What is the Foursquare Church?

Origins and Historical Development

The Foursquare Church, formally known as the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, was established in the early 20th century. Its founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, launched Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, California, in 1923. Historical records, including McPherson’s personal journals and contemporary newspaper accounts, reveal that her ministry rapidly expanded through evangelistic campaigns emphasizing biblical authority and personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

Over the years, Angelus Temple became a hub for community outreach, charitable works, and missions. This expansion led to the formal organization of what became known as the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1927. The name “Foursquare” refers to four primary aspects of Jesus Christ’s ministry as presented in the Bible.

Doctrinal Foundation

The Foursquare Church is rooted in the authority of Scripture, upholding the Bible as divinely inspired and relevant for all matters of faith and conduct. According to the Foursquare statement of faith, believers trust fully in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and affirm the Bible’s reliability.

In line with many evangelical and Pentecostal traditions, the church teaches that salvation is possible only through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares, “There is salvation in no one else,” underscoring the foundational belief that forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God come only through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

The Fourfold Gospel

Central to the identity of the Foursquare Church is its “Fourfold Gospel,” which highlights four major ministries of Jesus:

1. Jesus the Savior

Grounded in passages such as Matthew 1:21, the Foursquare Church focuses on individuals responding to the call of repentance and faith in the Lord. Salvation is offered by grace to those who trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and acknowledge Him as Lord.

2. Jesus the Healer

Building on texts like Isaiah 53:5, which indicates that by His wounds there is healing, the Foursquare Church teaches divine healing as part of the believer’s life. Faith and prayer, according to James 5:14–15, are to be pursued as means to experience God’s restorative power.

3. Jesus the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

Emphasizing Pentecostal roots, the church teaches that Christ grants the empowering of the Holy Spirit, based on verses such as Acts 2:1–4. This dimension of the “Fourfold Gospel” underscores the believer’s ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit for bold testimony, spiritual gifts, and daily guidance.

4. Jesus the Soon-Coming King

With reference to passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, the Foursquare Church proclaims Christ’s imminent return and encourages believers to live with hope, holiness, and readiness for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom in Jesus’ second coming.

Worship and Distinctive Practices

Foursquare worship services typically blend traditional and contemporary elements. Congregational singing, prayer for healing, opportunities for personal testimony, and the regular exposition of Scripture are characteristic. The church practices water baptism by immersion as a testimony of an individual’s commitment to follow Christ, and it observes the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice.

Local congregations are encouraged to engage in evangelism, community service, and global missions. Inspired by historical outreach efforts that began with Angelus Temple’s programs for the poor and needy during the last century, today’s Foursquare churches often maintain food banks, shelters, and other charitable initiatives.

Leadership and Organization

Foursquare congregations are led by pastors, elders, and ministry teams who adhere to a biblically defined standard of character. The denomination is organized under a multi-level structure that provides accountability, doctrinal support, and management guidance. Internationally, each national Foursquare fellowship functions with its own leadership, yet remains united by a shared statement of faith and mission.

Training and education remain key factors in producing faithful leaders. Bible colleges and training institutes affiliated with the Foursquare Church emphasize thorough instruction in Scripture, discipleship, and practical ministry.

Global Reach and Missional Emphasis

Due to its evangelistic heritage, the Foursquare Church actively pursues global missions. Archaeological studies and historical explorations often serve in the background as church missionaries seek to share the veracity of Scripture, pointing to events and locations, like biblical sites in the Middle East, that corroborate the biblical record.

Local and international outreaches, along with conferences and training seminars, facilitate the foundation of new congregations worldwide. This global impact traces back to the early days of Aimee Semple McPherson’s evangelistic tours, which spread the movement beyond national boundaries.

Doctrinal Alignment with Historical Christian Orthodoxy

The Foursquare statement of faith echoes central biblical teachings, including the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the inspiration and infallibility of Scripture, and the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Romans 10:9–10 states, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This and other key texts are frequently referenced to show the church’s continuity with historic Christian tradition while maintaining clear Pentecostal distinctives.

Practical Application and Lifestyle

In alignment with a holistic reading of the Bible, members are called to personal holiness, evangelism, and service. One’s day-to-day conduct is viewed as a reflection of relationship with Christ. The Foursquare Church also highlights the empowering role of the Holy Spirit to guide believers’ ethical, moral, and relational decisions, resulting in compassionate outreach to neighbors and communities.

Modern Influence and Continuing Legacy

Modern Foursquare fellowships continue many of the initiatives championed by earlier leaders, amplifying the message through contemporary technology and global networks. While doctrinally grounded in Scripture, the denomination adapts methods of evangelism and discipleship to reach changing cultures. Publications, media broadcasts, and online resources extend the church’s biblical teaching to broader audiences.

The enduring legacy of the Foursquare Church can be seen in its international presence. Faith communities affiliated with the Foursquare Church often highlight personal testimonies about transformed lives, renewed families, and diverse expressions of worship.

Conclusion

The Foursquare Church stands as a global movement dedicated to proclaiming Jesus Christ as Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and Soon-Coming King. Rooted in biblical authority, the Foursquare Church upholds evangelism, community outreach, and missions as core expressions of its faith.

With origins dating back to Aimee Semple McPherson’s ministry, this denomination remains committed to living out the timeless truths of Scripture, celebrating the transformational power of Christ, and serving communities worldwide with practical demonstrations of God’s love.