The late Jerry Cook, an incredible Foursquare pastor and mentor, used to regularly ask us, “Are you being a fortress or a force?”

This question is pivotal in our mission to bring the love and good news of Jesus Christ to our world.

A religious fortress has walls of defense and creates an inner culture that is separate from the world around it. A kingdom force sweeps out into the world bringing abundant life and God’s culture of love wherever it goes.

Are you being a fortress or a force?

As we lead at various levels in Foursquare churches, our communities, and our families, we need to focus on being God’s sent ones!

Human culture and worldview along with a pandemic that has radically changed the landscape of human reality, are pressing us and could cause us to respond and lead out of a fortress mentality.

I’m reminded that Jesus responded to Peter’s confession of his commitment to Jesus as Messiah that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. The enemy is trying to distract us with fortress building and that pushes us to the fringe. Don’t fall for that temptation! Jesus sent us out with love and power.

We, as the church, need to focus on tearing down barriers to the Gospel (which is the “Good News” by the way!), not building barriers against the people around us.

Go fill the world with the Good News of God’s love!

Praying for you as you lead!
– Edler

MEET OUR NEW FOURSQUARE NORTHWEST MISSION TEAM. The NW Mission Team exists to team with you to help connect your church to the incredible adventure of following the Great Commission to the ends of the earth! Meet the Foursquare Northwest Mission Team HERE
FOURSQUARE LEADER CONFERENCE BREAKOUTS are for connection, encouragement + equipping! Join us in-person + online Oct 13-15, 2022 for the Northwest Foursquare Leader Conference. Breakout spots are limited. Register now to get your top choice. Register for FLC + Breakouts HERE
FOURSQUARE RECOMMENDS: EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY LEADER COHORT. Sign-ups are now open for a 10-week "Emotionally Healthy Leader" online cohort launching Aug 1. Sessions are led by Trey Abney + co-facilitated by other qualified ministry coaches + counselors. More info + register HERE.
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