The Clinton congregation of the Foursquare Gospel Church began as a small group of people gathered under a tent in Camanche, IA. After 11 pastors in 15 years, Pastors Jim and Sharon Machen, who were brand new Mt. Vernon Bible College graduates, came to Clinton in June of 1969. In 44 years of ministry Jim and Sharon sought to develop and pastor not just a single church but a whole community by becoming a house of healing for the Gateway area.  In June of 2013, Pastors Jim and Sharon retired from full time ministry and were succeeded by their son and daughter-in-law, Pastors Jim and Lisa Machen.

As we grow, we seek to remain committed to community in meaningful ways.  We connect with our local middle school and high school students through ‘Doughnut Squad’.  This persistent group has handed out over 10,000 doughnuts in the last 5 years as well as served the area high school students at Gateway After Prom. Our eyes were opened to a financial need in our community which led to the development of the COTOD Food Pantry which serves an average of 240 different families per month.  We are committed to serving the whole family and one of the ways we do this is our annual Easter Egg Hunt which serves 500+ children and parents of the community.

We have a legacy of being committed to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the Gateway area.  This will continue as we develop Emotionally Healthy Relationship groups to strengthen the family units in our community.  We are also committed to community on a national level and are proud to partner with Life Pacific University-Virginia’s residency program to train young men and women for a lifetime of service both inside and outside the walls of the church.