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10 June 2016

What To Know About Foursquare Churches In Las Vegas

By Mary Ward


The name Foursquare Church is the common name used to refer to International Church of Foursquare Gospel. The longer version of the name is usually shortened to ICFG. ICFG is a protestant evangelical Pentecostal Christian denomination that was founded by Aimee Semple McPherson in 1923. As such, the church has a long history in the United States although its membership remains comparatively lower than other denominations of the same age. Foursquare churches in Las Vegas are some of the churches of the denomination with the largest congregations.

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.

Members of ICFG also believe that by the death of Jesus Christ, all the sins of the world were washed away. Thus, human beings received salvation by grace as opposed to the common belief of salvation by good works. Justification comes through faith while repentance leads to an individual being born again. Born again believers therefore accept Jesus to be their Lord and King.

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 ICFG has the Foursquare Convention as the main body responsible for making decisions. The convention meets biennially. Members of the convention are comprised of international officers and ministers, often licensed. Delegates are sent to the convention from churches in the United States to vote on key issues. Churches that are located outside the United States are also allowed to send delegates to vote in the convention.

Local churches form subordinate divisions of the International church. They are governed by bylaws enforced by the International church. ICFG churches fall into two broad categories, that is charter member and covenant member churches. A charter member church is not legally separate from the International church and its property is owned by the main church.

On the contrary, covenant churches are separate from the international church and they own property independently. This category includes pioneer churches and non-member churches. An upgrade may be done to a pioneer church so that it becomes a charter church.




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