Foursquare churches share much in common with the Assemblies of God because both are Protestant, Evangelical, and Pentecostal churches. However, as the Assemblies of God vs. Foursquare churches debate continues, religious scholars have attempted to establish whether these two churches have different practices and beliefs.
Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God differ in several ways. The significant difference between these churches is in their organization/structure. Foursquare churches have an Episcopalian form of government. The Foursquare Convention possesses veto power over the Church’s decisions. On the other hand, the Assemblies of God (AG) adhere to a Presbyterian polity form of government. This form of government combines oversight by national and district councils and the independence of the local AG churches. Congregations are led by the elders they elect.
What is the difference between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God? What are the similarities between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God? What is the theological comparison between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God? Which came first between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God? Keep reading to learn more!
What is the difference between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God?
There are several differences between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God. The table below outlines these differences.
| Beliefs, values, and practices | Foursquare churches | Assemblies of God |
| Name | The Foursquare name was coined from what the Church’s founder, McPherson, referred to as the foursquare gospel. Jesus is the Savior, the Healer, the Baptizer with the Holy Ghost, and the Soon-Coming King. | The name Assemblies of God is derived from the term assembly, a group of individuals gathered in one place for a common course. |
| Origin | Foursquare was established in 1923. It began as a local church in Oakland, California, and since then, it has been striving to preach the Good News far and wide. | Assemblies of God were established in the United States in 1914 in Arkansas (Hot Springs). Three hundred people attended the founding convention. |
| Early influencers | Aimee Semple McPherson is the Church’s founder and its earliest influencer. | The general council in Hot Springs (1914), during which the Assemblies of God was established, was attended by 300 preachers and laypeople. One of the people that attended the function was F. F. Bosworth. |
| Membership | Foursquare Church has about 8.8 million adherents worldwide. | Assemblies of God Churches have about 69 million adherents worldwide. |
What are the similarities between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God?
There are many similarities between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God. The table below shows the significant similarities.
| Beliefs, values, and practices | Foursquare churches | Assemblies of God |
| Nature of God | Foursquare churches are Trinitarian. They believe in God’s triune nature; God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. | Assemblies of God are also Trinitarian. They believe in God’s triune nature; God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. |
| Jesus | Foursquare churches teach that Jesus is the Son of God. He was born by a virgin (Mary the Virgin); He lived a pure life; He died for man’s sin and was resurrected on the 3rd day. | Assemblies of God teach that Jesus is the Son of God. He was born by a virgin; He lived a pure life; He died for man’s sin and was resurrected on the 3rd day. |
| Bible | Foursquare churches teach that the Bible is divinely inspired. | Assemblies of God teach that God inspires the Bible. |
| Mode of Baptism | Foursquare churches practice Baptism by immersion. | Assemblies of God practice baptism by immersion. |
| Baptism with the Holy Spirit | Foursquare churches believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, during which believers receive gifts such as speaking in tongues and divine healing. | Assemblies of God believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, during which believers receive gifts such as speaking in tongues and divine healing. |
| View of the Gift of Speaking in Tongues | Foursquare churches teach that speaking in tongues signifies that someone has been baptized with the Holy Spirit. | Assemblies of God also affirm that speaking in tongues signifies that someone has been baptized with the Holy Spirit. |
| Age at the time of Baptism | Foursquare churches practice believer’s (adult) Baptism. | Assemblies of God practice believer’s (adult) baptism. |
| Sacraments | Foursquare churches have two sacraments; the believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. | Assemblies of God also have two sacraments; the believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. |
| The nature of man | Foursquare churches affirm that man is sinful by nature. Man was created in the image of God. However, man was punished by God due to his voluntary transgression and disobedience. The sinful nature is inherited from parents to Children. | Assemblies of God also acknowledge that man is sinful by nature. |
| Penal Substitutionary Atonement (Redemption) | Foursquare churches teach that Jesus died to redeem man from his sinful nature. | Assemblies of God also teach that Jesus died to redeem man from sin. |
| Salvation | Foursquare churches believe that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ. | Assemblies of God also teach that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ. |
| Justification | Foursquare churches teach that justification is through faith in Christ alone. | Assemblies of God adherents believe that justification is through faith in Christ alone. |
| Doctrine of New Birth | Foursquare church adherents believe in the doctrine of new birth. People are reborn or born again when they accept Christ as the King and Savior. | Assemblies of God adherents believe in the doctrine of new birth. Someone is reborn or born again when they accept Christ. |
| Second Coming of Christ | Foursquare church adherents believe that Jesus will return. They firmly believe that the 2nd coming is imminent and personal. | Assemblies of God adherents also firmly believe in the second coming of Jesus to judge the living and the dead. |
| Judgment | Foursquare church adherents believe that when Jesus returns, He will come to judge the living and the dead according to their actions here on earth. | Assemblies of God adherents also believe that when Christ returns during the end of times, He will come to judge the living and the dead according to their actions here on earth. |
| Heaven | Foursquare church teaches its followers that Heaven is a glorious place where God and His angels reside. After judgment, it is the place where all righteous people will go. | Assemblies of God also affirm that Heaven exists and is where those who have faith and believe in Jesus will live forever after judgment day. |
| Hell | Foursquare church teaches that hell is where the devil and his angels reside. After judgment day, all wicked people will live in hell forever. They will burn for eternity. | Assemblies of God adherents believe that hell is the final destination for all wicked people in this world. They will burn in eternal fire. |
| Evangelism | Foursquare church believes its adherents are called to spread the good news far and wide as Christ instructed His followers. | Assemblies of God place much emphasis on mission and evangelism. This is evident in the many faith-healing crusades the Church holds to spread the good news. |
What is the theological comparison between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God?
Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God share much in common theologically. For instance, both are Trinitarian. They believe that God exists in three forms; the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Both hold a firm belief that the Bible is divinely inspired. This is the belief that God inspired the authors of the Bible.
Both believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that Jesus died on the cross to redeem man from his sinful nature (penal substitutionary atonement). Both teach justification through faith in Christ alone because He agreed to carry the burden of man’s sins.
Also, both believe in the return of Christ to judge the living and the dead. Lastly, both believe in Baptism by the Holy Ghost. After Baptism, a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, which enables them to speak in tongues and perform miracles.
Which came first between Foursquare churches and Assemblies of God?
Foursquare came before the Assemblies of God. Foursquare was established in 1923. It began as a local church in Oakland, California, and since then, it has been striving to preach the Good News far and wide. On the other hand, Assemblies of God were established in 1914 in Arkansas (Hot Springs) in the United States. Three hundred people attended the founding convention. Therefore, Foursquare churches came before the Assemblies of God.
References
ag.org. (n.d.). The assemblies of god. Retrieved January 12, 2023
foursquare.org. (2022). Our mission + approach. Retrieved January 12, 2023
foursquaremissionspress.org. (n.d.). Declaration of faith. Retrieved January 12, 2023
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
