mercredi 10 janvier 2018

An Historic Overview Of Las Vegas Foursquare Churches

By Peter Hughes


While important for congregants to understand the belief system attached to a church, it is also important to understand the history of the denomination. For, only then can individuals know whether or not personal beliefs are in alignment with that of the church. When it comes to Las Vegas Foursquare churches, the history is long and varied.

Originally based on the evangelical Pentecostal church founded in 1923 by Aimee McPherson, the denomination has gone through a number of changes. As a result, in 2000, there were eight million people attending these churches in forty four countries. Whether attending a church in Las Vegas, or another country, the services are positive, vibrant and uplifting.

McPherson, an evangelist preacher often known as "Sister Annie, " by those whom know her best defines the term Four Square Gospel as meaning the Full Gospel. As such, the church believes in the old and new testament. Unlike many other Christian churches, the beliefs are based on the book of Ezekiel in which a vision appeared to Ezekiel with the four different aspects of God, these were an eagle, an ox, a lion and a man.

While the preacher was quite well known for work in the church, the celebrity status which was received extended well beyond the preacher's passing. For example, the drama "The Disappearance of Aimee, " refers to the life, times and controversies of the preacher. One of the most common controversies relate to a month long disappearance which is reflected in the drama.

Once the young preacher passed on, a son, Rolf, became leader and President of the denomination. The son held this position for forty four years before the church became part and parcel to the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America. It was in 1948 when this happened in Des Moines, Iowa. After which, the Foursquare Gospel Church became aligned with a number of other Pentecostal churches.

Forty six years later, the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America replaced earlier denominations and welcomed African-American churches and organizations into the fold. Most importantly, the Church of God in Christ, which was the first African-American church of its kind in the United States. After which, a number of congregations in the United States became desegregated and united as one family of faith regardless of color, economic status or religious background.

The original temple, known as The Angelus Temple, is still standing across from Echo Park near downtown Los Angeles. While weather beaten and torn, it stands as a legacy to the founding of the church by McPherson. As there have been several changes, including a number of interim pastors over the years, different branches of the church often have distinct and unique personalities with regards to congregations, Sunday schools, worship services and other events.

The church, still considered a result of the founding member, remains alive and well. Las Vegas congregations are just a few of those in operation around the world. Whereas, there is also an International Gathering of Believers, which takes place in different locations each year. In most cases, representatives are sent from each congregation to attend the gathering based on church status and other factors.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire