Our Mission
Father's House exists to equip believers for the work of the ministry through teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, worship and prayer.

Equipping:
Equipping is that process that brings people to wholeness and maturity and releases them into His service. Our mission in the millennium is to prepare and release believers of all ages into the worldwide harvest, to plant churches, and to reach the central coast with the Good News of Christ.

The Work of the Ministry:
The work of the ministry is the threefold work of evangelism, edification, and service.

* First, our mission is to evangelize, both through word and through deed, the generations.
(2 Cor. 5:17-29 & John 20:21)

* Second, our mission is to encourage each member in their personal responsibility of doing the 59 "one anothers" of the New Testament in order to build up (edify) the body of Christ.
(Gal. 5:13 & Heb. 3:13)

* Third, our mission is to be a positive influence upon the society around us. Our concern therefore is for the unborn, the broken, the prisoner and all peoples.
(Matt. 5:13-16 & 25:31-36)

What Foursquare Means
We are "foursquare" in the full meaning of the word: i.e., forthright, unequivocating, solidly and boldly presenting a firm stand. Our firm stand pertains to the elemants of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We believe and proclaim the four essential ministries of the Lord Jesus:

* Jesus Christ the Savior (John 3:16 & Acts 4:12)

* Jesus Christ the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8 & Acts 2:4)

* Jesus Christ the Healer (Heb. 13:8 & James 5:14-15)

* Jesus Christ the Coming King (John 14:3 & 1 Thess. 4:16-17)

Our Church Government
Different People, churches, Christian organizations, and denominations hold varying philosophies of church government. Sometimes a person who transfers into a new church isn't aware that their new fellowship may operate differently than what they perhaps have experienced in the past. We hope that the following information will be helpful to you who maybe new to our Foursquare church.

Some churches are congregational in their view of church government. This means that authority rests with the congregation. Major decisions such as hiring or dismissing pastors, etc. are decided by the congregation.

The Foursquare denomination, however, operates with a modified hierarchical view of church government. Essentially this means that authority rests with appointed leadership. The pastor of each local church is appointed or dismissed by the district supervisor. Each local church, however, operates with a church council which advises him and helps with the oversight of all financial matters.

Atascadero Foursquare Church operates with a plurality of leadership involving men and women who function as elders and financial overseers alongside the pastors. This check and balance system allows others besides the pastors to carry responsibility and authority, and facilitates a "team" mentality of church ministry and administration.

The Shepherd's Council
Currently Father's House operates with both a Church Council and a Shepherd's Council. The Shepherd's Council is made up of men and women appointed by the pastor. They meet regularly to give counsel and make decisions about the spiritual direction of the church. This body of mature brethren serve as the eldership of this fellowship.

The Church Council
Financial and maintenance needs of the church are under the oversight of a Church Council. From nominees received by current councilmen, new members of this council are selected. These overseers serve for a term of two years and are the equivalent of the New Testament deacon.
Each meets the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-10.

The wisdom, knowledge and sacrifice of both of these groups of servants has proved invaluable in the building and guiding of this fellowship through the years. Also vital to the building of this work are the gifted men and women who have and continue to contribute in the areas of Men's ministry, Women's ministry, Youth ministry, Children's ministry, prayer, hospitality, counseling, and concern for the poor.

Our Foundations
Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church. He came to restore man's broken relationship with God. It is our goal to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives, and to proclaim His work of salvation to the generations. (John 3:16)

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is our goal to teach the Bible in public, study it in private, and embrace it as a guidebook for are everyday life. (1 Tim. 3:16-17)

Love for one another is the greatest testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ in our world today. It is goal to exhibit a Christ- like love for every person. The proof of our love should be evident in our words and in our deeds.

Worship is the overflowing expression of love and reverence for God. It is our goal to make our entire lifestyle - at home, at work, or in the public gatherings - an expression of true worship. (Mark 12:28-30)

Service is the work and responsibility of all believers, not just that of the church leaders. It is our goal, at AFC to stimulate and equip each member to carry out their personal ministry. (Eph. 4:11-13)

Growth is simply defined as becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is our goal to encourage individual growth through small groups, Bible studies, men's groups, women's groups, youth groups, intercession groups, the Ministry Training Center and regular exposure to the giftings of many servants of God within the wider Body of Christ.

Our Values
Doctrine: The faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word Has always been given priority at Atascadero Foursquare Church. Feeding the flock of God is a Kingdom mandate that is central to who we are and what we do in all of our gatherings.

We place the highest value on people knowing the great truths of the Scriptures. Therefore the spiritual disciplines of meditation, study, and devotionals is greatly encouraged among His people.

Practice: The Word of God must not simply be heard or read, it must also be put into practice. It is our constant endeavor by means of example, relevant preaching and training to encourage the church on the "how to's" of living the Christian life. It is our conviction that Christianity must "go home". That is, that it make a positive difference in marriage, raising a family, on the job, and even as a citizen when His people become "doers" of the Word.

Experience: Every relationship is experiential, including our relationship with God. The Christian walk is well balanced if it is comprised of Doctrine, Practice and Experience. Just is reduced to a certain set of practices, the faith becomes "sweaty". Therefore, we encourage God's people to know Him also in an experiential manner.

Jesus is the God of the personal encounter. Throughout His earthly sojourn Jesus constantly encountered people, touching each at their point of need. We believe He continues to do so. He is same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore we contend for the experience of His presence in our gatherings and the healing touch of His hand to our bodies.