The State of the Foursquare Church

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

New Babies:

Dan & Debbie grandparents (Danielle & Zach)- Tanner Zachary Hill, 9 lb 7 oz 22in long and was born at 1:28 a.m on 2/18/22

Dakorie McElhaney grandma (Brittny & Dameon)- Morgan Judy Faith McElhaney made her appearance on 2/14/22 at 7:39 am. Weighing 5 lbs 7.5 oz and 17.75 inches long

Feb 28th - Women’s Bible Study

Next Sun., Mar. 6 - Annual Meeting

March 9th - Sabina Movie at 6:15pm (hosted by retread group)

April 2 - Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conf. is in Champaign (10 for group rate)

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

Membership Class!

Want to gather and lead a community group...let me know!

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

The Church = Ekklesia = The assembly

Dedicated unto the Cause of Interdenominational and worldwide evangelism

WHY?…

TODAY: The flock of God

A metaphor for Jesus, leaders, and all God’s people.

Polity & Governance - The Foursquare Church has a modified Episcopal form of government.

Opening Scripture:

Acts 20:28 NLT

28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.

Leaders of God’s flock are appointed by the Holy Spirit

Submission to human authority and to God opens the door for Holy Spirit empowerment

2nd Jerusalem council:

Acts 15:1–29 ESV

1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” 12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 “ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’ 19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

NLT:

Acts 15:28 NLT

28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:

Foursquare has an appointment system!

Forms of Church Governance

Episcopal

Individuals/overseer

President > District Supervisor > Senior Pastor

Presbyterian

Committees/elders

Board > District Council > Church Council

Congregational

Collective membership

Convention > District Conference > Annual Congregational Meeting

Foursquare has a modified episcopal system!

"We want pastors who are free from political manipulations to follow God” (Source: Coaching Guide)

Local Church Membership is being submitted to the community and being submitted to accountability

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Submission = Commitment

Four Commitments of Church Membership:

(Our Membership Covenant)

1. I will serve the ministry of my church

(ministry to God, one another, and the world)

2. I will protect the unity of my church

(prayer, stop complaining, see a need and fill it)

3. I will share the responsibility of my church by participating regularly and giving regularly

(Sunday gatherings, community groups, events, offerings for tithe and missions)

4. I will support the Articles, Bylaws, and Beliefs of the Foursquare Church

(appointment system for Sr. Pastor with local advisory council for assets)

Conclusion/Reflection:

Are you willing to submit to a congregation for the purpose of community and accountability?

Are you willing to commit or renew your commitment to our SVCC congregation?