Question: What began with Aimee Semple McPherson’s vision in 1922 and dedication in 1923? It is the Foursquare Gospel Church. This church’s story is one of faith. It is a global movement.
The Foursquare Gospel Church started with Aimee Semple McPherson. She was an Assemblies of God evangelist. McPherson had a vision of the “Foursquare Gospel” in Oakland. This vision shaped the church’s core message. It represents four aspects of Jesus Christ. He is Savior. He is Baptizer with the Holy Spirit. He is Healer. He is Soon and Coming King.
In January 1923, McPherson founded the Foursquare Church in Los Angeles. The Angelus Temple seated 5,300 people. McPherson’s beliefs were interdenominational. The church became a megachurch. It hosted 10,000 people.
McPherson was a celebrity. She participated in publicity events. She led Sunday parades through Los Angeles. The mayor and movie stars joined her. She built the Angelus Temple. She also built Life Pacific University. It sits adjacent to the temple.
After McPherson’s death in 1944, her son Rolf K. McPherson led the church for 44 years. The Foursquare Church helped form the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America in 1948. It united with other denominations.
In 1968, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa broke from the Foursquare Church. They formed an autonomous Charismatic Evangelical association.
Financial difficulties hit the church in the early 2000s. A radio station was sold for $250 million in 2003. Failed investments led to a $15 million loss. Jack W. Hayford became president in 2004. He helped the church recover. Randy Remington became president in 2020.
The Foursquare Church has grown. It has 67,500 churches worldwide. They are located in 150 countries. In the United States, there are over 320,000 members in over 2,000 churches.
The Foursquare Church has a defined structure. The Foursquare Convention is the chief decision-making body. A board of directors manages church activities. Local churches operate under international bylaws.
Six colleges in North America are affiliated with the Foursquare Church. They train ministers and missionaries. Life Pacific University is a prominent institution.
The Foursquare Church’s beliefs center on the Bible. They focus on the Trinity. They emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through faith. Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an important event. Divine healing is part of Christ’s atonement.
The Foursquare Church observes baptism by immersion. They celebrate the Lord’s Supper. They practice anointing of the sick. Tithing is also practiced.
From its beginnings, the Foursquare Church has emphasized missions. Aimee Semple McPherson sent missionaries worldwide. Today, the church continues to spread its message globally. It reflects her vision of a Foursquare Gospel for all. It is a Savior. It is a Healer. It is a Baptizer. It is a Soon Coming King.