Polity Flashcards
(29 cards)
What was the most influential factor in the life of Aimee?
- She was a Spirit-filled evangelist
- “The greatest influencing factor in her life was the anointing of the Holy Spirit and her irresistible call to the ministry of soul winning” (p.156)
How did faith play a role in the life and ministry of Aimee?
- Aimee refused to strike out on her own apart from any prompting, direction, or provision of the Holy Spirit. She trusted the Lord would provide, and she would wait upon Him to move.
What do you believe is meant by, “interdenominational and world wide evangelism” as stated on the corner of Angelus Temple?
- Interested in unified “shoulder to shoulder” work with others to evangelize to the world
- We strive to work with others who may have some difference with us but are attempting to spread the gospel
- The goal is not to make everyone do, say, or believe everything we may as a denomination, but to partner with people to spread the gospel message
Briefly explain the role of LIFE Bible college in the preparation and training of pastors in the first 50 years of the Foursquare church/organization? What changes have been made to make it possible for a wider group of people to be pastors/leaders? How does this part of Foursquare history affect your ministry today?
- Initially everyone who was a minster of the Foursquare gospel graduated from LIFE or a training center. Churches were planted by the graduates of these schools/programs
- There are several Bible colleges today (San Dimas, Canada…), they proved both in person as well as long distance learning degrees to equip students for a life of ministry and evangelism of the gospel. There are programs as well such as Ministry Institute that churches can host for contenting education and training
What are the symbols, colors, order, and meaning? What is the order, and why is it significant?
- Red/Cross: Precious blood of Jesus (Savior), redemption
- Gold/Dove: Fire of the Holy Spirit (Baptizer)
- Blue/Cup: Divine healing, High Priests garments (Healer)
- Purple/Crown: Royalty of our Lord (Soon and Coming King)
- They appeared accordingly to Aimee in a revelation, and they build upon each other beginning with Jesus as our Savior
- These images come from Ezekiel 1
- Cross, Dove, Cup, Crown… Or…
Cross Cup
Dove Crown
How are various local Foursquare churches in relationship?
- Local Foursquare churches are grouped together geographically and called a division
- Divisions are located in a district
- District supervisors divide up their district into divisions, and appoint divisional superintendents
According to the bylaws, what are the responsibilities of the district supervisor and how does that affect your ministry?
- Leadership development opportunities, fostering relationship, accountability, and spiritual health
- Recommending the ministerial personal to the board for pastoral appointment
- Assuring sound doctrine and practices of Foursquare churches within the district
- Visiting Foursquare churches within the district
What are the requirements of every Foursquare Church?
- Display the theme verse in main auditorium (He 13:8)
- Receiving regular tithes and offerings
- Sending monthly tithe of tithes and offerings to corporate office
- Contributing to the general Foursquare missions offering
- Preparing and submitting monthly reports
What is the difference between Episcopal, Presbyterian, and congregational forms of government?
The primary difference is the authority structure…
- Episcopal: Leaves it to the individual
- Presbyterian: Has elected board of individuals for the sake of checks and balances
- Congregational: The whole membership body votes on matters
What are two ways that the Foursquare church has “modified” the Episcopal form of government?
- No individual is permitted absolute power, or unregulated authority. All individuals are accountable to the structure and guidelines of the bylaws
- Blended different aspects of Presbyterian and Congregational governances as seen useful…
1. Presbyterian = Board of Directors, Church Council
2. Congregational = Convention, District Conference
In what (3) offices does the Foursquare church give authority to the individuals? What are the main governing functions of the Convention Body, Board of Directors, and Church Council? Who selects the Pastor of a local church?
- President, District Supervisor, and Pastor
- Convention = Approves/ratifies bylaws, elect, audit
- Board = Write policy, audit, elect individuals
- Council = Audit, approve financial transactions, and staff management
- District Supervisor
Why is ICFG a Corporation?
To provide legal covering as the movement grew to international scale, it made sense to become an incorporated non-profit
What is the relationship between ICFG and a charter church?
They are interdependent, ICFG is made up of all the Charter churches, and ICFG exists to support the local church body
What are the three major branches of ICFG that are arranged under the district oversight of the President?
- Administration
- National Church Office (NCO)
- Foursquare Missions International (FMI)
What are some of the distinctive differences about the structure between Charter and Covenant churches?
- Charter churches are under ICFG, where Covenant churches are their own separate corporations
- Charter Church property is held under ICFG to ensure always used for Foursquare Ministry use
- Interdependence: Have to be licensed to give an appointment, have to receive an appointment to get licensed
What is the first step involved in property transactions of a Charter Church?
CALL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
What are the purposes and responsibilities of being a licensed minister?
- Endorsement: May hold pastoral appointment at a Foursquare Church
- Authorization: Many states require in order to “marry and bury” people
- Tax benefits: Housing allowance is a tax benefit
- Live life as a disciple of Jesus
- Must be in good standing and compliance to articles, bylaws, “declaration of faith”, and “Ministries code and Ethics”
What is the relationship between licensing and appointment?
- Appointment is to be assigned to serve at a Foursquare Church or ministry
- Licenses and Appointments are interdependent
- District Supervisors appoint Senior Pastors, and Senior Pastors appoint assisting ministers, both pending approval of the board of directors
What are some areas in which a church may encounter legal issues, and what should a pastor do if such issues arise?
Most commons legal issues are…
- Pastoral care
- Child safety
- Insurance
- Leases
- Immigration
CALL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
What is unique about the Foursquare family?
- Strikes a balance between the Word of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit (both/and, not either/or)
- Consistent stated doctrine for the whole movement
- Governance that takes the best attributes and makes a combination between Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational
- Independence of expression for local churches within communities they minister to
How is FMI fulfilling the Foursquare mission of “Worldwide evangelism”?
- Facilitating the partnership between Foursquare churches in the US, and national works overseas
- Network resources, build relationships, and give missions leadership where needed
How does corporate ownership of all properties and Equipment of Charter churches protect and benefit Foursquare congregations? What is the highest body of responsibility in ICFG, why?
- Ensures all properties will be used for Foursquare ministry purposes, as well as allows local churches to leverage the borrowing/leasing power of Foursquare as a corporation
The convention body: Responsible for…
- Approving changes/amendments to bylaws
- Electing the president
- Electing the board of directors
Why should we have a child safety program in our church?
- Each child has a right to life, liberty, and fulfillment in the pursuit of happiness according to the precepts of the Bible
- We need to protect our vulnerable members
- Legal coverage to ensure we are not sued
When developing a child safety program, what key elements should be included?
- Ratio of kids to adults
0-3 = 3:1
3-10 = 5:1
10-18 = 10-1 - Should ALWAYS be minimum of 2 adults w/ minor
- Develop and make clear procedures for reporting abuse
- Procedures for picking up children
- Written release forms for outings/trips
