A Foursquare Church refers to a Pentecostal Christian church that adheres to the teachings of Aimee Semple McPherson. McPherson founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (ICFG) in 1927 in Los Angeles, California.
The term “Foursquare” refers to the fourfold message McPherson preached relating to the four-fold ministry of Jesus Christ as the Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and soon coming King. This core set of beliefs became the foundation for the Foursquare Church.
Some key beliefs and practices of Foursquare Churches include:
- Emphasis on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:16, Romans 10:9)
- Belief in baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46)
- Belief in divine healing through faith in Christ (James 5:14-15, Mark 16:17-18)
- Belief in the second coming of Christ and eventual establishment of God’s eternal kingdom (Matthew 24:30-31, Revelation 22:12)
- Worship services featuring contemporary music, prayer, preaching, and altar calls
- Casual dress and welcoming atmosphere for services
- “Open altar” after every service to pray with people
- Extensive community outreach and support programs
- Ordination of women into ministry
The Foursquare denomination has spread to 144 countries worldwide since its founding. There are over 67,000 Foursquare churches globally with a total membership over 8 million people.
Some of the major distinguishing characteristics of Foursquare churches include:
Pentecostal Beliefs
Foursquare churches adhere to Pentecostal theology with emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. They believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers evidenced through manifestations like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing (Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit unites and sanctifies believers in Christ.
Spirit-Filled Worship
Foursquare worship services are lively with contemporary music led by a worship band. The music creates an atmosphere where people can freely express praise and thanksgiving to God. There is clapping, raised hands, shouting, and free-flowing worship.
“Come as You Are” Culture
Foursquare churches have an informal and welcoming culture where people can come as they are. There is no strict dress code and the atmosphere is designed to make newcomers feel embraced. The focus is on building personal relationships with Christ.
Empowerment of Women in Ministry
From its inception under the leadership of Aimee Semple McPherson, the Foursquare church affirmed the role of women in ministry. They believe God calls both men and women to serve in various leadership capacities including as pastors, evangelists, and teachers based on their spiritual gifts (Galatians 3:28, Acts 2:17-18).
Focus on Evangelism and Missions
Foursquare churches believe in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and actively proclaim the gospel message locally and globally. They train up people to share their faith and plant new churches. Foursquare has missions programs worldwide.
“Body Ministry” Structure
Foursquare churches promote the concept of “body ministry” from 1 Corinthians 12 where each part of the body contributes. They believe in equipping all believers to serve in ministry based on their gifts, rather than just the pastor doing everything.
In addition to the pastors, there are boards of directors, deacons, department leaders, and volunteers that all work together to run the church.
Simple Governance Structure
Decision-making authority in local Foursquare churches is decentralized. Local congregations are self-governing under the leadership of their pastors and board members. This allows flexibility for each church to discern how to best reach their community.
At the district and national levels, committees provide counsel and support but avoid exerting control over local affairs. Unity is maintained through shared commitment to the core Foursquare beliefs.
Childlike Faith
Foursquare churches encourage childlike faith in Christ modeled after the example of founder Aimee Semple McPherson. She exemplified simple, trusting faith that God desires to reveal Himself to all who believe in His Word.
There is openness to God speaking to people today through His Spirit that goes beyond just intellectual belief.
Dedication to Prayer
Prayer is foundational to everything in the Foursquare church. Worship services will commonly feature times devoted to corporate prayer. Many churches also host prayer meetings, prayer chains, and prayer groups.
There is an emphasis on listening prayer where believers quiet themselves to hear God’s voice. Foursquare believes God answers prayer that aligns with His will (1 John 5:14).
“Foursquare Declaration of Faith”
All Foursquare churches and licensed ministers agree to uphold the denomination’s “Declaration of Faith” document that outlines its core doctrines and beliefs. This helps maintain unity and common direction.
The Declaration of Faith specifies beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, the Church, baptism, communion, healing, the Kingdom of God, and the second coming of Christ.
While allowing diversity in secondary doctrines, this document establishes the non-negotiable tenets of the Foursquare faith.
Prominent Figures
Some notable figures who shaped the Foursquare church include:
- Aimee Semple McPherson: Founder and first president. A pioneering evangelist who established the denomination.
- Rolf McPherson: Son of Aimee, led Foursquare in the 1960s-1970s when membership peaked.
- Jack Hayford: Prominent pastor who served as president in the 1980s-1990s and helped update the church.
- Glenn Burris Jr.: Current Foursquare president working to increase diversity and plant new churches.
Church Governance and Polity
Foursquare churches have a congregational polity with authority centered on the local congregation. Each church is self-governing, owns its own property, and calls its pastor.
There are district supervisors and regional leaders who offer support but no hierarchical control. National Foursquare offices provide unity through shared licensing, education, missions, and publishing.
Governance is decentralized compared to episcopal or presbyterian polities. Local churches have flexibility to discern God’s leading in their context.
Church Services and Practices
A typical Sunday service at a Foursquare church includes:
- 30-60 minutes of singing worship songs with a band
- Prayer for various needs and prayer groups at the altar
- Announcements and offering collection
- 45-60 minute sermon message with relevant application
- Altar call invitation to accept Christ or come forward for prayer
Communion is served monthly and baptisms are conducted a few times a year. Weekly programs include Bible studies, youth group, nursery, and various ministry activities.
Demographics and Location
Foursquare churches are ethnically diverse though currently majority white. They are concentrated most in the Western U.S. where the movement started but have spread across the country.
There are Foursquare churches located in most major U.S. cities as well as rural areas but less presence in the Northeast. Globally, Nigeria has the largest Foursquare population.
Education and Leadership Training
Foursquare offers ministry training through Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA and nationally through Foursquare Institute. There are also district training centers and online courses.
Leadership training focuses on Bible knowledge, pastoral skills, preaching, counseling, and Foursquare history/governance. Students pursue certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees.
Foursquare Missions and Humanitarian Work
Foursquare missions organizations include:
- Foursquare Missions Press – Literature distribution
- Genesis Ministry – Disaster relief
- Foursquare Builders – Constructing churches/schools
- Harvest Partners – Feeding hungry children
The Foursquare Church collaborates with other groups like Convoy of Hope and Samaritan’s Purse to serve disaster victims and impoverished communities.
Connection to Other Denominations
The Foursquare Church has fraternal relationships with similar Pentecostal groups like the Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, and Open Bible Churches. They share common beliefs but have variations in structure and worship style.
Foursquare differs from Reformed churches by not adhering to Calvinist theology. They align more with Methodists and Anglicans on views like free will.
There is some collaboration in ministries like disaster relief across denominational lines, but Foursquare maintains its distinct identity and beliefs.
Recent Trends and Changes
Recent trends in Foursquare churches include:
- Declining U.S. membership but growth overseas, especially Africa
- Increasing diversity in leadership and congregations
- Greater use of technology – websites, streaming, social media
- Contemporary worship music replacing more traditional hymns
- High percentage of immigrant churches
- Partnerships with humanitarian aid organizations
- Teaching series on relationships, finance, mental health, and addiction recovery
The current Foursquare president Glenn Burris Jr. is prioritizing church planting, diversity efforts, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Foursquare Church has faced controversies including:
- Healing and miracles – Excessive focus on signs and wonders vs. biblical teaching?
- Style of worship – Too emotional or unstructured?
- Prosperity gospel – Promising material blessings for faith?
- False prophecies – Unsubstantiated predictions about future events
- Unorthodox behavior – Rolling on floor, spiritual laughter, being “slain in the Spirit”
- Discrimination – Against minorities and women in leadership?
- Financial abuse – Pastors enriching themselves at expense of congregants
Defenders note Foursquare’s integrity policies, accountability measures, and biblical commitments in response. But occasional controversies persist.
Conclusion
In summary, Foursquare Churches represent a major Pentecostal denomination birthed out of the Azusa Street Revival. They emphasize the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, evangelism, inclusive leadership, contemporary worship, and social engagement.
Though some critique their style, Foursquare continues transforming lives through personal faith in Christ. Their passion is proclaiming the gospel and seeing people’s relationship with Jesus come alive by the Spirit’s power.