The Vine and the Branches: A History of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

It was with the aim of ?Worldwide, Interdenominational Evangelism? that Aimee Semple McPherson dedicated Angelus Temple on January 1, 1923. Shortly thereafter, an evangelistic training institute was created. And in 1927, the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel came into existence. From its beginning in the early twentieth century, the ministry of the Foursquare Gospel Church and its message of ?Jesus Christ the same, Yesterday and Today and Forever,? has spread into more than 140 countries of the world, with more than 66,000 churches ministering to more than 8.7 million members worldwide.  The Vine and the Branches: A History of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel) traces the growth of the Foursquare Church, its doctrine, organization, mission to the world, and even its difficulties. Written by one who was a productive participant in much of its history, this book provides an honest accurate and perceptive record of those who have contributed to its present role in the Body of Christ. Review ?The Vine and The Branches is a verbal video of our Foursquare Church forebears and founders (Note the plural, please!). This God-produced drama has unfolded under His hand over decades of His blessing upon a cast of multitudes. We?ve been given a wealth of ?gems,? an inheritance in ?the life and testament? of laborers who birthed a family and laid durable spiritual foundations. Read this book for inspiration, insight, and instruction. The wisdom of years is distilled ?between the lines??evidenced by our Lord?s having taken a people and ?built up a spiritual house? through the Holy Spirit?s gifts, graces, and glory. We will enrich our future as we welcome the wisdom of our history?by both honoring it and applying the timeless spiritual values and priorities that have been lived, sown, watered, and harvested to grow a global, Spirit-filled, Christ-glorifying movement.? ?Dr. Jack W. Hayford Chancellor of The King?s University?The Vine and The Branches is a faith classic?the story of God's promises intersecting with men and women chosen for a particular purpose. It is the genesis of the Foursquare Movement through which millions were transformed. This extraordinary venture is still ongoing, yet transforming, and is once again beckoning men and women to a particular purpose. This is our story. This is our song.??Dr. Wayne Cordeiro President of New Hope International Review ?Heritage!  The profound richness encompassed in the meaning of that word far exceeds its etymology, especially in its use to describe the wealth of our Foursquare legacy as written inThe Vine and the Branches. Within these pages, heritage shines as an undeterred beacon, lighting the way before us into our future. There is no greater gift than to realize that the Lord not only birthed and established The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, but also continues to advance it for His glory. This new edition of Nathaniel M. Van Cleave?s original publication stirs us to vital remembrance of our roots and enflames renewed passion for mobilizing ?the whole church, taking the whole Gospel, to the whole world.???Dr. Glenn C Burris, Jr. President, The Foursquare Church About the Author Dr. Nathaniel Van Cleave was a faithful servant of the Lord in the Foursquare Church?pastor, missionary, theologian, professor, author, musician, supervisor, and Bible college president. As a young man, his life was deeply influenced by the ministry of many significant Pentecostal preachers during the first generation of Pentecostal outpouring in North America. Gifted by God with extraordinary abilities, he made ?full proof of his ministry,? devoting himself to preaching and teaching the Word for more than fifty years. He authoredHandbook of Preaching, which has been reprinted numerous times and is translated for use in many training centers around the world, and co-authore