'Unlocking the Mysteries of the Apostolic Church: A Comprehensive Guide'

Apostolic Church

The Apostolic Church is a group of churches that seek to uphold or return to the teachings and practices of the early church. Some of these churches hold Pentecostal doctrine, while others do not. The two largest groups are the Apostolic Church and the New Apostolic Church International.

The Apostolic Church, also known as the Apostolic Faith Church, originated from the Welsh revival of 1904-1905. It is a worldwide fellowship with approximately 6 million members. Each national church within the Apostolic Church is led by a chief apostle and has its own self-governing structure.

The doctrine of the Apostolic Church is similar to that of most evangelical churches. They believe in the unity of the Godhead and recognize the distinctions between the members of the Trinity. They also emphasize the need for conviction of sin, repentance, restitution, and confession for salvation. However, they differ from many evangelicals in their belief that speaking in tongues is a sign of Holy Spirit baptism and in their teaching that the ministry of apostles and prophets should continue in the present age.

The New Apostolic Church International traces its roots back to the British revivals of the 1830s. It has more than 11 million members worldwide. The revival movement in Great Britain during this time led to many people praying for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Apostles were ordained by 1832, leading to the formation of the Catholic Apostolic Church. However, a schism in 1863 over differing interpretations of Scripture and the appointment of new apostles resulted in the formation of the New Apostolic Church.

The doctrine of the New Apostolic Church shares similarities with other evangelical churches, such as belief in the virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, and literal return of Jesus Christ. However, they have distinct beliefs regarding conversion. According to their doctrine, the water of baptism is an essential part of rebirth and entitles the believer to the sealing of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given by the act and authority of an apostle, making the believer a child of God and incorporating them into the body of Christ.

Another group that falls under the umbrella of Apostolic churches is the Apostolic Christian Church in America. It was formed in Lewis County, New York, in 1847 and can trace its history back to the work of Samuel Froehlich in Switzerland during the 1830s. Froehlich was greatly influenced by the 16th-century Anabaptists, and his church was known in Europe as Evangelical Baptist. The Apostolic Christian Church holds to a literal interpretation of Scripture and uses it as their sole basis for life and practice.

Why This Matters

Understanding the different branches within the Apostolic Church helps us appreciate the diversity of Christian beliefs and practices. While these churches share common ground with mainstream evangelicals in many areas, they also hold distinct beliefs regarding baptism, speaking in tongues, and the continuation of apostles and prophets. Exploring these differences allows us to engage with different perspectives on faith and deepen our understanding of biblical interpretation.

Think About It

• How does your own church's beliefs align or differ from those of the Apostolic Church?
• Do you believe that speaking in tongues is a necessary sign of Holy Spirit baptism?
• What are your thoughts on the continuation of apostles and prophets in the present age?