Church Profile: Foursquare Gospel Church

Let’s be honest for a second—if you’ve lived in Nigeria long enough, there’s a good chance you’ve passed a Foursquare Gospel Church on one busy street or another. And if you haven’t, e fit be say your driving route is either very suspicious or extremely limited. From Yaba in Lagos to the far corners of Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, Foursquare churches have quietly dotted the Nigerian landscape, carrying with them a rich heritage of Pentecostal fire, solid Bible teaching, and a vibrant sense of community.

But here’s the funny thing—despite their reach, a lot of Nigerians still don’t know the full story behind this church. What do they actually believe? Where did they come from? What makes them different from the many other churches you see every Sunday morning?

Well, let’s settle that today. Grab a drink, find your comfy chair, and let’s take a deep dive into the amazing story of the Foursquare Gospel Church, told with love, humor, and plenty of Nigerian-style commentary.

A Quick Disclaimer Before We Dive In

This is not a Wikipedia-style rundown of church history (although the facts are accurate). It’s not your average formal write-up either. This is a gist—a heartfelt, well-researched gist from one Nigerian to another, for believers, churchgoers, and curious souls alike.

Where It All Began – From Los Angeles to Lagos

The Foursquare Gospel Church didn’t start in Nigeria. Nope, it actually began far away—in the sunny city of Los Angeles, USA. In the 1920s, a bold, fearless woman named Aimee Semple McPherson started a movement that would eventually spread like wildfire across the world. Now, if you’re hearing that name for the first time, just know this: she was no ordinary preacher. She was a woman with the energy of 10 men, the passion of a prophet, and the media savvy of a celebrity. Radio ministry? She did it first. Massive crusades? Been there, done that.

She founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1923. The name “Foursquare” comes from her bold declaration that Jesus is:

1. The Saviour

2. The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

3. The Healer

4. The Soon Coming King

In simple terms, she didn’t just want people to know Jesus—she wanted them to know Him in all His fullness: saving your soul, filling you with power, healing your sickness, and preparing you for heaven. That’s the complete package, abi?

The Foursquare Gospel Church Lands in Nigeria

Fast forward to 1954. A missionary couple, Rev. & Mrs. H.J. Curtis, were sent to Nigeria from the U.S. to plant the Foursquare seed. They didn’t land in Abuja or Port Harcourt. Where did they go? Straight to Lagos—the land of endless hustle and unpredictable danfo drivers.

By 1955, the first official Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria was born in Yaba, Lagos. That branch became the foundation for a spiritual movement that has grown exponentially over the years. Before long, the work was handed over to indigenous Nigerian leaders, including spiritual icons like Rev. Boyejo, Rev. Samuel Odunaike, and Rev. Wilson Badejo.

These men were not playing. They ran with the vision like a relay baton and began planting churches all over Nigeria. Today, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria boasts thousands of branches, organized into zones and districts, with a strong administrative headquarters still standing tall in Yaba.

So What Do They Actually Believe?

Let’s break it down in plain English. Foursquare is what you’d call a Pentecostal evangelical church. That means they believe in:

• The authority of the Bible – Not vibes and vibes alone.

• Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ – No shortcuts, no family connections.

• Baptism in water and Baptism in the Holy Spirit – With evidence of speaking in tongues (yes, tongues that sound like remote-control passwords).

• Divine healing – They believe God still heals sickness today.

• The second coming of Jesus – And not in a distant metaphorical way; they believe it’ll be loud, glorious, and very literal.

They also hold firm to 22 key doctrines, which they call their “Tenets of Faith.” These are not just nice slogans. They’re foundational teachings that guide their worship, preaching, and everyday church life.

Sunday Service Vibes – What to Expect

Foursquare services are a beautiful blend of structure and spiritual spontaneity. You’ll find:

• Powerful praise and worship: Expect to dance, shout, cry, and jump—sometimes all in one service.

• Scripture-filled preaching: The messages are deeply rooted in the Bible, but delivered with fire. If your pastor isn’t sweating by the end, are they even trying?

• Testimonies: Ah, the classic! From “God gave me a job I didn’t apply for” to “My landlord returned my rent,” testimonies remind you that God is still moving.

• Altar calls: Whether for salvation, healing, or Holy Ghost baptism—Foursquare doesn’t joke with calling people to respond to God.

Some branches also include Sunday school, children’s church, and youth fellowship, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age—has a place to grow.

A Church That Grows Leaders, Not Just Members

One of the things that set Foursquare apart is how seriously they take leadership development. You can’t just wake up and say, “I want to be a pastor.” You’ll be sent to Bible College where you’ll study, pray, and be trained—spiritually and academically.

They also run McPherson University in Ogun State, which is a full-fledged private university accredited by the Nigerian government. This isn’t just for theology students; they offer courses in various disciplines, all rooted in Christian values.

Missions, Evangelism & Social Impact

You know how some churches say, “We’re going global,” and you never see them go past their compound wall? Yeah, not Foursquare. From day one, they’ve been a mission-minded church.

They’ve sent pastors and missionaries to neighboring African countries, and they’ve also impacted local communities through medical outreaches, youth empowerment, and educational programs. Foursquare is not just about filling church seats—they’re about changing lives. One soul, one family, one community at a time.

Youth Ministry and the Next Generation

Let me just say it—the youth department in Foursquare is not that sleepy group where teenagers come to whisper memory verses and eat biscuits. No way.

From the National Youth Camp to the powerful Student Campus Fellowships, Foursquare invests heavily in young people. They believe that the energy, creativity, and digital firepower of the next generation can be used to advance the Gospel. You’ll see young people leading worship, running media, evangelizing on campuses, and even starting their own ministries—with full church support.

The Leaders That Have Steered the Ship

Foursquare Nigeria has had some incredible leaders over the years. Men like:

• Rev. Isaac Boyejo – The pioneer.

• Rev. Samuel Odunaike – A teacher and visionary.

• Rev. Dr. Wilson Badejo – Who brought a wave of spiritual revival.

• Rev. Felix Meduoye – Known for his humble and impactful leadership.

• Rev. Sam Aboyeji – The current General Overseer, leading with fire, wisdom, and a deep heart for national revival.

Each of them brought something unique to the table and helped position Foursquare as one of the most stable, Bible-rooted churches in the country.

Challenges? Of Course. But Growth Continues

Let’s be honest—no church is perfect. Like any large organization, Foursquare has faced internal disagreements, leadership transitions, and challenges with adapting to the ever-evolving Nigerian society.

But here’s the beauty: through it all, the church has remained grounded. While others chase trends, Foursquare stays anchored in its vision—to spread the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, raise godly leaders, and prepare souls for eternity.

And if you think they’re slowing down, think again. New branches are opening. New leaders are rising. And the fire is still burning strong.

Conclusion

So, what’s the big deal about the Foursquare Gospel Church?

Well, it’s more than just a church. It’s a movement. A spiritual family. A ministry that has stood the test of time—from Los Angeles to Lagos, from dusty Bible college classrooms to high-tech Sunday services. Whether you’re looking for a solid church home, curious about Pentecostal theology, or just want to experience what Spirit-filled worship feels like—Foursquare is worth checking out.

At its core, Foursquare is about knowing Jesus completely—Saviour, Baptizer, Healer, and Coming King—and helping others do the same.

And in a country like Nigeria, where we are daily confronted with both physical and spiritual challenges, we can all use a church that reminds us that with God, all things are possible.