The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (the Foursquare Church) operates with a blended church government. Its local church structure balances pastoral leadership with accountability and support from the denomination. Here’s a breakdown of the local church government, starting with the pastor:
1. Senior Pastor (Lead Pastor)
- Appointed, not elected: The senior pastor is appointed by the Foursquare district leadership.
- Spiritual and administrative leader: The pastor is entrusted with casting vision, preaching, teaching, equipping leaders, pastoral care, and overseeing the overall direction of the church.
- Accountability: The pastor is accountable to the District Supervisor and ultimately the Foursquare national leadership, not just to the local congregation or board.
2. Church Council
- Lay leadership team: Made up of trusted members from the local church, often 3–7 individuals.
- Advisory and financial oversight role: The council helps the pastor with financial decisions, budgeting, property issues, and provides wise counsel.
- Not a governing board: Unlike some denominations, the council doesn’t control the pastor or church direction; they serve to support and ensure integrity, especially in legal and financial matters.
- Council members are appointed: They are nominated and confirmed with input from the pastor and ratified by the congregation.
3. Elders + Deacons
- The Elders provide spiritual oversight of the church.
- The Elders are a covering, pray for blessing, and provide protection and anointing over the church.
- The Deacons do the work of the church that prepares the way for ministry: building lock-up, facility care, set-up, and clean-up, etc.
4. Pastors / Ministry Leaders / Department Heads
- Oversee specific areas of ministry (e.g., worship, youth, children, outreach).
- Typically appointed by the pastor and operate under the pastor’s leadership.
- Often volunteers, but some positions may be compensated.
5. Congregation
- Participates actively in the mission of the church.
- The focus is on being equipped for ministry, not governing the church.
6. Foursquare District Supervisor
- The District Supervisor plays a vital role in the accountability structure.
- Provides oversight, pastoral care, and can intervene in matters of pastoral transition, conflict, or discipline.
- Approves pastoral appointments and helps facilitate vision alignment with the broader Foursquare movement.
This model allows for strong pastoral leadership, wise lay counsel, and healthy external accountability—aligning with the Foursquare Church’s emphasis on Spirit-led ministry, order, and integrity.
Communication Flow
