Dealing with issues about getting older is an uncomfortable thought for many. But the fact is, deny them or not, the issues don’t go away. Ignoring the realities can prove to be a disastrous miscalculation.

Did you know?

• The average pastor goes through a major life challenge every 36 to 40 months. It may be a health issue, a move, a relational challenge, a financial emergency or something else.
• Fifty-eight percent of Foursquare churches have fewer than 80 people in attendance, and many Foursquare pastors are bi-vocational. That makes it really tough to put bread on the table, let alone think about socking money away for retirement!
• Many pastors look at their retirement plan as a savings account, taking the money out for yet another “emergency,” never allowing the “miracle of compounding interest” to go to work for them.
• It’s difficult for many pastors just to make ends meet, and putting additional money away for retirement seems to be a pipe dream.

If any of the above points have described you, read on! You’ll find the information below very helpful.

Realities of Retirement

My name is Harlyn Matson. I pastor a Foursquare church, am the vice president of Foursquare Financial Solutions (FFS), and had the privilege of being one of the architects of the Foursquare Retirement Plan that began January 1, 2000; currently, I am the chairman.

My dad was in the ministry 41 years. He thought he didn’t need medical insurance, and he hadn’t been sick in more than 30 years.

He died from a heart attack on Christmas Day 1985. He left my mom living in a church parsonage—she received an eviction notice 10 days after he died—and with $100,000 in medical bills, a car for which she owed more than it was worth, and no savings or retirement. (She did have a family who loved her very much and was honored to take care of her until the day she passed on.)

Now you see why I have a passion for pastors and their retirement!

According to a 2012 retirement advisors “Measurably Different” report, recent statistics of those taking part in retirement plans tell us that 87 percent ranked their retirement behind only health insurance; 82 percent admitted they would not be saving if not for their retirement plan; and 56 percent ranked their retirement plan as the primary or only source of their retirement.

At the Foursquare Retirement Plan, what do we consider to be a successful outcome? We consider accumulating the highest attainable 403(b) account balance at retirement a great success.

I’d like to introduce you to a not-so-new spiritual principle: Taking care of your retirement is a stewardship responsibility. God has called you to be a steward of your entire life, not just the working years of your life.

Currently, you are projected to live 20 years beyond the retirement age of 66 (according to Retirement Insights Searching for Certainty/JP Morgan Asset Management/2011). Are you preparing for that today?

Foursquare Can Help You

Here’s the great news. You are not alone. Your Foursquare family is passionate about helping you prepare for retirement.

In fact, since the inception of the Foursquare Retirement Plan in 2000, the denomination has invested over $37 million into its Foursquare pastors and staff retirements through the Foursquare Retirement Plan.

We are not just suggesting you prepare for retirement—we are putting God’s money behind the exhortation! During the worst recession since the Great Depression, there was no cutting back on what has been invested in the Foursquare Retirement Plan by the Foursquare central office.

Here’s the question: Are you taking advantage of what may be the greatest opportunity you will have for building your retirement nest egg?

When you put your money into the Foursquare Retirement Plan, you are investing pretax dollars into a retirement vehicle that will grow tax free and can be taken out tax free as a housing allowance to any licensed Foursquare pastor upon his or her retirement. That’s a win-win-win!

Think of the Foursquare Retirement Plan as a four-legged stool—(1) Foursquare; (2) the church you pastor; (3) our government; and (4) you—all working together to make your retirement years some of your best.

Making Money Work for You

It’s all about leveraging the dollars you currently have to their greatest potential.

When you look at the combined assets of 401(k) and 403(b) plans nationwide, the 62 million participants have a median account balance of $26,900 (according to a report from America’s Commitment to Retirement Security/Investor Attitudes and Actions). The Foursquare Retirement Plan account median is $23,322, but we are only 12 years old! Currently, about 30 percent of eligible participants do not participate in our Foursquare-sponsored retirement plan.

Little changes you make right now can have big effects on your future. For example, let’s look at two hypothetical Foursquare Retirement Plan participants: Pastor Joe and Pastor Josephine.

Joe and Josephine’s profiles are identical: Both are age 25; both earn a $30,000 annual salary; both receive a 4 percent annual salary increase; both plan retirement at age 60; both have an 8 percent average annual 403(b) investment return (6 percent to 50 percent match).

Everything is equal, except that Joe waits three years longer than Josephine before beginning participation in the Foursquare Retirement Plan. The differences at retirement age are dramatic.

At retirement, Josephine has a 47 percent larger account balance ($966,000 to $1.4 million), and her retirement income is 47 percent larger ($87,848 to $129,069). Additionally, her retirement income would be 90 percent of her preretirement income, while Joe’s would be only 61 percent—all because Joe waited three years before participating in the Foursquare Retirement Plan!

The Time to Plan Is Now

Participants in retirement plans often vastly underestimate their cost of living. A measly 3 percent inflation rate erodes buying power by 100 percent over 24 years (according to wisegeek.com/seacoastonline.com).

Sixty-eight percent of retirement plan participants think their savings rate is “too low.” But only 14 percent actually plan to start saving (according to Key Finding: Phases of Retirement Report/Society of Actuaries/2009). Amazingly, 23 percent of Foursquare Retirement Plan participants have 100 percent of their money in our cash equivalent fund, eroding away their nest egg most years (Lincoln Financial/2012).

The Foursquare Retirement Plan is here for you today to prepare you for tomorrow. You have access to one of the best retirement plans in the nonprofit world. It is my prayer that you will partner with us in preparing for your retirement—should the Lord tarry and you find yourself retiring!

For more information, visit the Foursquare Retirement Plan online. If you have any questions, our team is here for you. You can email us, or call us at 888.635.4234. It is our privilege to help you.

By: Harlyn Matson, vice president of Foursquare Financial Solutions and senior pastor of Crossroads Community (Rocklin Foursquare Church) in Rocklin, Calif.

Rev. Eileen M. Fehlen
Deceased: February 28, 2012

Last appointment: assisting minister, Northwest District

Rev. Helen L. Harvey
Deceased: April 20, 2012

Last appointment: retired, Heartland District

Rev. Glinda M. Lee
Deceased: February 27, 2012

Last appointment: retired, Greater Los Angeles District

Rev. Glenn B. Long
Deceased: March 27, 2012

Last appointment: assisting minister, Central Pacific District

Rev. Luther Smith
Deceased: April 13, 2012

Last appointment: assisting minister, Southeast District

Rev. Arlene R. Ziegler
Deceased: April 2, 2012

Last appointment: retired, North Pacific District

If a Foursquare credentialed minister in your life has passed away and you are looking to notify the central office, please contact us by email.

Churches

Church Openings — 5
 

• Mission City (San Fernando Foursquare Church), pastored by Tony Reyes in San Fernando, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Monte Horeb (Lakewood Hispanic North Foursquare Church), pastored by Tito Silva in Lakewood, Colo. (Gateway District)
• Orlando, FL Northwest Hispanic, pastored by Jose Encarnacion in Ocoee, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Pittsburgh Foursquare Church, pastored by Erik Germesin in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Spread God’s Word (San Francisco Indonesian Word Foursquare Church), pastored by Otto Hutapea in San Francisco, Calif. (Central Pacific District)

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 14**
 

• Anngrah Fellowship (Cypress Hindi Foursquare Church) in Artesia, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Destiny Chapel (El Dorado Foursquare Church) in El Dorado, Kan. (Gateway District)
• Eglise Bethel Vallee de Benediction (Orlando Blessing Foursquare Church) in Orlando, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Faith Harvest (Clermont Foursquare Church) in Clermont, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Grace Chapel (Anderson Foursquare Church) in Anderson, Ind. (Heartland District)
• Iglesia Cristiana Filadelfia (Torrance North Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Torrance, Calif.
• Iglesia Misionera Jesucristo Senor (Whittier Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Fontana, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Jesus’ House of Prayer (Joshua Tree Foursquare Church) in Joshua Tree, Calif.  (Southwest District)
• Light of Life Ministry (Macungie Foursquare Simple Church Network) in Macungie, Pa. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Lighthouse of San Fernando (San Fernando Lighthouse Foursquare Church) in San Fernando, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Lluvias de Gracia (Taos Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Taos, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• New Hope Tapestry (Los Angeles North Foursquare Church) in Los Angeles (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Onestep Family Chapel (Park La Brea Korean Foursquare Church) in Los Angeles (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Valley House of Praise (Temecula Foursquare Church) in Murrieta, Calif. (Southwest District)
   

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,728
Total Attendance at U.S. Foursquare Churches — 249,062
 

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 6
 

• Kent Higa to New Hope Christian Fellowship Hamakua (Hamakua Foursquare Church) in Papaikou, Hawaii (Hawaii District)
• Billy Holden to Concord Community Church (Lafayette Foursquare Church) in Lafayette, Ind. (Heartland District)
• Robert Key to The Gathering Place (Folsom Foursquare Church) in Folsom, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Carlos Medina to Friends in Fellowship (Bloomington Foursquare Church) in Bloomington, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Shawn Roberts to The Father’s House (Granite Falls Foursquare Church) in Granite Falls, Wash. (Northwest District)
• James Van Dyke to Sunnyside Foursquare Church in Clackamas, Ore. (North Pacific District)

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 8
 

• Warren Anderson in Petersburg, Ill. (Heartland District)
• Dan Larson in Buckeye, Ariz. (Central Pacific District)
• Les Mortenson in Springfield, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Sharyn Mortenson in Springfield, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Janene Prudler in Quemado, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Robert Prudler in Quemado, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Richard Trees in Absarokee, Mont. (Great Northern District)
• Fred Wymore in Chico, Calif. (Central Pacific District)

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers — 6,768
 

* Closings: Churches are permanently closed when assets are sold or transferred.
**Temporary Closings: Two churches were temporarily closed during the month of April.

Churches

Church Openings — 4
 

• Concord Thrive Foursquare Church pastored by Scott Jenkins in Concord, N.C. (Southeast District)
• Iglesia Cuadrangular Rey de Reyes de Issaquah (Issaquah Hispanic Foursquare Church) pastored by Juventino Arredondo in Issaquah, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Wichita East Foursquare Church pastored by Adam Welty in Bel Aire, Kan. (Gateway District)
• Yakima Foursquare Simple Church Network pastored by Anne Stoothoff in Yakima, Wash. (Northwest District)

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 6**
 

• Nashville Central Foursquare Church in Nashville, Tenn. (Southeast District)
• River Crest (Daytona Beach Central Foursquare Church) in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Southeast District)
• The Rock Community Church (Thousand Oaks III Foursquare Church) in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Summit Fellowship (Norman Foursquare Church) in Norman Okla. (MidSouth District)
• Wapato Foursquare Church in Harrah, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Westside Christian Fellowship (Rochester Foursquare Church) in Rochester, N.Y. (Northeast District)
   

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,737
Total Attendance of the U.S. Foursquare Churches — 248,982

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 12
 

• Celia Garcia to House of Celebration (Hawthorne 4 Foursquare Church) in Hawthorne, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Dan Laurenzo to The Lake Church (Lake Stevens Foursquare Church) in Lake Stevens, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Jake Poetzl to Burlington Foursquare Church in Burlington, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Jason Doescher to Living Hope (Hanover Foursquare Church) in Hanover, Mass. (Northeast District)
• Josh Morgan to Connect4Life (Waxahachie Foursquare Church) in Waxahachie, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Marcos Figueroa to Catalyst Church (Elephant Butte Foursquare Church) in Elephant Butte, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Mel Steinmeyer to Tri-City (Kennewick Foursquare Church) in Kennewick, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Plummer Bailor to Ignite (Flint Foursquare Church) in Flint, Mich. (Heartland District)
• Robert Andrade to Hope Chapel (San Pedro 2 Foursquare Church) in San Pedro, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Ron Ruf to Kalispell Foursquare Church in Kalispell, Mont. (Great Northern District)
• Scott Jennings to New Hope (Keaau Foursquare Church) in Keaau, Hawaii (Hawaii District)
• Warren McCosky to Cornerstone (Durand Foursquare Church) in Durand, Ill. (Heartland District)

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 4
 

• Claud Duffy in Anderson, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Jean Stephens in Bend, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Pertinito Naga in Suisun City, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Sue Duffy in Anderson, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
   

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,793
 

* Closings: Churches are permanently closed when assets are sold or transferred.
**Temporary Closings: Three churches were temporarily closed during the month of March.

Rev. Harold S. Header
Deceased: February 3, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Northeast District

Rev. Harlen L. Meek
Deceased: February 18, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Southwest District

Rev. H. Vijaya Gnanaolivu
Deceased: February 20, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Foursquare Missions International; Southwest District

Rev. Edwin E. Jaffe
Deceased: February 28, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Central Pacific District

Rev. Clifton R. Hoffman
Deceased: March 5, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Heartland District

Rev. Charles L. Randolph
Deceased: March 7, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Central Pacific District

Rev. Evelyn Jazz
Deceased: March 12, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Southeast District

If a Foursquare credentialed minister in your life has passed away and you are looking to notify the central office, please contact us by email.

The Centers for Diseace Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 150,000 people between the ages of 10 and 24 are treated in emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries each year; 4,400 of these commit suicide. Further, the FBI reports that well over 1 million people in the U.S. were victims of violent crimes in 2010. That’s a lot of people in need of spiritual guidance and healing.

Foursquare pastors often are called on to minister to people facing devastating circumstances, ranging from those touching a few people, such as the unexpected and sudden death of a loved one, to those affecting large populations, such as natural disasters. But how equipped are church leaders for handling these situations?

Preparation of Foursquare ministers for ministry during such times is now an ongoing part of what Foursquare Chaplains International calls Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training.

In January, 81 pastors and local church leaders joined Foursquare disaster relief chaplains and workers at Life Pacific College (also known as LIFE Bible College) in San Dimas, Calif., for a two-day intensive focused on equipping leaders to respond to individuals facing crisis situations.

Pastors, chaplains and lay ministers who participate in the CISM training gain a better understanding of the human soul when in crisis, according to Foursquare Chaplain Jay Donnelly. Jay is a disaster relief chaplain endorser who also serves as national coordinator of fire chaplains, chaplain representative to the Central Pacific District, and senior pastor of New Life Christian Center (Jackson Foursquare Church) in Sutter Creek, Calif.

Jay says the CISM training “provides insight on which intervention method is most appropriate for the situation, and establishes ways to stabilize a situation so that more effective ministry can take place.”

CISM training is an extension of the Disaster Relief Training (DRT) events held throughout the U.S. in 2011, and continuing into 2012. Foursquare Chaplains International Director Robby Booth says that the goal to equip some 800 Foursquare pastors and leaders to be FEMA-approved first responders became a reality last year through the DRT events.

The DRT prepared Foursquare Pastor Huey Hudson of Restoration (Huntsville Foursquare Church) in Madison, Ala., to lead his congregation in disaster response in April 2011. They were prepared to effectively minister in their community after 35 tornadoes ravaged the state and severely damaged or destroyed at least 300 homes within a 10-mile radius of the church.

Now the training is expanding to CISM events so Foursquare ministers will be ready to reach out to individuals facing natural disasters and other life-changing circumstances. Foursquare Chaplains International will also sponsor classes on group crisis intervention this year.

Jay believes this type of focused training has been stirring in the heart of the Foursquare movement for some time.

“Now we can offer specific training that lets people know what to do when disaster strikes,” he affirms.

More information about Foursquare Chaplains International and specific disaster relief training events, including registration forms, is available online.

By: Rod Light, an ordained Foursquare minister and educator in Los Angeles

Rev. Helen V. Gnanaolivu
Deceased: February 18, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Southwest District

Rev. Elizabeth Hensel
Deceased: February 5, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Pacific Coast and Valleys District

Rev. Thomas Paul McEachern
Deceased: January 26, 2012
Last appointment: retired, MidSouth District

Rev. James D. Smith
Deceased: February 8, 2012
Last appointment: retired, Central Pacific District

There are now 1,739 Foursquare churches in the U.S., with 6,820 credentialed ministers serving at churches and in the field.

The following reported data was confirmed by the Foursquare board of directors between February 2–February 23.

Churches

Church Openings — 3
 

• The Grove (Ahwahnee Foursquare Church), pastored by Marc Phillips in Ahwahnee, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Calvary Church of the Islands, pastored by Wendell Choy in Honolulu (Hawaii District)
• Grandview Church, pastored by Dennis Thomas in Quincy, Ill. (Heartland District)

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 13**
 

• Bridgeport Portuguese (CT Foursquare Gospel Church) in Bridgeport, Conn. (Northeast District)
• Casa De Resauracion (Baltimore Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Rosedale, Md. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Centro Inernacional de Avivamiento (Framingham Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Framingham, Mass. (Northeast District)
• Chemult Foursquare Church in Chemult, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• ClearView Christian Fellowship (Green Valley Central Foursquare Church) in Las Vegas (Southwest District)
• Cornerstone (Trinidad Foursquare Church) in Trinidad, Colo. (Gateway District)
• Faith, Hope and Love (Chino East Foursquare Church) in Ontario, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Generations Foursquare Church (San Jose 3 Foursquare Church) in San Jose, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Iglesia Triumfate (Las Cruces Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Las Cruces, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• New Life (Rancho Cordova 2 Foursquare Church) in Sacramento, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Templo Das Nacoes (Woodside Portuguese Foursquare Church) in Long Island City, N.Y. (Northeast District)
• The Rock (Tri Valley Foursquare Church) in Livermore, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Waterbrook (Orange West Foursquare Church) in Orange, Calif. (Southwest District)
   

Church Anniversaries (50+ years) — 2
 

• The Sanctuary (Canyon Country Foursquare Church) in Santa Clarita, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District) — 75 years
• Wellspring Christian Center (Dinuba Foursquare Church) in Dinuba, Calif. (Central Pacific District) — 75 years
   

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,739
Total Attendance of the U.S. Foursquare Churches — 250,006

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 10
 

• Terry Baldwin to Faith Outreach Center (Rochester Foursquare Church) in Rochester, Ind. (Heartland District)
• Brian Barrows to Abundant Life Ministries (Havre Foursquare Church) in Havre, Mont. (Great Northern District)
• Brandon Carter to New Life (Staunton Foursquare Church) in Staunton, Va. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Michael Elmore to New Life Community (Anamosa Foursquare Church) in Anamosa, Iowa (Heartland District)
• Estee Martinez to Centro Cristiano Nueva Vida (Dallas Spanish Foursquare Church) in Dallas (MidSouth District)
• Scott Martz to Lifehouse (San Dimas Southwest Foursquare Church) in San Dimas, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Jim Pelletier to Sunrise (Port Orange Foursquare Church) in Port Orange, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Ryan Snowley to Faith Chapel (Longview Foursquare Church) in Longview, Wash. (North Pacific District)
• Orlei De Souza Sr. to Mt. Vernon Brazilian Foursquare Church in New Rochelle, N.Y. (Northeast District)
• Jeffrey Towne to South River Community Church (Marshfield Foursquare Church) in Marshfield, Mass. (Northeast District)
   

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 7
 

• Wesley Baker in Fountain Valley, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Dawn Berry in Castle Rock, Wash. (North Pacific District)
• Ronald Berry in Castle Rock, Wash. (North Pacific District)
• Judy Ferrera in Gresham, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Char Holmes in Wheaton, Md. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• John Holmes in Wheaton, Md. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Glenn Stewart in Miller, S.D. (Heartland District)

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,820

* Closings: Churches are permanently closed when assets are sold or transferred.
**Temporary Closings: Four churches were temporarily closed during the month of February.

There are now 1,752 Foursquare churches in the U.S., with 6,798 credentialed ministers serving at churches and in the field.

The following reported data was confirmed by the Foursquare board of directors between January 5–January 26.

Churches
 

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 9
 

• Boulder Downtown Foursquare Church in Lafayette, Colo. (Gateway District)
• Bridgeport Hispanic Foursquare Church in Bridgeport, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Centro Cristiano Gerizim (Chino Hills Spanish Foursquare Church) in Chino Hills, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Dios es Amor Foursquare Church (Anaheim Hispanic 4 Foursquare Church) in Anaheim, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Hermosa (Watsonville Foursquare Church) in Aptos, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Life-Power Family Church (Tulsa North Foursquare Church) in Tulsa, Okla. (MidSouth District)
• Lifestream Worship Center (Norwalk Foursquare Church) in Norwalk, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Redeemer’s Way Church (Locust Grove Foursquare Church) in Jenkinsburg, Ga. (Southeast District)
• The Rock (Henderson East Foursquare Church) in Las Vegas, Nev. (Southwest District)
   

Church Anniversaries (50+ years) — 2
 

• Chatsworth Foursquare Church in Chatsworth, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District) — 60 years
• The Walk (Tampa Foursquare Church) in Tampa, Fla. (Southeast District) — 50 years

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,752
Total Attendance of the U.S. Foursquare Churches — 250,761

Pastors
 

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 10
 

• Joe Cude to Praise Fellowship (Lake Havasu City Foursquare Church) in Lake Havasu City, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Will Fillingham to The Bridge (Christiansburg Foursquare Church) in Christiansburg, Va. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Cory Garrett to Storehouse Family Worship Center (Casselberry Foursquare Church) in Fern Park, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Mark Hladek to Grace Community (Merced Foursquare Church) in Merced, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Charles Moody to Family Worship Center (Libby North Foursquare Church) in Libby, Mont. (Great Northern District)
• Rob Noland to Restoring Place (Chester Hope Foursquare Church) in Chester, S.C. (Southeast District)
• Jeff Padgett to Trinity Christian Center (Artesia Foursquare Church) in Artesia, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Yolanda Ramirez to Iglesia Cristiana Remanso De Paz (Warner Robins Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Warner Robins, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Aaron Redshaw to New Hope (Scotts Valley Foursquare Church) in Scotts Valley, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Ricky Temple to The Church On The Way (Van Nuys Foursquare Church) in Van Nuys, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 10
 

• Larry Briney in Fresno, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Sonia Bringas in Cerritos, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Thel Bringas in Cerritos, Calif. (Greater Los Angeles District)
• Jack Christman in Lewisville, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Ethel Conard in Elephant Butte, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Owen Conard Jr. in Elephant Butte, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Lawrence Cooper in Hemet, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Don Knapp in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho (Northwest District)
• Lynn Knapp in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho (Northwest District)
• James Sommer in Twin Falls, Idaho (Great Northern District)

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,798

* Closings: Churches are not permanently closed until assets are sold or transferred.

Rev. Myron M. Corser Jr.
Deceased: January 2, 2012
Last appointment: retired, MidSouth District

Rev. Geoffrey L. Nelson
Deceased: January 4, 2012
Last appointment: Central Office/Foursquare Missions International

Rev. A. Wendell St. Clair
Deceased: December 24, 2011
Last appointment: retired, Central Pacific District
 

2011 ended with 1,759 Foursquare churches in the U.S., and 6,796 credentialed ministers serving at churches and in the field.

The following reported data was confirmed by the Foursquare board of directors between December 1– December 22.

Churches

Church Openings — 5
 

• Bloomingdale Foursquare Church pastored by Chris Mazzola in Bloomingdale, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Centro de Vida (Fort Dodge Centro de Vida Foursquare Church) pastored by Saul Cortez in Fort Dodge, Iowa (Heartland District)
• King’s Palace Foursquare Gospel Church (Riverdale Foursquare Church) pastored by Richard Oloidi in Riverdale, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Las Vegas Bulgarian Foursquare Church pastored by Ivan Bakalov in Las Vegas, Nev. (Southwest District)
• PDX Simple Church (Sherwood Foursquare Simple Church Network) pastored by Ed Stanton Jr. in Newberg, Ore. (North Pacific District)

Church Closings (Permanent*) — **20
 

• Abundant Life Fellowship (Oregon City Foursquare Church) in Oregon City, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Atlanta Urban Foursquare Church in Atlanta, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Centro Cristiano (Smith River Foursquare Church) in Crescent City, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Eastside La Roca (Portland East Spanish Foursquare Church) in Portland, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Elk Grove Filipino Foursquare Church in Elk Grove, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Faith Fellowship (Oakland Central Foursquare Church) in Oakland, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Fresno Hispanic Foursquare Church in Fresno, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• First Light Community (Sherwood Foursquare Church) in Sherwood, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Living Hope Community (Ceres Foursquare Church) in Ceres, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Lytle Creek Foursquare Church in Lytle Creek, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Ministerio Internacional La Cosecha (Norcross Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Lilburn, Ga. (Southeast District)
• North Glendale Foursquare Church in Glendale, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Pleasant Grove Chapel (Mount Olive Foursquare Church) in Long Valley, N. J. (Northeast District)
• Restoration (Santa Cruz West Side Foursquare Church) in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Stamford Foursquare Church in Stamford, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Sutherlin Foursquare Church in Sutherlin, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• The Connection (Anchorage South Foursquare Church) in Anchorage, Alaska (North Pacific District)
• The Living Well (Santa Rosa West Foursquare Church) in Santa Rosa, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• The River (North Charleston Foursquare Church) in Hannah, S. C. (Southeast District)
• Waterford Foursquare Church in Waterford, Calif. (Central Pacific District)

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,759
Total Attendance of the U.S. Foursquare Churches — 251,180

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 9
 

• Donald Boyer to Ripley Foursquare Church in Ripley, N.Y. (Northeast District)
• Linda Brady to His Light Ministries (Worcester East Foursquare Church) in Worcester, Mass. (Northeast District)
• Alejandro Garcia to Los Hechos (Canby Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Canby, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Ubirajara Oliveira to Hyannis Portuguese Foursquare Church in Hyannis, Mass. (Northeast District)
• Jim Romack, Jr. to New Life Center (Everett Foursquare Church) in Everett, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Kevin Rusk to New Hope Center (Fostoria Foursquare Church) in Fostoria, Ohio (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Paul Sheldon to Life Path Christian Community (Eden Prairie Foursquare Church) in Eden Prairie, Minn. (Heartland District)
• Dan Smith to Expectation Church Network (Las Vegas Mountains Edge Foursquare Church) in Las Vegas, Nev. (Southwest District)
• Rick Trimble to Living Rock Fellowship (American Canyon Foursquare Church) in Benicia, Calif. (Central Pacific District)

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 8
 

• Lee Bush in Lancaster, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Mildred Bush in Lancaster, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• Robert Fetters Sr. in Mesa, Ariz. (Southwest District)
• Ron Hamrick in Vancouver, Wash. (North Pacific District)
• Kammi MacDonald in San Leandro, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Doris Pennington in Bakersfield, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Don Smith in Grove, Okla. (MidSouth District)
• Bonnie Yake in Dover, N.J. (Northeast District)

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,796
 

* Closings: Churches are not permanently closed until assets are sold or transferred.
**Temporary Closings: Six churches were temporarily closed during the month of December.

Rev. David L. Benner
Deceased: December 9, 2011
Last appointment: retired, Heartland District

Rev. Vincent C. Del Re
Deceased: November 25, 2011
Last appointment: retired, Mid-Atlantic District

Rev. Edna O. Jenkins
Deceased: December 18, 2011
Last appointment: retired, Southeast District

Rev. Edith Meyers-Taylor
Deceased: December 16, 2011
Last appointment: retired, Central Pacific District

Rev. Nancy D. Robbins
Deceased: November 22, 2011
Last appointment: Pacific Coast and Valleys District
 

Take a moment to reflect on how you, as a member of the Foursquare family, were a part of something bigger than yourself—a part of making a difference for the kingdom. Take a moment to learn, to grow, to mentor. And perhaps another moment to think how we can continue to work together to let the world know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Four Most Read Topics on Foursquare.org in 2011

Japan. In March, Japan was ravaged by a devastating tsunami triggered by a 9.0-magnitute quake, followed by many aftershocks. Local Foursquare missionaries were already on the scene to help provide comfort, hope and assistance to locals. 
Read More

Reading Through Acts. The Foursquare Church across the U.S. joined together to read through the book of Acts each month during 2011. The year kicked off with hundreds of pastors participating in a 21-day fast, and the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email brought insight to Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.
Read More

District Supervisor Appointments. The Southern California area welcomed two new district supervisors this year. Tim Clark was appointed to the Greater Los Angeles District, and Dennis Easter took the reigns at Pacific Coast and Valleys.

Connection 2011. The Foursquare family joined together for our annual international convention in Columbus, Ohio, this year to worship, connect and learn more about where Foursquare is headed as a movement. During the event, Glenn Burris Jr. announced his five targets, Foursquare pastors pledged more than $1 million to Foursquare Missions International, and the convention body approved Foursquare Financial Solutions.

Top Relief Giving to Foursquare Missions International (FMI)

• FMI General Relief: $120,036.43
• FMI Haiti Relief: $123,885.49
• FMI Japan Relief: $271,251.31
• Other Relief: $20,080.42 (includes Colombia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and East Africa)
• Total to Foursquare’s Relief and Compassion: $535,253.65

Four Most Read Resources

• FMI monthly prayer guide
• Child and Youth Protection Manual and Series
• Holy Spirit Discovery for Kids
• Wordpress Theme

2011 Resources Not to Be Missed

• Best Technology: Foursquare Wordpress Theme
• Best Book: Max Lucado’s Max on Life
• Best Music: Matt Redman’s worship album 10,000 Reasons
• Best Foursquare Resource: Wayne Cordeiro’s The Irresistible Church
• Best Download: Foursquare Brochures and Foursquare Certificates

Four Featured Foursquare Personalities of 2011

Tommy Green
After coming to Christ in 2003 through the influence of a friend in what he calls the “hardcore” community, Pastor Tommy Green, an assisting minister at Salt Lake City Foursquare Church in Utah, knows the importance of reaching out to young adults overlooked by traditional churches.

Rosalinda P. Vint
Growing up, Rosalinda P. Vint was a ward of the court in the Los Angeles County foster care system. Her broad smile, now radiant, wasn’t perceptible back then, if it existed at all. She endured horrific abuse. Now she’s an assisting minister at LightHouse Church in Newbury Park, Calif., and has dedicated her life to helping troubled youth who desperately need hope and healing.

Niki and Kelly Tshibaka
Just outside Washington, D.C., the center of politics, power and prestige—or, as Foursquare Pastor Niki Tshibaka calls it, “the schmoozing capital of the world”—Mount Vernon Foursquare Fellowship (MVFF) nestles in the picturesque city of Alexandria, Va. Niki and his wife, Kelly, co-pastor the church and are bringing the love of Christ to the nation’s capital and beyond.

Adam and Sarah Hartel 
Considered to be one of the most significant cultural centers in Europe, Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is rich in heritage and diversity. Spiritually speaking, it’s also one of the world’s most challenging cities. FMI Missionaries Adam and Sarah Hartel came to Amsterdam in 2010 and are already seeing God do some amazing things.

Four Topics Foursquare Explored

Immigration. In “Welcoming the Stranger,” we examined immigration to the U.S. and the incredible opportunities for evangelism it affords. We covered the controversies involved, and looked at Foursquare churches that are effectively reaching out to the diverse groups of people coming to our shores.

Ministry Burnout. In this three-part series exclusive, we took a close look at the growing problem of pastoral burnout. Dissecting the statistics and exploring the topic with leaders in our denomination, we examined its signs, how to heal from it, and how to prevent it in the first place.

Standing the Test of Time. In “The DNA of Longevity,” we took a look at the values, traits and behaviors woven into the makeup of Foursquare churches that have remained relevant and effective in their mission through decades of ministry. What is it about these congregations that has caused them to endure over the long haul and make a lasting impact in their communities?

Reaching the Next Generation. The latest research reveals that most young people today are resistant to the church. It’s a disturbing trend, but Foursquare churches across the nation are tackling the issue head-on. It’s not too late, say the Foursquare NextGen leaders we interviewed, to develop a successful ministry that effectively reaches the “cradle to college” crowd.

Historic Foursquare Events of 2011

• The Foursquare Foundation broke ground on Parkview Living, a senior living center located across the street from Angelus Temple. Move-in is scheduled for June 2012.
• The convention voting body approved Foursquare Financial Solutions (FFS), which will manage planned and estate giving, the new FFS loan fund, retirement services, investment services and more.
• Foursquare churches pledged to give more than $1 million over and above their normal giving to Foursquare Missions International. FMI is using the money to reach unreached nations and people groups, develop global leadership, and plant churches in world-class cities.
• Emerging Leader Network dramatically expands.
• Originally introduced in 1997 in John Amstutz book Disciples of All Nations, the Foursquare movement reignited The Four-Stage Development Model, which looks to evangelize, strengthen, multiply and make responsible, reproducing missionary-sending churches around the world.

By: Marcia Graham, editor of Foursquare Leader and Foursquare.org

The minister was shocked. She only knew this gentleman casually—he had been her husband’s friend—but her husband had clearly been able to build a bridge of friendship and communication with this man, despite the myriad doctrinal differences between Mormonism and traditional Christianity. The man had been watching their lives carefully. And now the fruit of that spiritual labor was blossoming.

This story vividly illustrates what is perhaps the biggest key to effectively reaching Mormons with the gospel: building authentic bridges of friendship. Outreach to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Georgeann insists, is not something effectively accomplished through a mass evangelism campaign. It needs to happen one-on-one, in the context of friendship, over time.

“We focus our evangelism on developing genuine, loving relationships and friendships with the people of our community,” Georgeann explains. “This allows the trust necessary for sharing the love of Jesus in a genuine way. This one-on-one method has been the most successful because of the specifics of Mormon culture.

“We don’t single out men and women with specific outreaches,” she continues. “We befriend and genuinely love these people. They often become the dearest of friends. It is usually the consistent witness of a normal life committed to Jesus and His love that seems to speak the most.”

Live Your Faith

Tony Maupin Jr., co-pastor with his wife, Carol, of Shiloh (Idaho Falls Foursquare Church) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, would agree. He recounts the story of two brothers, Warren and Brent, who came to Shiloh 10 years ago and gave their lives to Christ. They had been raised as devout Mormons.

Brent, at age 61, passed away recently, but when Tony asked Warren why he and his brother had decided to become Christians, his answer was clear: “Because the people at your church lived what they believed—and they loved us.” Warren’s two adult children and their spouses have also made decisions for Christ.

“I’ve lived virtually all of my life in eastern Idaho, an area that is predominately Mormon,” says Tony. “I’ve served with committed Mormons on public school boards, and served Mormon bishops as customers as an independent businessman. Many of my friends, neighbors and relatives are Mormon.

“I have yet to see one committed Mormon argued into the kingdom of God,” he asserts. “What I have frequently observed are many who have come to faith because someone loved them, prayed for them and shared their faith with them.”

Shiloh has, from time to time, joined with other evangelical churches in the area to sponsor a speaker who address audiences regarding Mormonism and traditional Christianity. This can be educational and beneficial when the speaker is a former Mormon who understands the issues and genuinely loves Mormons. Still, evangelism is most effective within personal relationships.

Take the Long View

Pete Akins, senior pastor of True Life Center (Cedar City Foursquare Church) in Cedar City, Utah, lives in an area that is so steeped in Mormonism that any type of grand public outreach or staged attempt to evangelize would be culturally insensitive, if not outright offensive. That’s why the church he pastors with his wife, Cami, doesn’t focus on such evangelistic efforts, he says; they focus on getting to know and love their neighbors and co-workers.

Doing so requires a long-term vision, an important key that anyone who wants to reach a Mormon friend needs to keep in mind. Change isn’t going to happen overnight.

“My wife and I asked the Lord to give us 20 years in our city so that we could earn the right to speak into their situation,” Pete says. “Mormons are amazing people who have strong family values and a deep sense of commitment to their church. My heart breaks for the works-driven society and the misguided concept of who Christ is.”

Pete tells the story of a former Mormon man who is now a pastoral leader in his church. When he came to True Life Center, he was disillusioned with church altogether. Because Mormons are raised to believe their church is the only true church, and that if they ever leave it they are lost, as there is no other truth, such disillusionment is common among those who exit Mormonism.

But when this man encountered True Life Center, he found it to be a place where he could learn and grow. He was free to struggle openly with his questions.

“He attended a men’s camp with us, and the Lord opened him up to dimensions of life that he never even thought possible,” Pete recalls. “It is great to know that God can—in His own time—do what He intends to do in the hearts of people when we don’t run them off and accept them where they are, no strings attached.”

Love Your Neighbor

Our Foursquare pastors who minister in areas of the country with high Mormon populations offer helpful tips we should all be mindful of when it comes to interacting with Mormons we encounter and befriending those who may live next door or work with us.

“Love is essential,” affirms Georgeann Dillard. “Seek to build a genuine relationship first. Do things together and enjoy friendship.” She notes that Jesus wants to show Himself to be powerful and available to the seeker, so we should get His perspective and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, moving in the spiritual gifts.

Pete Akins echoes these sentiments. “Pray that the Holy Spirit would accomplish through your friendship what you cannot with an adversarial approach,” he suggests. “Enjoy the dialogue that springs forth as two friends talk about what they believe, value and practice. Listen to them and appreciate what they say; that is what friendship is about.”

Tony Maupin Jr. advises that we should study and understand Mormon doctrine, but that when we meet Mormons, we shouldn’t make Mormonism the primary issue.

“Let God’s love making its appeal through you set the agenda,” Tony says. “Be kind to them. If you aren’t a Mormon, they’re expecting you to challenge them, and they already have the stock answer rehearsed. They already know you’re different. What they really want to know is why.”

Resources for Further Study

The following books and websites will prove helpful to anyone wanting to understand Mormonism better and how to reach Mormons for Christ.

• Understanding Your Mormon Neighbor by Ross Anderson (Zondervan)
• Understanding the Book of Mormon by Ross Anderson (Zondervan)
• I Love Mormons by David L. Rowe (Baker Books)
• Mormonism Explained by Andrew Jackson (Crossway)
• Institute for Religious Research
• Mormonism Research Ministry
• The Religious Researcher

You are reading Part 2 of a two-part series.

Read Part 1: “Understanding the Sensitivities”

By: Bill Shepson, a Foursquare credentialed minister and freelance writer in Los Angeles

There are now 1,770 Foursquare churches in the U.S., with 6,788 credentialed ministers serving at churches and in the field.

The following reported data was confirmed by the Foursquare board of directors between November 3–November 22.

Churches

Church Openings — 4
 

• Cornerstone Church (Santa Rosa 4 Foursquare Church) pastored by Russ Clifford in Windsor, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Life Community Church (Fresno 4 Foursquare Church) pastored by Ryan Davis in Clovis, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• New Hope Metro (Honolulu Metropolitan Foursquare Church) pastored by Elwin Ahu in Honolulu, Hawaii (Hawaii District)
• Renton South Foursquare Church pastored by Brian Jackson, Sr. in Renton, Wash. (Northwest District)
   

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 6
 

• Soda Springs Foursquare Church in Soda Springs, Idaho (Great Northern District)
• Templo Christiano Emanuel (Guadalupe Hispanic Foursquare Church) in Guadalupe, Calif. (Pacific Coast and Valleys District)
• The Creek Community in Maple Grove, Minn. (Heartland District)
• The Well (Bunn Foursquare Church) in Bunn, N.C. (Southeast District)
• True Deliverance Outreach Fellowship Ministries (Gulfport II Foursquare Church) in Wiggins, Miss. (MidSouth District)
• Winds of Harvest (San Marcos Foursquare Church) in San Marcos, Calif. (Southwest District)

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,770
Total Attendance of the U.S. Foursquare Churches — 250,682
 

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 5
 

• Linda Brady to His Light Ministries (Worcester East Foursquare Church) in Worchester, Mass. (Northeast District)
• Jake Cordell to Life Church (Conyers Foursquare Church) in Conyers, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Demetrius Hayes to the Edge (Texarkana West Foursquare Church) in Texarkana, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Stev Trujillo to Turning Point Church (Rio Rancho Foursquare Church) in Rio Rancho, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Chuck Wilsey to Wellspring Christian Center (Dinuba Foursquare Church) in Dinuba, Calif. (Central Pacific District)

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 13
 

• Dolores Burnett in Fort Worth, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Mike Burnett in Fort Worth, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Sandra Chalupnik in Rialto, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Ted Davis in Island City, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Peter Host in Jacksonville, Fla. (Southeast District)
• Vivian Matheson in Waleska, Ga. (Southeast District)
• Jerry Mauldin in Henderson, Nev. (Southwest District)
• Leslie Ranck in Victorville, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Steve Ranck in Victorville, Calif. (Southwest District)
• Allan Trotter in Carrollton, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Linda Trotter in Carrollton, Texas (MidSouth District)
• Ida Whittet in Kalispell, Mont. (Great Northern District)
• Richard Whittet in Kalispell, Mont. (Great Northern District)
   

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,788

* Closings: Churches are not permanently closed until assets are sold or transferred.

But what if the people you’re trying to reach are not unchurched, but very churched—in a religion different from historical Christianity? And, to make matters more complicated, what if the church these friends of yours belong to seems, at least at a cursory glance, to tout many of the same beliefs you as a traditional Christian hold? How do you begin to approach someone who says he or she sincerely believes in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ but is part of a church system whose doctrines buck many of the key teachings of historical Christianity?

Such is the unique challenge of reaching people who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—14.1 million strong worldwide—more commonly referred to as the Mormon church. Mormons view themselves as Christians, using the broad definition of a Christian being someone who follows Christ. This conflicts with evangelical Christianity, which tends to use the term “Christian” more narrowly, meaning a Christian is someone who holds to a particular set of biblical beliefs.

Doctrinal Differences

In traditional Christianity, Jesus is God, having always existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity. In Mormonism, Jesus is a created being, the spirit-brother of Lucifer, and he was born after a physical union of God the Father with the virgin Mary.

Traditional Christianity teaches that human life begins at conception. The Mormon church teaches that all people preexisted in heaven, as spirit-children of God the Father. Mormons also believe in an “eternal progression toward exaltation,” meaning that humans can advance toward godhood, eventually becoming gods themselves.

These teachings, as well as many others—such as the Mormon church being the only true, uncorrupted church—clearly conflict with traditional Christianity. And what adds to the complication of dialoguing with Mormons is that there is a variance of views and practices among individual members.

Additionally, Mormonism is more than just a religion—it’s a culture with a strong sense of family and history. Most Mormons know their historical roots well and are very proud of them. Minimizing or dismissing that Mormonism is a culture as much as it is a religion will undermine any efforts to reach Mormons with the true gospel message.

Sensitivity and Respect

Foursquare pastors across the U.S. who minister in areas of the country with high Mormon populations affirm the importance of being sensitive and respectful if one wants to minister to a Mormon friend or neighbor.

Georgeann Dillard, senior pastor of Delta Foursquare Church in Delta, Utah, about 130 miles south of Salt Lake City, started the church in May 1996, co-leading it with her husband. Six months later, her husband suddenly became ill and passed away. Then, five years later, the couple’s youngest daughter, only 17, died in a car accident. Despite these devastating setbacks, Georgeann stayed in Delta, knowing God had called her there and that the deaths in her family did not negate that call.

Living among and befriending Mormons has given Georgeann crucial insights regarding the sensitivities of ministering to them. 

“I think it’s important to avoid needless arguments about Mormon doctrine, and focus on the Good News of Jesus Himself as much as possible,” Georgeann tells Foursquare.org. “It is helpful to look for common ground upon which to build when sharing with Mormons, just as you would with any seeker. The point is not to show how much you know; it’s about how much Jesus loves and cares. … Genuine, loving relationships are important. … If the seeker has questions about doctrinal differences, there is a foundation of trust to undergird evangelism.”

Genuine Love and Friendship

Tony Maupin Jr., co-pastor with his wife, Carol, of Shiloh (Idaho Falls Foursquare Church) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, agrees. He and his wife have served Shiloh for 22 years. Tony is also the divisional superintendent of the Mountain River Division.

“One of the best ways to engage Mormons is to plan to do so over time. Commit to genuinely loving them,” Tony says. “When they know that you care about them, the Holy Spirit always seems to arrange times when honest conversations about faith can take place. My experience is that many Mormons … have questions about their faith. For many, the biggest problem is that they don’t have anybody they consider ‘safe’ to talk with about their questions.”

Respect for others, he adds, is a key to building bridges. He notes that a person’s convictions aren’t a proof of truth, as one can be very sincere but sincerely wrong. Still, a person with convictions should be treated with respect.

“It is my firm belief that people of sincere faith are deserving of respect,” Tony asserts. “You are acknowledging that they desire to live their lives with integrity. Respect for another is a great place to begin the kind of relationship that will allow for an honest dialog. You can respect the person without spiritually validating his faith.”

Pete Akins, senior pastor of True Life Center (Cedar City Foursquare Church) in Cedar City, Utah, about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City, stresses the importance of building authentic relationships. He also serves as the divisional superintendent of the Utah Division, and his wife, Cami, is a disaster relief worker with Foursquare Chaplains International.

“The person is a valid relationship that needs to be enjoyed, not a goal to be met or a target to be hit,” Pete explains. “The love of Christ, and His life in us, is more powerful than any argument we could make.”

Pete says that we should avoid an adversarial approach when talking with Mormons, instead praying for the Holy Spirit’s leading in the context of friendship. Doctrinal discussions, he believes, are best handled in the context of relationships.

“Enjoy the dialogue that springs forth as two friends talk about what they believe, value and practice,” Pete says. “Listen to them, and appreciate what they say. That is what friendship is about.”

In Part 2 of this article series, we’ll take a closer look at how Foursquare churches are ministering to Mormons in practical ways, and cover suggestions for how each of us, personally, can reach our Mormon friends.

You are reading Part 1 of a two-part series.

Read Part 2: “Building Bridges”

By: Bill Shepson, a Foursquare credentialed minister and freelance writer in Los Angeles

“The trailer, along with an older white box truck, has been an icon in West Salem and the Edgewater District for years,” says John Fehlen, lead pastor of West Salem. “When our community sees it rolling around, it represents hope and dreams coming true; it represents freedom from the fangs of oppression.”

Last year alone, donations of food, furniture and supplies were distributed to 540 families via the church’s trailer. But John says the trailer is simply a tool.

“It’s the passion of those who donate and serve that truly shows a hurting world that God is good,” he tells Foursquare.org. 

Enter an anonymous and generous donor who heard the story of the stolen trailer and wanted to replace it with a larger, newer one to help the church help the community. Others who heard about the church’s loss also made donations to help increase the outreach ministry using the new trailer.

One man and his daughter from a Foursquare church in Camas, Wash., drove 90 minutes just to make a generous cash donation and to deliver bags of clothing to the ministry. Another woman in the community stopped by the church and donated cash, a blanket and gifts for needy families.

The love of Christ and the spirit of Christmas giving are alive and well in West Salem, Ore.—and in other Foursquare churches around the country.

Jerry Walton, senior pastor of Faith Temple (Lamesa Foursquare Church) in Lamesa, Texas, says people in his church are encouraged to bring gifts that would have made the baby Jesus more comfortable. He says people plan to donate heaters, pillows and blankets to the cause. Then, they will deliver the gifts to families in their West Texas community this Christmas.

The unemployment rate in Crook County Oregon remains at 19 percent, and that means 1 in 5 people of Eastside Fellowship (Prineville Foursquare Church) in Prineville, Ore., is out of work. But church members won’t let that keep them from giving this Christmas.

Brian Carmack, an assisting minister at Eastside, says people gave gifts to one other on November 13 to kick off what they call “Live to Give.” They were encouraged to give a gift to someone else every day until the end of 2011. That’s 49 days, and gifts, that these faithful folks will give away to whomever they want.

“The gift does not need to cost money,” Brian explains. “We are encouraging creative ways of sharing Christ’s love to the world around us.” It’s an effort, he says, to remind people of the joy of giving and “to realize that we cannot out-give God.”

Gettysburg Foursquare Church in Gettysburg, Penn. will be taking part in the “Advent Conspiracy,” based on the book by Rick McKinley. Senior Pastor Mark Chester says the people in the church raised $31,000 last December to help fund a food ministry in their community that reaches 80 families each month.

“The idea is to spend way less, and maybe nothing, on Christmas and to give the money away to someone else,” Mark says.

Pastors and congregants from Neighborhood Bible Church (Bakersfield Northwest Foursquare Church) in Bakersfield, Calif., will be available every night through Christmas Eve to give folks from their community a most interesting gift.

Anyone who drops by their church will be given a clear glass Christmas tree ornament and a small slip of paper. They will be encouraged to write a prayer request on the paper and stuff it inside the ornament. Then, the ornament will adorn the church’s tree through Christmas.

This gift goes beyond a simple ornament, however.

Each night, one of the church’s pastors will spend time praying with any individuals or groups that come to see the beautiful tree. Senior Pastor Thomas Gnacke remembers that, last year, several ornaments containing prayer requests for new jobs were hung on the tree. He is delighted to report that many of those people have since become employed.

Pastor Tom hopes this year that 1,000 people from his community will take part and help them decorate the church’s Christmas tree—and allow the church to pray for them in the process.

And so it looks like the Grinch is nowhere near Foursquare churches this year. Individual churches may celebrate Christmas in different ways, but one thing is clear: Jesus Christ is alive and giving through His people again this Christmas.

By: Rod Light, an ordained Foursquare minister and educator in Los Angeles

Tommy, an assisting minister at Salt Lake City Foursquare Church in Utah, says congregations can effectively reach out by offering their facilities for alternative-style concerts that will attract strangers with tattoos and off-beat clothing.

“Be ready to accept the ones others are rejecting, even if they ruin your carpet at a show, break a wall or do something crazy,” Tommy says. “Ask for eyes to see them the way God sees them. I think there’s something Davidic and powerful in the music and dance of this generation.”

Tommy practices what he preaches, opening the downtown Foursquare church’s Wednesday night young adult Bible studies to people of all backgrounds. That includes “metal heads” who like loud music, straightedge types who reject much of popular culture, and current or former drug users. Between 40 and 50 teens and 20-somethings gather for dinner, followed by Bible study, breakout sessions, prayer and personal ministry.

“We try to make it real clear that everyone is welcome,” explains Tommy, who grew up in the area. “It’s not about what you might be labeled as in the world. All they get is Jesus.

“If they get anything else, they feel the fakeness,” he continues. “That’s the point. We’re supposed to hold up the real, and then all the fake comparisons in people’s lives can dim.”

The 30-year-old father of two ministers outside the church walls, too. His main entrée into the hardcore scene is as lead vocalist for Sleeping Giant. Formed in 2006, the band has recorded three albums, including its latest release, Kingdom Days in an Evil Age. The late June release marked the start of its summertime Scream the Prayer tour.

“Sleeping Giant has been a total gift from the Lord,” affirms Tommy, a former bank manager who decided to devote full time to ministry in 2009. “We’ve seen hundreds of kids get saved at shows. Kids that don’t believe in God come up afterwards and say, ‘I didn’t realize it was real.’ Christian kids come up and say, ‘I couldn’t worship before like I did tonight.’ ”

He knows how both groups feel. As a teen, he was a nihilist who cared little about God. However, thanks to the friend who introduced him to a community of believers in California, he came to Christ in the midst of a bitter divorce. Tommy also credits the church that had held alternative concerts for several years, creating a safe environment where he could learn more about Christ.

Soon after his conversion, he followed his ex-wife back to Utah to be closer to their daughter.

Tommy and his second wife, Krissi—also a Foursquare credentialed minister on the church’s staff—were married in 2006 and had their first son last year. In addition to serving as co-leader of the Wednesday Bible studies, Krissi is the church’s administrator.

“I couldn’t do it without her,” Tommy says of his partner, who helps him present the face of happy marriage to those who come from broken or dysfunctional homes. “She’s absolutely my backbone. We complement each other really well.”

Senior Pastor Tim McGill says Tommy has a powerful impact on the hardcore scene, because Sleeping Giant is the only Christian band of five that often tour together. Both his brief gospel presentations and miracles that follow touch hardened non-believers.

“We have seen two young guys healed of deafness, broken bones healed—a lot of things,” Tim tells Foursquare.org.

Despite this evidence, many fans have doubts about religion. To address them, last November Tommy self-published Religo-cide: A Primer on Deconstructing the Current Religious Structure for the Sake of True Relationship. Although the book sold fewer than 1,000 copies in its first six months, Tommy says he doesn’t care about having a bestseller. He wrote it primarily to reach young people coming to their shows.

Circulating primarily by word of mouth, the book is another chance to reach kids who don’t come to church. Tommy says his goal is to build another bridge to get young people into the body of Christ.

To further reach into this community, this spring he and Krissi started filming Revolution Reality TV. The interview and testimony show will air on several TV stations and later be posted on his ministry’s web site, www.revolutionreality.org.

To other Foursquare leaders who want to impact young adults, Tommy advises: Don’t get scared off by some of their tattoos or angry looks, because they have a passion that needs to be recognized.

“Don’t criticize or judge these kids,” Tommy asserts. “Don’t ask them to change faster than the Holy Spirit does. Make room for them, because they have something of value to God.”

By: Ken Walker, an award-winning freelance journalist in Huntington, W.V.

There are now 1,770 Foursquare churches in the U.S., with 6,786 credentialed ministers serving at churches and in the field.

The following reported data was confirmed by the Foursquare board of directors between October 1– October 27.

Churches

Church Openings — 3
 

• Desert Foursquare Church (Indian Wells Foursquare Church) in Palm Desert, Calif., pastored by Shawn Manley (Southwest District)
• Flint Foursquare Simple Church Network in Flint, Mich., pastored by Nic Mihailoff (Heartland District)
• New Hope Community Church (Grand Blanc Foursquare Church) in Grand Blanc, Mich., pastored by Larry Lewis Jr. (Heartland District)
   

Church Closings (Permanent*) — 7**
 

• Calvary Community (Elgin Foursquare Church) in West Dundee, Ill. (Heartland District)
• Josiah Project (Fresno Southeast Foursquare Church) in Fresno, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Lovetouch (Biloxi II Foursquare Church) in Gretna, La. (MidSouth District)
• Lovetouch (Gretna Foursquare Church) in Gretna, La. (MidSouth District)
• Millennium Life Center (Atlanta Millennium Foursquare Church) in Lithia Springs, Ga. (Southeast District)
• New Start (Kirkland Filipino Foursquare Church) in Kirkland, Wash. (Northwest District)
• Risen Christian Fellowship (Ferndale Foursquare Church) in Ferndale, Mich. (Heartland District)

Total U.S. Foursquare Churches — 1,770
 

Pastors

Senior Pastoral Appointments to Established Foursquare Churches — 8
 

• Carl Christenberry to New Life (Monmouth Foursquare Church) in Monmouth, Ill. (Heartland District)
• Tony Eagan Sr. to World Harvest Church (Silver City 2 Foursquare Church) in Silver City, N.M. (MidSouth District)
• Bryan Milian to La Promesa & Josiah Project Foursquare (Fresno Spanish Foursquare Church) in Fresno, Calif. (Central Pacific District)
• Ben Naughton to Hope of God’s Glory (Fort Myers Central Foursquare Church) in Fort Myers, Fla. (Southeast District)
• David Poissant to Life Centre (Pottsville Foursquare Church) in Pottsville, Pa. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Greg Russinger to Portland Foursquare Church in Portland, Ore. (North Pacific District)
• Geoff Warder to Fresh Fire (Charlottesville Foursquare Church) in Charlottesville, Va. (Mid-Atlantic District)
• Sherilyn Wilson to Tigard Foursquare Church in Tigard, Ore. (North Pacific District)
   

Credentialed Minister Retirements — 3
 

• Albert Johnson Jr. in Asheboro, N.C. (Southeast District)
• Char Meyers in Tulsa, Okla. (MidSouth District)
• Ron Meyers in Tulsa, Okla. (MidSouth District)

Total Credentialed/Licensed Ministers  — 6,786

* Closings: Churches are not permanently closed until assets are sold or transferred.
**Temporary Closings: Two churches were temporarily closed during the month of October.

As of this writing, more than 675 Foursquare men and women have participated in one of eleven 16-hour training sessions that have been held from Oregon to Alabama to New Jersey, and many places in between. These sessions are indeed one of the most significant resource training opportunities offered to our Foursquare pastors in 2011.

“The response is phenomenal,” reports Jay Donnelly, a disaster relief chaplain endorser who also serves as national coordinator of fire chaplains, chaplain representative to the Central Pacific District, and senior pastor of New Life Christian Center (Jackson Foursquare Church) in Sutter Creek, Calif. “The enthusiasm and passion in the hearts of people is incredible.”

Jay calls the strong move toward disaster relief training “divine timing,” adding: “This has been stirring in the heart of the Foursquare movement for some time. Now we can offer specific training that lets people know what to do when disaster strikes.”

Besides meeting FEMA standards for disaster relief workers, those who participate in the Foursquare training sessions have another advantage: They are able to offer help in ways that are most appropriate to the particular situation.

Just this spring, when tornadoes struck Alabama, 88 trained Foursquare responders were deployed to the area. They helped with cleanup, provided supplies and assisted in shelters.

Weeks later, when Joplin, Mo., was hit by deadly tornadoes, the needs were different: Most of the victims were able to find housing with friends and relatives, so shelters were not used nearly as much as in Alabama. In this case, a team of 10 trained volunteers spent a week in the area, focusing on spiritual care and crisis intervention, because that was what was most needed.

The focus on meeting spiritual needs as well as physical needs is a key factor that sets Foursquare disaster relief workers apart from some other groups.

“When people go through tragedy, there is an open door to not only help them with physical needs, but also to minister,” Robby affirms. “If the victims are Christians, this gives them a sense that their family has come alongside them.”

Huey Hudson, pastor of Restoration (Huntsville Foursquare Church) in Madison, Ala., had firsthand experience working with the Foursquare disaster relief team in the aftermath of the spring tornadoes.

“They were a tremendous help and support,” Huey says, adding that the presence of the team “allowed our church to be a presence in the community when things began to return to normal.”

Jason Maloney, senior pastor of NewLife Christian Center (Upland Foursquare Church) in Upland, Calif., is a disaster relief chaplain who spent 10 days in Alabama in the aftermath of the tornadoes as part of a team whose main focus was providing spiritual care.

“There were chaplains from [many church groups],” Jason recalls, “Southern Baptists, Dallas Theological Seminary and others. It was so good to see the churches work together in unity. It gave me renewed hope that there really can be unity among Christians.”

While training sessions recently wrapped up for 2011, more are planned for 2012 and will be added to www.foursquare.org/chaplains when registration is available.

By: Tammy Dunahoo, general supervisor of The Foursquare Church