key principles we practice at First Assembly Memphis:
Intentional encouragement – Spurring one another toward love and good deeds requires regular, face-to-face interaction
Consistent presence – The instruction is to not give up the practice of meeting together
Mutual accountability – We encourage one another, implying reciprocal relationships rather than passive attendance
Weekly gathering is not about religious obligation. It is about building authentic relationships that provide support, accountability, and encouragement in daily life.
Beyond Sunday Morning
While Sunday morning is our primary gathering time, additional connection opportunities include:
Wednesday Evening Services – 6:30 pm with family dinner available beforehand. Menu and details at www.famemphis.org/wednesday-menu.
Midweek Life Groups – Some groups meet during the week rather than Sunday mornings.
Service & Mission Opportunities – Ongoing projects and outreach initiatives throughout the week.
Online Services – Full service livestream and message archive for those unable to attend in person.
Location & Contact Information
First Assembly Memphis 8640 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, TN 38018
Services are held at our Cordova campus, easily accessible from major routes including Walnut Grove Road and Germantown Parkway.
For specific questions about your first visit, contact information is available at www.famemphis.org/contact.
Planning Your Visit
I know the hardest part is usually just showing up. No special preparation or church background is required. Come as you are.
Whether you attend a Life Group at 9:30 am or arrive for the 10:30 am service, you’ll find greeters and volunteers throughout the building to help you get where you need to go.
First-time visitors are not asked to stand, introduce themselves, or do anything that puts social pressure on you.
You’re free to observe, participate at your comfort level, and leave whenever you choose. If you’d like, we’d love to help you take one simple next step toward connection at FA Memphis in Cordova.
WHY (for FA Memphis + Boundless)
We care about first Sundays because people don’t just need content—they need community. We want to strengthen families here in the 901 and help people take real steps toward Jesus, whether that happens in person in Cordova or through Boundless Online Church when distance makes local attendance hard.
FA Memphis Series
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.
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.
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