Thursday, January 12, 2017

Understanding What The Foursquare Churches In Las Vegas Teach

By Catherine Snyder


Many people think of Sin City as being a place where everyone stays up all night gambling, drinking, and taking in flamboyant headliners in spectacular shows. This is only a small part of the makeup of this town however. Many permanent residents rarely visit the casinos on the strip or work in the clubs. Most have jobs outside that industry, make monthly mortgage payments, worry about their children and go to church most Sundays. A certain percentage are faithful members of the foursquare churches in Las Vegas.

This organization has a history that dates back to the nineteen twenties when the evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson opened the Angelus Temple in California. McPherson preached the Gospel with Jesus as the Healer, the Baptizer, the Savior, and coming King. These were the four cornerstones on the church, and they continue today. Social and foreign ministry were at the forefront of her beliefs. During the depression, the church fed more than a million needy people.

The cross, the crown, the dove, and the cup are the four symbols you will find on the church's logo today. It was originally designed with a man, an ox, an eagle, and a lion. These were the four faces of God revealed in a vision to Ezekiel, an Old Testament prophet.

The church bases its foundation on the Good News in the New Testament, and Jesus' life, ministry, and crucifixion. They have a literal interpretation of the Bible and follow it teachings exactly. Members are baptized in water and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. They are not opposed to denominations that differ from them and are accepting of most true believers.

This church emphasizes the importance of formal church worship and regular prayer. They give witness and speak spiritually when filled with the Holy Spirit. The congregations have traditional family values. They are encouraged by the leadership to invite others to services and talk to them about salvation through acceptance of Christ.

The organization has a four stage vision for their congregations that begins with the pioneer stage. This is essentially bringing disciples together to create a community of believers locally. It progresses to the leadership phase where individuals are trained to lead their congregations and become leaders in the community. The church phase comes next. The goal is to build on local success and multiply into other areas. Movement is the final stage in which believers take their ministry into other cultures.

The church's mission objectives are similar to the four stage vision. The first objective is to build strong, motivational leaders who lead their congregations and are an active part of the community they live in. As leadership and strength grows, the organization encourages starting ministries in other areas and increasing overall membership. Lastly they have church transformation as a vital objective.

This is a church that welcomes individuals to visit and worship with them at whatever stage they are in their spiritual journey. Members are happy to explain their beliefs and values to anyone who is interested.




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