Foursquare Church Denomination

The Foursquare Church, also known as the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, was founded by flamboyant evangelist Aimee Semple  McPherson and has exploded in growth over the past few decades. The church is ​Pentecostal in nature, which means services are emotional and may include speaking in tongues and healing.

The Number of Worldwide Members

More than eight million people worldwide belong to the Foursquare Church. The denomination has 66,000 congregations and meeting places throughout the world.

Founding of the Foursquare Church

Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson dedicated the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, California in 1923. Throughout her life, she traveled the world, holding crusades and spreading the gospel. Following her death in 1944, her son Rolf K. McPherson took over as president and chairman of the board.

Geography

Foursquare churches are located in every state of the United States and in more than 144 other countries.

Foursquare Church Governing Body and Notable Members

This denomination is led by a president, corporate officers, the board of directors, cabinet, and executive council. The president, who is elected to a five-year term, serves as the "pastor" of the Foursquare Church, providing spiritual and administrative leadership.

Notable members include Aimee Semple McPherson, Anthony Quinn, Pat Boone, Michael Reagan, Joanna Moore, Glenn C. Burris Jr., and Jack Hayford.

Foursquare Church Beliefs and Practices

The Foursquare Church professes orthodox Christian doctrine, such as the Trinity, the Bible as the inspired Word of God, Christ's death as God's plan of redemption, salvation through grace, and the second coming of Christ. The denomination practices water baptism and the Lord's Supper. Services tend to be lively, joyous celebrations of God's mercy and love. Following in the footsteps of its founder, the Foursquare Church ordains women as ministers.

Missions and church-planting play major roles in the international organization. The Foursquare Church is a member of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA), an umbrella organization of about 30 denominations that promotes fellowship, cooperation, and evangelization of the world.

Sources: Foursquare.org, adherents.com, PCCNA.org, and FoursquareGospelCenter.org