What the Assemblies of God Teaches: Core Beliefs for Everyone

Part 4 of 5 in our Assemblies of God History Series

Hey there! Welcome back to our journey through Assemblies of God history. I'm so glad you're here exploring faith with us. Whether you're brand new to Christianity, considering joining an Assembly of God church in Tennessee, or just curious about what we actually believe, this post is your friendly guide to the core teachings that shape millions of lives worldwide.

You know what? Faith doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. As Layne McDonald always reminds our community, you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God. So let's dive into what the Assemblies of God teaches in a way that feels like a conversation with a good friend.

The Big Four: Core Beliefs That Define Us

When the Assemblies of God was founded back in 1914 (which we covered earlier in this series!), the pioneers established 16 Fundamental Truths. But here's what's beautiful, out of those 16, there are four core beliefs that really capture the heart of what Assembly of God Tennessee churches and congregations worldwide focus on:

1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ

This is the foundation of everything. The Assemblies of God teaches that salvation comes through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, period. It's not about how good you are, how much money you give, or whether you grew up in church. It's simply about accepting God's free gift of grace.

What makes this especially meaningful is that Assemblies of God churches follow what's called "Arminian theology." In plain English? That means while God offers salvation to everyone, each person has the freedom to accept or reject that gift. You're not a robot, you have real choice in your relationship with God.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Now this one might sound a little mysterious if you're new to Pentecostal beliefs, but stick with me, it's actually pretty amazing. The Assemblies of God teaches that after you accept Jesus, there's another experience available called baptism in the Holy Spirit. This gives believers supernatural power to be witnesses and share God's love with others.

The evidence of this baptism? Speaking in tongues. I know, I know, it might sound weird if you've never experienced it. But think of it as a prayer language between you and God, a way to pray when you don't have the words. Many Assembly of God Memphis churches will tell you it's one of the most beautiful, personal experiences you can have with God.

3. Divine Healing

Here's something that sets Assemblies of God apart from many other denominations, we believe God still heals today, just like He did in the Bible. This doesn't mean we ignore doctors or medicine (that would be foolish!), but we believe prayer and faith can bring miraculous healing.

Whether you're dealing with physical illness, emotional wounds, or spiritual struggles, divine healing is part of God's plan for your life. It's not about having enough faith or being "good enough", it's about God's compassion and power.

4. The Second Coming of Christ

The fourth core belief is that Jesus is coming back. Not metaphorically, but literally. The Assemblies of God teaches that Christ will return to earth, establish His kingdom, and make everything right that's wrong in this world.

This isn't meant to scare anyone, it's actually the ultimate hope! It means all the pain, injustice, and brokenness we see today isn't the end of the story.

Beyond the Big Four: Other Important Teachings

While those four beliefs are the cornerstone, there are other important teachings that shape Assembly of God church life:

Scripture as God's Word: We believe the Bible is inspired by God and is our guide for life and faith. Not just good advice, but actual divine guidance.

The Trinity: God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons, one God. It's a mystery, but then again, so is love, and we all know that's real!

Women in Ministry: Unlike some denominations, the Assemblies of God has always affirmed women can be pastors, missionaries, and leaders. Many of the most influential figures in AG history have been women.

Local Church Involvement: While we love online community (hello, Boundless Online Church!), the Assemblies of God emphasizes the importance of being connected to a local congregation where you can worship, serve, and grow together.

What This Means for You: Practical Stuff

Okay, so maybe you're thinking, "This all sounds nice, but what does it actually look like in real life?" Great question!

If you're considering joining an Assembly of God church: whether it's an AG Tennessee congregation or anywhere else: here's what you can expect:

Worship Style: Most AG churches have contemporary worship with live music, passionate singing, and room for the Holy Spirit to move. Don't worry if you don't know the songs or feel comfortable raising your hands: just come as you are.

Prayer for Healing: Don't be surprised if during service, people are invited forward for prayer. This might include prayer for healing, encouragement, or just connecting with God. You're never required to participate, but the invitation is always there.

Speaking in Tongues: You might hear people praying in tongues during worship or prayer time. It's not weird or scary: it's just people connecting with God in a deeply personal way.

Missions Focus: AG churches are usually very missions-minded. You'll hear about local outreach, global missionaries, and opportunities to serve your community.

Common Questions People Ask

"Do I have to speak in tongues to be a real Christian?" Absolutely not! While the Assemblies of God believes speaking in tongues is evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit, it's never a requirement for salvation or church membership. Many faithful AG members are still seeking this experience, and that's completely normal.

"What if I don't feel comfortable with emotional worship?" That's totally okay! AG churches welcome people with different personality types and comfort levels. You can worship in whatever way feels authentic to you: whether that's quietly reflecting or enthusiastically singing along.

"Are there dress codes or behavior requirements?" Most Assembly of God churches today focus more on your heart than your appearance. While some older or more traditional congregations might have preferences, the emphasis is on come-as-you-are acceptance.

"What about money and tithing?" While the Assemblies of God teaches biblical tithing (giving 10% of your income), it's never a requirement for membership or acceptance. Many churches are transparent about their finances and use offerings primarily for ministry, missions, and helping people in need.

Finding Your Place in the AG Family

Whether you're searching for "assembly of god near me" or "tn assembly of god churches," remember that each congregation has its own personality while sharing these core beliefs. Some are larger and more contemporary, others are smaller and more traditional. Some focus heavily on missions, others on family ministry or youth programs.

The beautiful thing about the Assemblies of God is there's room for everyone. Single parents, college students, seniors, young families, people dealing with addiction, those questioning their faith, folks who've been hurt by church before: all are welcome.

How This Connects to Memphis and Beyond

As we wrap up this deep dive into AG teachings, it's amazing to see how these beliefs have shaped communities like ours here in Tennessee. First Assembly Memphis, located in Cordova, embodies these core teachings while serving the unique needs of the Memphis community.

At First Assembly Memphis, you'll find the same commitment to salvation, Holy Spirit baptism, divine healing, and hope in Christ's return: but expressed through the warm hospitality and genuine love that characterizes the best of Southern church culture. Under Layne McDonald's leadership in assimilation and retention, the church focuses on making sure every person who walks through the doors feels truly welcomed and connected.

For those who can't physically attend church due to work schedules, health issues, or geographic distance, that's where Boundless Online Church comes in. Through our digital platform at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org, you can experience the same core AG teachings, participate in prayer, join small groups, and connect with believers worldwide: all while staying connected to the local church family.

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or looking for a church home that combines solid biblical teaching with supernatural expectation, you're exactly where you need to be. These beliefs aren't just theological concepts: they're invitations to experience God's love, power, and community in ways that transform everyday life.

Remember, you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God. If you're in the Memphis area and want to experience these teachings firsthand, we'd love to welcome you home.

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Ready to learn more or connect with our community? Visit us online or use our ZIP code search to find the perfect Assembly of God church near you with a personal VIP connection.

First Assembly Memphis 8650 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, Tennessee 38018 Phone: 901-843-8600 Email: info@famemphis.net Website: www.famemphis.org

Next week, we'll conclude our series by exploring how the Assemblies of God grew from a small gathering in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to a global movement reaching every corner of the world: and how your local church fits into this incredible story.