LIVING HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH - MEMBERSHIP BOOKLET
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LIVING HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH
MEMBERSHIP BOOKLET
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great
mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can
never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:3-4
LETTER FROM THE PASTOR
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Living
Hope Foursquare Church. It’s my greatest joy to welcome you
as a potential member. At Living Hope, membership is more
than just signing on the dotted line. When you make the decision to be a
member, you are committing to a family. You are committing to the growth
and health of the body. We are committing to take care of you as you grow
as well. We are saying that we care about your spiritual journey and want
to walk the path of spiritual maturity with you.
Every Church needs to have a spiritual statement, a spiritual strategy, and a
spiritual structure. In the following pages you will find those things. You will
see from a large perspective how the International Church of the Foursquare
Gospel came into being through a great revival time and you will also see
how Living Hope Foursquare Church is living out the “Foursquare” Mission in
the Urbana / Champaign area with our own flavor and culture.
Our spiritual statement is our vision and mission. God has been
developing this vision and mission in our hearts and is developing our
strategy and structure.
Our spiritual strategy is to connect people into significant relationship
and significant responsibility as we all move forward in the process of
becoming more like Jesus Christ.
Our Structure (which is in process) is designed to help you connect
with people from the very moment you walk through the door for the
first time. Maybe you remember receiving that first letter after you
attended the first time? After that first time visit our desire is to help
get you connected with others through our weekly services, small
group ministry, and CORE discipleship opportunities.
I want to invite you to the great adventure of being a part of our family. I
hope that this is a place you can discover, develop, and deploy your spiritual
gifts and grow in your relationship with Christ and with others, experiencing
the joy and hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ
Pastor Andrew H. Rogers
1
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
LIVING HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
Senior Pastor
Reverend Andrew H Rogers
Church Council (2012)
Neal Witruk
Bob Johnson
Doug Brown
Bob Price
Elders (2012)
Bob Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Adrienne Witruk
District information
District Supervisor – Reverend Dan Mundt
Heartland District of the Foursquare Churches
4601 16th Street, Unit 1
Moline, IL 61265
T. 309.762.2577
F: 309.762.2588
E: heartland@foursquare.org
Divisional Superintendent – Reverend Brent Roberson
Sangamon Valley Christian Center
200 W Washington St.
Mahomet, IL 61853
(217) 586-5875
2
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
LIVING HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH
MISSION – VISION – VALUES
MISSION – (Why we are here)
Our Mission is to touch every person with the Hope of Jesus Christ.
o Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV) — 14 “You are the light of the world. A
town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a
lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it
gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your
light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven.
o
VISION – (Who we are and who we are striving to become)
Living Hope Foursquare Church is a growing, dynamic, Spirit-filled,
multi-cultural, multi-generational family striving to…
o Creatively and passionately EMBRACE our relationship with
Jesus Christ.
o ENGAGE our community and world with the transforming
message of hope, through Him.
o EQUIP emerging leaders to impact their scope of influence,
and to
o EXPAND the kingdom of God through the planting and
resourcing of other churches
CORE VALUES
We believe that every person, Christian and non-Christian alike, is
valuable to God and to His Kingdom. Because people are eternally
valuable to God, they are to us as well. Therefore, evangelism and on-
going discipleship will always be at the core of our ministry.
Matthew 18:14; Matthew 25:45; 2 Peter 3:9
We believe every member of the body of Christ is a minister. They
have unique motivational gifts and spiritual gifts to be discovered,
developed, and deployed. We believe he/she will find their greatest joy
3
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
and fulfillment when serving in their gifts and passion. Every believer
is created for ministry, gifted for ministry, authorized for ministry, and
needed for ministry.
Mark 10:45; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-21; 1 Corinthians 12: 14-
20
We believe that genuine love and caring relationships are the very
essence of the Gospel in action and the key to success in every
endeavor. We will work together in a spirit of humility to resolve
conflicts, obeying the scriptures, honoring God and honoring others in
a way that protects the unity of the Spirit and promotes the bond of
peace.
James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Romans 16:17;
Ephesians 4:3
We believe that family is the model for nurturing, training, and
extending our influence and raising up future leaders that will be fully
devoted Christ followers, therefore we will in all that we do, promote
the strengthening of the natural and spiritual family with Christ as the
center.
Gen 1:28; Ex 20:12; John 1:12-13; Rom 8:15; Gal 3:26-29; John
13:34-35
We believe that every Christian should commit to a lifestyle of
consistent spiritual growth and honest accountability. Therefore, we
believe that discipleship through small groups and mentoring
relationships is critical to maturing in our faith.
Mark 12:29-31; Acts 2:44-47; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Proverbs
27:17
We believe Evangelism is at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus came to
seek and save the lost. We will share our faith as we serve others,
build friendships, personally witness, and extend invitations to
activities, services, and/or small groups. Proverbs 11:30; John 1:43-
45; John 4:28-30
We believe in identifying and training emerging leaders who are fully
committed to Christ and who will reach their generation with the
4
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Gospel. God is rising up men and women who will take the baton of
Godly character, authentic faith, and servant-hearted leadership into
the next generation.
2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5-9; Psalms 78:6-7
We believe that God is worthy of our very best. Therefore, excellence
should permeate every activity -- not perfection, but excellence with a
willingness to improve for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Psalms 78:72; Daniel 5:12; Colossians 3:17; Ecclesiastes 10:10
We believe in "doing church as a team". The multiplication of power
through serving together in Spirit-anointed ministry is key to God's
plan being accomplished in and through our lives, in our community,
and around the world. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Psalms 133:1; Ephesians
4:11-16; 1 Peter 2:4-9
5
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
LIVING HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH
DISTINCTIVES
We are a Pentecostal church. We believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit
and in the pursuit and use of those gifts in the life of the believer and
in our ministries. We encourage everyone to be filled with the Holy
Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and to use all of His gifts, including speaking in
tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5).
Our theology is Pentecostal. Our style is Charismatic. Our worship is
expressive and Spirit-led, yet orderly. We clap and raise our hands as
a sign of praise and surrender to God. Our music and songs are a
mixture of contemporary and traditional, with a reflection on the
various cultures that make up our church body. Our practice is to
explain to the congregation anything out of the ordinary – prophecies,
a word in tongues, a song of the Lord.
We hold to a traditional biblical position on moral values and personal
conduct.
o We strive for personal integrity that demonstrates the holiness
and love of God in all our conduct.
o We believe that marriage was designed by God to be between
one man and one woman.
o We stand against premarital sex, infidelity in marriage,
pornography, promiscuity, perversions, and all other forms of
sexual misuse and abuse.
o We take a biblical stand against the practice of homosexual
behavior. We believe that God set the sexual boundaries for men
and women at creation and does not confuse those boundaries.
We believe that man's fallen condition and the results of sin in
our society have bred sexual confusion but that God offers love,
healing, and restoration to ALL who seek Him.
o We stand for the protection of all unborn children. We believe
that abortion kills a human life and is a sin. We also believe that
God offers grace to all who ask and will forgive and restore
anyone who repents.
o We offer love, compassion, and God's promise of forgiveness to
all who seek freedom and wholeness. If you want freedom, we
will help you.
The Great Commission, along with the need of the dying world in
which we live, calls for all the people of God, His sons and daughters,
to engage the harvest using whatever gifts He has entrusted to them.
6
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Since women are redeemed, anointed, gifted, called and loved by God
in exactly the same way as men, we categorically affirm that women
should be fully released to exercise their gifts for every facet of
ministry in His church.
We do not emphasize a particular view or theory of the “End Times,”
except the imminent and personal return of Christ to judge the living
and the dead.
We believe that a biblical worldview will affect every area of a
Christian's life, including for what or whom they vote. We do not
believe, however, that Sunday morning is the best place for partisan
politics. Most important to us is our citizenship in the Kingdom of
Heaven – not our membership in a political party. We may offer
support to campaigns that work for or against specific legislation or
candidates that affect the moral and social health of our community
and nation.
7
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
An Abbreviated Declaration of Faith THE HOLY SCRIPTURES We believe the Bible is God-inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16 , 17 ). THE ETERNAL GODHEAD We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14 ). THE FALL OF MAN We believe man was created in the image of God, but by voluntary disobedience he fell from perfection (Romans 5:12 ). THE PLAN OF SALVATION We believe while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him (John 3:16 ; Romans 5:8 ). SALVATION THROUGH GRACE We believe we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8 ). REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE We believe upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (I John 1:9 ). THE NEW BIRTH We believe the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17 ; Galatians 2:20 ). DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING We believe it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (Hebrews 6:1 ). BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER We believe baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matthew 28:19 ). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of the bread and juice of the vine (I Corinthians 11:24 , 25 ). BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer with power; and His incoming is after the same manner as in Bible days (Acts 2:4 ). 8 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE We believe it is the will of God we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32 ). THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT We believe the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian; and we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life I Corinthians 12:1-11 ; Galatians 5:22-23 MODERATION We believe the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him into extremes of fanaticism (Philippians 4:5 ). DIVINE HEALING We believe divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the physically sick in answer to the prayer of faith (James 5:14-16 ). THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST We believe the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (I Thessalonians 4:16 , 17). CHURCH RELATIONSHIP We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 16:5 ; Hebrews 10:25 ). CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe rulers should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-5 ). THE FINAL JUDGMENT We believe all shall stand some day before the judgment seat of God, and there receive eternal life or death (2 Corinthians 5:10 ). HEAVEN We believe Heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:1-3 ; Revelation 7:15-17 ). HELL We believe hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Savior (Revelation 20:10, 15 9 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
EVANGELISM
We believe soul winning is the most important responsibility of the Church
(James 5:20 ).
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We believe the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His
cause is by giving of tithes and free-will offerings (Malachi 3:10 ; 2
Corinthians 9:7 )
The History of the Foursquare Church
Officially named the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, is a
Pentecostal denomination that resulted from the dynamic evangelistic
ministry of Aimee Semple McPherson, who opened the historic Angelus
Temple in 1923. It was not intended o be a denomination, but as the church
flourished new believers desire to be trained to serve and so Sister Aimee
started what is now known as Life Pacific Bible College and as students
graduated they were sent out to plant churches.
Foursquare Gospel
The term "Foursquare Gospel" came about during an intense revival in the
city of Oakland, Calif., in July 1922. To a crowd of thousands, Aimee Semple
McPherson explained Ezekiel's vision in the book of Ezekiel, chapter one.
Ezekiel saw God revealed as a being with four different faces: a man, a lion,
an ox and an eagle. To Sister McPherson, those four faces were like the four
phases of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the face of the man, she saw Jesus
our Savior. In the face of the lion, she saw Jesus the mighty Baptizer with
the Holy Spirit and fire. In the face of the ox, she saw Jesus the Great
Burden-Bearer, who took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses. In the
face of the eagle, she saw Jesus the Coming King, who will return in power
and victory for the church.
It was a perfect, complete Gospel. It was a Gospel that faces squarely in
every direction; it was the “Foursquare Gospel.”
Leadership
Jack Hayford (2004-2009). Glenn Burris Jr., was elected president by the
convention voting body in June 2010, and is now serving his first term as
president. Currently The Foursquare Church has 1,865 U.S. churches;
globally, The Foursquare Church has more than 64,000 churches and
meeting places in 140 countries.
10
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Living Hope History In the month of October, 1918, after God had wonderfully healed the entire family, Rev. and Mrs. William McCollum were led of the Lord to open a Full Gospel work in the Twin Cities. They held their first meeting in a hall on South Race Street and after four weeks they moved to a larger location on University Avenue. This became a permanent meeting place until the Fall of 1923 when a building was erected at 1003 East Illinois Street. For some time the work was of an independent nature but in 1926 the property was deeded to the Echo Park Evangelistic Association, later known as the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and the charter was sent to the church by Sister Aimee McPherson, Founder. In December 1928 the pastors felt the need to attend the Bible School at Angelus Temple and Rev. and Mrs. Malcolm Hall were sent to fill the vacancy. They served as pastors for 10 months at which time Rev. and Mrs. William Stovel became pastors. Feeling the call to evangelistic work, the Stovel’s left for the West in September 1931 and Rev. and Mrs. E. T. Johnson were called to fill the pulpit. In these years and in years to present time, many evangelists and fill-in pastors were at the church but space will not permit giving all their names. From January 1935 until October 1936, Rev. and Mrs. William Moore were pastors and then Rev. O. A. Streepy was called. Immediately Rev. Streepy and members of the church felt the need of a new building, more centrally located for the Urbana church. On January 15, the lot at the corner of Broadway and Oregon was purchased and on May 8, 1938 the first spade of dirt turned in the starting of the building. The cornerstone was laid on August 28, 1938. Shortly after completion of this new edifice, Rev. Streepy resigned and Rev. and Mrs. Howard P. Courtney came to pastor for six months. At this time they were appointed Supervisors of the Great Lakes District. Rev. Peggy Broce followed the Courtneys until 1941 when Rev. and Mrs. B. L. Howse assumed the pastorate. In 1943, following their honeymoon, Rev. and Mrs. Charles Hollis began pastoring the Urbana church. Feeling the call to evangelistic meetings the Hollis' resigned and Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Greisen became pastors of the church in 1947. January 1950, Rev. Greisen returned to his former pastorate in Dover, Ohio and Chaplain and Mrs. Clifford Musgrove pastored the church until September of that year. Rev. and Mrs. George Hahn came to Urbana from Azusa, California and pastored the church for the next eight years. In the spring of 1958Rev. and Mrs. Richard Dalrymple moved from Upland, California to Urbana and pastored the church until they returned to their former pastorate in Chicago. At this time Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Menges came from Chicago Heights to pastor for the next several months. Rev. 11 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
Naomi Keener and Rev. Mildred Gower assumed the pastorate in early 1961. In May of 1963 Rev. and Mrs. Harry Hansen came to pastor the church. In November of 1966 the Hansen’s moved into the new parsonage at 2110 Easy Street. Under the leadership of the Hansen’s, the building at Broadway and Oregon was sold and construction was started on the new edifice at Kinch and Washington Streets with ground breaking in May of 1968, exactly thirty years from the ground breaking of the former church. The congregation rented a church building at 402 West Main in downtown Urbana and worshiped there from July 1, 1968 until February 1, 1970 at which time they occupied the partially completed church building. The contractors were hampered by many setbacks the greatest being a wind storm that blew down the laminated arches. In August 1969, Rev. and Mrs. Chris Von Holten came to Urbana as associate pastors with Rev. And Mrs. Hansen. November 30, 1969 was the Hansen's concluding pastoral message to the Urbana church; they also having felt God's call to the evangelistic field. At this time Rev. and Mrs. Von Holten accepted the appointment as pastors of the church. Not only did this couple assume the pastorate of the church, but a building with a large loan, not completed on the inside and a Nursery School in what is now the Fellowship Hall. It was hard to make the large payments and Rev. and Mrs. Von Holten went many months without any pay from the church. While they were pastors the church was completed and dedicated in October of 1971. The Urbana Foursquare Church has always been a mission church. From the beginning of the church until October of 1971, 75 people had attended Bible College. Many were in active service at that time. In September of 1980, a young couple from the church, who had gone to Bible College, Brent and Judy Roberson, had a call to start a work in Mahomet. That is now Sangamon Valley Christian Center. In 1982 Rev. and Mrs. Von Holten resigned and in December 1982 Rev. and Mrs. Robert Deyarmond came to the Urbana Church. January 20, 1985 the Foursquare Family Fellowship was started with the first service at the Holiday Inn. In July, 1985 they moved to 1403 Adams, Urbana with Rev. and Mrs. Chris Von Holten as pastors. Rev. Robert Deyarmond passed away in January of 1989. In March of 1989 Pastor Dan and Donna Howse came to the Urbana Foursquare Church. While Pastor Dan and Donna were in Urbana the sanctuary, balcony and front of the sanctuary was remodeled, a new roof was put on the complete building, much maintenance was done. The congregation voted to add the name "Living ,," Hope". In 1994 needing to be near their family Dan and Donna resigned and moved to California. In October of 1994 Rev. Bob and Mary Ann Detering came to Living Hope Foursquare Church as the pastors. Since then the Fellowship Hall, Entrance Hall, office has been carpeted, and the kitchen remodeled. 12 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
Rev. Bob and Mary Ann Detering pastured Living Hope until June of 2002 at which time they resigned to move south to pastor in Florida. In July of 2002 the Rev. Andrew H. Rogers and his wife Kristie moved to Urbana with their two children. Pastor Andrew H. Rogers is the current minister at Living Hope. Pastor Andrew and his wife Kristie are originally from the Pacific Northwest and felt a call to go east after an International Foursquare Conference in which the leadership was calling for ministers to come and share the gospel in the East. Pastor Andrew and His wife and two children answered the call and through a course of some God directed events came to pastor in Urbana IL. Pastor Andrew His not built or remodeled any buildings, but has a strong conviction to build people and see lives transformed by the renewing work of Jesus Christ. They are praying that the twin cities will once again be touched by the hand of God through the flow of the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon Living Hope Foursquare Church. You now sit in this class and have the opportunity to be a part of God’s History in this Church, for you were born for such a time as this. Last year the Church began to seek God for a rekindling of vision and direction for the Church. Through the direction of the current vision the church is in the process of establishing small groups, and a strategic plan to integrate new people into a life giving, joy producing, fully committed relationship with Jesus Christ. 13 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
Foursquare Distinctives
Government
The Board of Directors has the governing power to direct and manage
the corporate affairs of the International Foursquare Church. The
Convention Body, consisting of all Foursquare pastors and delegates
from the local churches, together with the Board, has the power to
make or amend the Bylaws of the Corporation. Our national president
is Pastor Jack Hayford, and his offices are located in Los Angeles.
Churches
Each local church is a subordinate unit of the International Church of
the Foursquare Gospel. The pastor is appointed by the Board of
Directors and is responsible for the spiritual and physical welfare of the
church. To assist him there is a church council that is elected by the
local church membership.
Properties
All Foursquare Church properties are in the name of the International
Church and are held secure “in perpetuity” for the local congregation.
Properties are bought and sold or debt is incurred only after a local
congregational vote and approval from the International Board.
Tithes
Each local Foursquare church tithes from the tithes they receive for the
support of the corporate ministries and for church planting in their
District. They also contribute regularly to Foursquare Missions.
Accountability
The strength of the Foursquare family is the open and honest
relationships among the pastors. That relationship includes defined
lines of accountability that give a greater degree of security to both
the Foursquare pastors and the congregations they care for.
Each local Foursquare church submits a monthly financial and ministry
report to the International and District offices.
Miscellaneous Information
Each pastor and congregation is free to develop the philosophy and
style of ministry that is unique to their calling and anointing.
There is an annual international convention and an annual District
conference for Foursquare pastors and delegates.
14
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
The Mission of the Foursquare Church
The Foursquare Church exists to glorify God and advance His kingdom. Jesus
Christ's command is to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations
(Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19).
Therefore, we are "Dedicated unto the cause of inter-denominational and
worldwide evangelism." These words express our spirit and our focus. Our
call is to preach Jesus Christ, God's Son, as the Savior, Healer, Baptizer with
the Holy Spirit and coming King.
Our assignment is to develop healthy, growing churches. Our commitment is
to plant national churches around the world, led by loving servants of Jesus
Christ. Churches developed in this manner will reproduce again and again.
This makes possible the spread of the gospel to those who have not heard or
accepted the message of God's Son.
Core Values of the Foursquare Church
Christ-Centered Worship
We prioritize joyous worship, honoring the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
as we extol the life and love of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 11:36-
12:1-2).
We hold to the creeds asserting Jesus as Godʼs virgin-born Son--His
sinless life, atoning death and literal resurrection providing salvation
(Acts 4:12).
We focus a Christ-honoring, grace-based preaching and teaching
ministry rooted in the authority of Godʼs eternal Word, the Holy Bible
(2 Timothy 3:16).
Church Health and Biblical Balance
We prioritize a personal and church lifestyle of vital joy and hope as
Christ and His kingdom are described in John 10:10, Romans 14:17
and 15:13.
15
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
We promote creative personal and church ministry that spreads the
Gospel, meets human need, and multiplies life-begetting ministries
(Phil. 1:9-11).
We prioritize passion with order in worship; biblical grace with
obedience in lifestyle; with liberty, wisdom and charity in all things (1
Corinthians 13:13; 14:40).
We embrace all who love Christ, pursuing our distinct sense of mission
and values, while affirming the whole church beyond our ranks
(Philippians 2:1-10).
Spirit-Filled Discipleship
We prioritize the apostolic plan for discipleship as in Acts 8:14-17;
19:1-6, calling believers to decisively open to the Holy Spiritʼs fullness
and fruit.
We acknowledge the distinct and ongoing gift-giving ministry of the
Spirit and instruct in how to minister in His power to Christʼs glory (1
Corinthians 12-14).
We pursue faith-filled prayer, intercession, and spiritual warfare with
Holy Spirit- enabled power and discernment as in Ephesians 6:10-20
and 1 Timothy 2:1-6.
Global Evangelism
We prioritize the apostolic convictions in 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; being
constrained by the love of Christ, knowing eternal souls are at risk,
and commissioned by the grace of God since all who believe may be
saved.
We are constant to our founding call to worldwide, interdenominational
evangelism, proclaiming to all that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Baptizer
with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and Soon-Coming King (Acts 20:27).
Fellowship and Ministry
We prioritize planting and growing local churches as in Acts 9:31 and
Ephesians 3:14-19, that believers may be grown, nurtured, and
equipped for ministry.
We cultivate every-member ministry as in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27,
Christ’s will being that His church be the living evidence of His love
and power to the world.
We honor the Holy Spirit’s call to and gifting of church leaders under
Christ’s commission and lordship, irrespective of age, gender or
ethnicity (Acts 2:17-18).
16
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Social Conscience
We prioritize the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Godʼs power unto salvation
for all, begetting works of compassion, justice, and human aid
(Matthew 5:13-16).
We place high value on the sanctity of human life, of biblical marriage
and morality, and we welcome ethnic diversity (Isaiah 56:7;
Philippians 2:15-16).
We accept the timeless purpose of God through his ancient people
Israel, and reject anti-Semitism and all ethnic discrimination (Romans
11:11-27; Acts 17:26).
The Foursquare Church Around The World
From its very inception, the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
has been dedicated to the cause of worldwide evangelism. It is what we
were born to do; it is in our spiritual DNA. We evangelize, we plant
churches, and we raise up leaders who will evangelize and plant more
churches. By 1949, the number of churches had increased from 355 to 521
and two states were added, from 33 to 35. Today, there is a Foursquare
church in every state of the union and over 141 countries around the world.
FMI exists to help network resources, build relationships and give missions
leadership where needed.
We do missions because it pleases the heart of God and fulfills His
command! Take Foursquare missionaries Ted and Sou Olbrich, for example.
In 1999 they made a commitment to go to Cambodia where there was one
Foursquare church. Because of their willingness to be used by the Holy
Spirit, fruitfulness resulted and grew into over 800 churches by 2003.
Why Foursquare Missions? Because our work will be multiplied as our
Foursquare family works together! It's a well-known fact that as people work
together, their individual efforts have a greater effect. Evangelism teams, for
example, have lasting results when new believers are incorporated into a
local church or church plant, where they are nurtured. So, working together
with people all over the world maximizes the effectiveness of the gospel into
bearing more fruit - fruit that will last for many generations in any culture.
"I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last"
(John 15:16).
17
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
The Structure of The Foursquare Church A study was made of the various models of Church Government. A structure based on the "modified Episcopal" form of organization was embraced. This style of government has provided definition and direction in maintaining a solid and balanced relationship between local congregations and denominational leadership. This balance has freed local leaders to minister with a minimum of concern for physical matters, but with a maximum of counsel and care regarding major business matters. The corporate structure gives every local Foursquare church added health and strength. Corporate Government Official business of the Foursquare Church is conducted by the president, the board of directors, the Foursquare cabinet, and the Foursquare executive council. According to the bylaws, the president is elected for a 5-year term and may be re-elected for an additional 5-year term. The president is the "pastor" of the denomination, giving spiritual and administrative oversight. The board of directors comprises the president, vice president, general supervisor, director of missions, and members appointed by the president. In addition, several ministers and laymen are elected to the board and represent nine voting regions throughout the United States. The board of directors meets four or five times each year and is responsible for the philosophy and overall ministry of the corporation. An executive staff committee of the board meets weekly to handle the business matters that demand immediate attention. The Foursquare cabinet comprises the board of directors, a representative group of district supervisors, and ministerial representatives who are selected from the various voting regions throughout the United States. The Foursquare cabinet meets for one week each year to receive reports, give counsel concerning the overall ministry of the Foursquare Church, and to act as a nominating committee in the selection of a president. The executive council comprises the Foursquare cabinet as well as the divisional superintendents. The council convenes at least once a year to approve the business to be presented to the annual Foursquare convention, which takes place immediately following Memorial Day each year. In order to encourage, serve, and facilitate the ministry Foursquare churches throughout the United States the Foursquare corporate offices in Los Angeles, California, comprise three divisions: the executive office, the national church office, and the missions office. The executive office is responsible for the legal and financial business of the church, as well as communications and other ministries that handle the administrative aspects of the church. The Foursquare president oversees the executive office. The national church office is responsible for the expansion and health of the ministry of the Foursquare Church in the United States. The general 18 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
supervisor, who works with district supervisors throughout the United States, oversees the national church office. The national church office includes departments such as Christian education, youth, women's ministries, cross-cultural ministries, and church resources. The missions office, Foursquare Missions International, extends to 141 countries and represents over 36,000 churches and meeting places. FMI works with leadership in each of those countries to see that the gospel is spread around the globe. It is responsible for the sending and supporting of Foursquare missionary personnel. District Offices Each Foursquare church in the United States is part of a district. Each district is under the leadership of a district supervisor who works directly with the general supervisor. A supervisor’s role is to provide care and nurture to the churches under his or her care and to accelerate district growth. Each district supervisor is bi-vocational, which means that he or she performs other pastoral ministries in addition to supervisory tasks. Each supervisor is assisted by divisional superintendents, according to the number of churches in the district. Local Churches Each congregation is led by a pastor and a church council. Foursquare pastors are appointed by the District Supervisor with approval of the Board of Directors and in consultation with local church councils. In this sense, Foursquare pastors are "sent ones" and "gifts" to local bodies of believers (Eph. 4:8,11,12). Consideration is given to the suitability of an individual pastor in relation to the present needs of the congregation. Foursquare members have the privilege of electing church council members who will work with the pastor in the ongoing business matters of the church. Church related legal matters such as applying for a loan, or buying or selling property require a vote of the membership before being presented to the District Supervisor and the denomination's Board of Directors for approval. Church properties are held in and protected by the name of the corporate Foursquare organization, with any major decisions regarding such properties made by the local congregation, District Supervisor, and the Board of Directors. Each church is also expected to contribute monthly to home and oversees missionary work. Both men and women are allowed to minister on all levels of Foursquare church leadership. This includes pastor, church staff, church council, deacons and deaconesses, and elders. 19 | L i v i n g H o p e F o u r s q u a r e C h u r c h M e m b e r s h i p C l a s s
The Value of Membership
Some Christians today believe that it is possible to be a “good Christian”
without joining (or in some cases even attending) a church. They are
resistant to join anything and have not seen the value of committing to a
local congregation. God, however, wants believers to commit to one another
in a bond of love in order to carry out His purposes together. It helps
identify a person as a genuine believer (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 2:19).
It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage believers in
their walk with Christ (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
It gives the believer a place to discover and use his/her gifts in
ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
It places the believer under the spiritual protection of godly leaders
(Acts 20:28-29; Hebrews 13:17).
It gives believers the accountability they need to grow (Ephesians
5:21).
How Do I Become A Member?
Foursquare's Membership Requirements (from ICFG Bylaws)
In order to be entitled to membership in a Foursquare Gospel Church, a
person shall satisfy the following requirements:
Show evidence of a born-again experience and a Christian life;
Have been baptized in water by immersion;
Be nine years of age or over;
Subscribe and adhere to the “Declaration of Faith,” compiled by Aimee
Semple McPherson
A person desiring to become a member of a Foursquare Gospel Church shall:
Fill out and sign the church membership application form prescribed by
the Board;
Meet the requirements set forth in the above section;
Be approved by the pastors; and
Be accepted into the church membership at a church service.
In order to be considered active and in “good standing” and entitled to vote,
a member in the current year shall have prior to voting:
Signed the membership roll;
20
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Contributed to the support of the church; and
Regularly attended church services, if they were physically able.
Must be 18 years of age
A member, following a hearing before the Church Council and concurrence of
the District Supervisor, may be dismissed from membership by written
notice from the Church Council if found to be in violation of any of the
following:
Willful or negligent failure or refusal to comply with the provisions of
the “Declaration of Faith”.
Willful or negligent unchristian or unscriptural conduct;
Acting contrary to the best interests of the church; or
Causing dissension or conspiring to divide the church.
21
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Living Hope Foursquare
Church Membership Covenant
Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, having been baptized, and
being in agreement with Living Hope Foursquare Church’s mission, values,
vision, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the
Living Hope Foursquare Church family and to accept the call to service. In
doing so, I commit myself to God and to other members to do the following:
1. I will protect the unity of my church
by acting in love toward others
by refusing to gossip
by following the leadership
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual
edification. Romans 14:19
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have
sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1
Peter 1:22
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you
as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a
joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews
13:17
2. I will share the responsibility of my church
-by praying for its growth
-by inviting unbelievers to attend
-by warmly welcoming those who visit
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ: Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you,
mentioning you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
“Then the master told his servant, go out to the roads and country lanes and
make them come in, so that my house will be full.” Luke 14:23
22
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring
praise to God. Romans 15:7
3. I will serve the ministry of my church
by discovering my gifts and talents
by being equipped to serve
by developing a servantʼs heart
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people
for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all
reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become
mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians
4:11-13
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than your selves. Each of you should look not only to your own
interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the
same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Philippians 2:3-7
4. I will support the testimony of my church
by attending faithfully
by living a godly life
by giving regularly
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. Hebrews 10:25
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of
Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my
absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one
man for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of
money in keeping with his
23
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be
made. 1 Corinthians 16:2
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from
the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30
Creedal Statement
WE BELIEVE…
1. In the verbal inspiration of the original Scriptures.
2. In the absolute trinity of the eternal God-head.
3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. In the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit.
5. In the reality and personality of the devil.
6. In the natural depravity of the human race.
7. In the substitutionary atonement.
8. In the propitiation for sin only by the blood of Christ.
9. In the full salvation by grace through faith and not of works.
10. In Divine Healing through the atonement.
11. In the anointing of oil and prayer for the sick.
12. In the personal Baptism of the Holy Ghost as received by the
apostles.
13. In the necessity of the new birth.
14. In water baptism by immersion at an age of accountability.
15. In the one and only true church composed of all blood-washed
believers.
16. In the evangelization of the heathen and the nations of the world.
17. In a middle-of-the-road policy in public worship, between extreme
fanaticism and ultra-ritualism.
18. In obedience to civil government.
19. In divorce only on New Testament scriptural grounds.
20. In church government, loyalty and obedience to those in authority
over us in the Lord.
21. In tithing as God’s financial plan.
22. In restitution for past wrongs whenever possible.
23. In the open table at the Lord’s supper.
24. In the free moral will power of man, who can backslide, apostatize,
and be lost.
25. In the maintenance of good works and holy living.
26. In the victorious life over sin, self, and bad habits by Bible study and
an incessant prayer life.
27. In Christian perfection and holiness, through absolute surrender and
consecration.
24
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
28. In Christian modesty in the matter of dress, wearing apparel, and
jewelry.
29. In the keeping of the Lord’s day as a matter of privilege rather than
law.
30. As regards recreation — liberty of conscience and a Godly example to
the world.
31. In the immortality and conscious existence of the soul.
32. In the resurrection of our literal bodies, the just and the unjust.
33. In a literal heaven and life everlasting for all true believers.
34. In a final day of judgment for the incorrigible wicked.
35. In the everlasting punishment of the impenitent.
36. In the personal, literal, bodily pre-millennial coming of Jesus Christ.
37. In a future, literal, one thousand years reign of Christ on earth with
all His saints.
38. In the judgment seat of Christ where the saints will be finally.
39. In Christian tolerance to all denominations of the Christian faith.
40. “In essentials — unity; in non-essentials — liberty; in all things —
charity.”
General Statement of Belief
1. That Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, and the only Savior
from Sin.
2. That Jesus Christ is the Great Physician and the Healer of the body
through the atonement.
3. That Jesus Christ is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit today, just as He
was on the Day of Pentecost.
4. That Jesus Christ is the Soon Coming King, coming back to Earth again
as the only hope for a dying world.
5. That Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
General Rules of Conduct
1. By avoiding every kind of evil, such as profanity, drunkenness, harmful
world pleasures, dishonesty, immorality, and all sinful habits.
2. By seeking to do good to both the bodies and souls of men. Feeding,
clothing, and visiting those in need as the opportunity presents itself.
3. By being faithful to the known ordinances such as regular church
attendance, the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, consistent Bible
25
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
study, daily family prayers, and private devotion.
4. By faithfully supporting the local church through God’s financial plan of
Tithing and Offerings, and by contributing, according to ability, to the
various Missionary Programs of the Church.
6. By laboring at all times for the conversion and the salvation of pre-
Christians through prayer, and personal testimony, and by inviting
them to the Church, with a desire to lead them to Christ.
7. By working together in harmony and unity with the pastor and the
membership for the advancement and growth of the visible church,
and being loyal at all times to the church, its pastor, and its policies in
all things showing forth an attitude of Christian love until Jesus comes.
Name ________________________________________ Date __________
26
|
L i v i n g
H o p e
F o u r s q u a r e
C h u r c h
M e m b e r s h i p
C l a s s
You can also read
