Fundamental Beliefs Of Foursquare Churches In Las Vegas

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 is part of the wider Pentecostal denomination. It bases its ministry on the New Testament and is evangelical in nature. Believers have the Bible as the foundation of their faith. They accept it as the truth and moving away from its teachings as dangerous. Members do accept different denominations as equals.

Ministering actively in their community is vital to their beliefs. Congregations are encouraged to worship formally, pray regularly, witness to others, and use spiritual language. They also believe in the tradition family unit. Inviting others to join them in their worship services and open themselves to the word of God is actively encouraged.

In keeping with the tradition of fours, they have a four pronged approach to their ministry. The pioneering stage is their church's beginning, and the second stage of leadership is built upon the first. Certain members are trained to be the leaders of the congregation and actively work within the community. The church stage emphasizes building a network of believers that spread out to the greater community. In the final stage, their church commits itself to ministering to other cultures around the world.

Their mission objectives coincide with the stages and are complementary to them. It is important to the health of the organization to create a strong leadership have actively participates in the life of the local community. It is always seeking to grow the church and increase the size of their congregations. They believe a transformational church is the ultimate goal.

Members of the congregations welcome anyone who is genuinely interested in having a closer relationship with Christ to come to church and worship with them. It doesn't matter if you have already been saved or are still searching for answers.




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