Fred Parker, who most notably served The Foursquare Church as supervisor of the Great Lakes District from 1987-2002, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug 22. He was 90.
During his tenure as supervisor, over 100 new churches were planted in the district. In 1995 Camp Hickory, in Northern Illinois, was purchased; Fred served as camp manager from 2003-2007.
“Fred appointed Cindy and I to our first pastorate, and he encouraged us through the highs and lows of ministry,” remembers Dan Mundt, DSL, who now serves as Foursquare’s director of leader health. “He was also a mentor with his words and actions. Probably most notable was his love for the next generation. In the former Great Lakes District one of his legacy achievements was establishing Camp Hickory. Camp Hickory still serves the church as a place of hope and peace.”
Following his conversion to Christ at age 21, Fred enrolled in LIFE Bible College (now Life Pacific University), where he met his wife, Shirley; the couple married in 1958. He received his Bachelor of Theology from LIFE a year later, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Western State College in 1964. He later completed his master’s degree in church leadership from Crown College. He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from The Foursquare Church in 1997, and his 60-Year Service award in 2019.
“Fred was a statesman in our movement, a godly, articulate and shepherding leader who cared deeply about the church and her leaders,” says Foursquare President Randy Remington. Remembering how Fred invited him and his wife, Sandy, to explore a church planting opportunity in his district, Randy adds that the time “left its mark on our lives due to his grace-filled, thoughtful and visionary leadership.”
During his longstanding career with Foursquare, Fred served in many ministerial roles, including one year as an assistant pastor in Kansas City, Mo., followed by 27 years as the senior pastor of Grand Junction Foursquare Church in Grand Junction, Colo. (1960-1987). Other roles included divisional superintendent, member of the missionary cabinet, the Foursquare cabinet, the National Youth Council and LIFE Bible College East board of directors.
Fred is survived by his wife, Shirley, who lives in Wichita, Kan.; their two adult children, Brenda Burger and Ronda (Mike) Eisenhauer; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service is planned for Sept. 14 at Christian Chapel Foursquare Church in Wichita, Kansas. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
