Friday, June 3, 2016

Basics About Foursquare Churches In Las Vegas

By Mary Ward


The name Foursquare Church is more common and shorter version of the term International Church of Foursquare Gospel. The abbreviation ICFG is often used for the longer version. ICFG is a denomination of Pentecostal Christian headquartered in the US but present in many countries. Aimee MCPherson is the preacher responsible for its foundation in 1923. Membership has however remained low even as similar churches gain huge memberships around the world. Foursquare churches in Las Vegas stand out for having huge congregations. They offer a friendly environment for people who would like to try them any time.

The source of the name Foursquare church is the four-fold ministry represented by Jesus during his stay on earth. The four ministries are soon-returning King, Healer, Baptizer, and Savior. ICFG followers believe in salvation, baptismal by Holy Spirit, the healing power, and the second coming of Jesus the Son of God. It is believed that Jesus will come back again in the near future to take the righteous with Him and punish sinners.

The beliefs of the church are well expressed in the Declaration of Faith, which was compiled by the founder of the denomination, McPherson. The main beliefs of the church is in the verbal inspiration of the Bible, deity of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. According to the faith, people were created in the likeness of God, but are naturally sinful following the fall.

ICFG members believe that sins of the world were taken away through the death of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the salvation that people receive came through grace and not good works of the individuals that receive it. Faith in turn leads to justification and being born again comes through repentance of sin. In this denomination, those who are born again proclaim Jesus as their only King and Lord.

The church also maintains belief in free will and that human beings are free to choose their own actions. This disposes them to backsliding, but through repentance, they can find their way back to light. According to the book of beliefs, sanctification is an unending process that should be done continuously to lead to spiritual growth. Holiness and perfection in Christianity can be attained if one surrenders and consecrates to God.

The body responsible for making all decisions win the ICFG denomination is the Foursquare Convention, which convenes biannually. Membership of the convention is composed of licensed ministers as well as international officers. Fifty US-based churches come together to produce one delegate to the convention. Congregations in other countries only produce one delegate per country.

Local churches are part of the subordinate divisions within the International church. The government in these churches follows bylaws within the constitution of the international church. There are two categories of ICFG churches, that is, covenant and charter churches. A charter member church does not have separate legal existence from the international church. Also, all the assets in its possession are owned by the international church.

Conversely, the international church and covenant churches are separate entities, with the latter owning property of their own. Non-member and pioneer churches are also classified under covenant churches. Any pioneer church is capable of being upgraded to a covenant church.




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