The New Apostolic Church (NAC) is a Christian denomination that originated from the Catholic Apostolic Church in Europe in the 19th century. The NAC believes that the keys to the kingdom of heaven were restored to the church through 12 modern-day apostles. Here is an overview of the New Apostolic Church and their key beliefs:
History and Origins
The New Apostolic Church traces its origins back to the Catholic Apostolic Church, also known as the Irvingites, founded in the 1830s by ministers Edward Irving and Henry Drummond. This church believed in modern-day apostles and prophets, miraculous spiritual gifts, and an imminent Second Coming of Christ. After Irving’s death in 1834, prophesies indicated that the church needed 12 apostles to prepare for the Second Coming. By 1835, the 12 apostles were appointed.
After the last of the 12 apostles passed away in 1901, there was confusion over how to continue the church. In Hamburg, Germany, three apostles were called: Friedrich Krebs, Heinrich Geyer, and Hermann Niehaus. This led to a split, with the church in Germany taking the name New Apostolic Church. The NAC believes these three new apostles restored the keys to the kingdom of heaven that were lost after the death of the 12 apostles in 1901.
The New Apostolic Church spread rapidly after this schism, especially across Europe. Today, it has around 9 million members worldwide, with the strongest presence still in Europe, Africa, and South America.
Beliefs and Practices
Here are some of the key doctrines and beliefs of the New Apostolic Church:
- Apostles – The NAC believes that God restored apostolic ministry in the 19th century to prepare the world for the return of Christ. Only those ordained as apostles by other apostles can be legitimate.
- Prophets – Along with apostles, prophets serve as spiritual leaders who receive revelation from God to impart to the church.
- Second Coming of Christ – The imminent return of Jesus Christ is central to the NAC. Apostles are ordained to prepare the church for this event.
- Baptism and Sealing – The NAC practices three sacraments – Holy Baptism with water, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion. Baptism and Sealing connect a person to Jesus and the apostolic ministry.
- Holy Communion – Also called the Lord’s Supper, this is celebrated frequently in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
- Afterlife – The righteous will go to paradise after death while unrepentant sinners will face eternal damnation. There is no concept of purgatory.
- Bible – The NAC believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God. However, apostles are gifted to reveal God’s will apart from scripture when necessary.
- Trinity – God is the triune God, existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Sin and Evil – Sin is transgression of God’s commandments. Satan and demons are real and influence people toward evil and unbelief.
In terms of practices, the New Apostolic Church has a structured liturgy including hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon. The focus is on the sacraments, such as Holy Communion administered by a priest. Worship and music styles vary across different regions and congregations.
Church Governance and Leadership
The New Apostolic Church has a hierarchical leadership structure. At the top is the Chief Apostle, seen as having the highest level of authority. Next are District Apostles who oversee large regional areas. Then comes apostles who administer smaller districts. Under these are bishops, elders, priests, and deacons. Only ordained priests and up can perform sacraments.
The Chief Apostle is considered the successor of Peter as head of the church. He is assisted by District Apostles who run administrative regions. Apostles ordain ministers, establish new congregations, and visit districts under their care. Congregations are led by ministers such as Shepherds, Evangelists, Priests, and Deacons. Lay members do not have leadership roles.
The current Chief Apostle is Jean-Luc Schneider of Switzerland. The church’s international headquarters is in Zurich. District Apostles oversee continents such as Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. There is a strict hierarchy that requires total obedience to those in spiritual authority.
Controversies and Criticisms
The New Apostolic Church has faced various controversies and criticisms over the years, including:
- Accusations of brainwashing members into blind obedience to apostles. Critics say members are unable to think for themselves.
- Exclusivist attitude that the NAC is the only true church and others are false. This contributes to separation from other Christians.
- Overemphasis on apostles as the sole source of spiritual authority, revelations, and interpretation of scripture.
- Prosperity gospel teachings and pressure on members to give large offerings and tithes.
- Lack of financial transparency and misuse of donations by some apostles.
- Suppression of women – no ordination of female ministers, and restrictions on women’s roles.
- Strict rules and policies about lifestyle, dress, entertainment, and behavior enforced by church leaders.
- Claims of false prophecies over the years regarding the imminent return of Christ and the end times.
Due to these concerns, some view the NAC to be a borderline cult or sect that exercises too much control over members. Apologists argue these are misunderstandings and that the NAC strongly champions religious freedom and accountability.
Relationships with Other Christians
The New Apostolic Church views itself as the restored apostolic church and the only legitimate continuation of the original Early Church. As such, its relationship to other Christian denominations is largely one of separation and criticism, rather than ecumenism. Some key points:
- The NAC considers Protestant churches like Lutherans and Reformed to be deficient since they lack living apostles.
- Catholicism is rejected for doctrinal errors and the lack of Christ’s authority within their clergy.
- Pentecostals and Charismatics are accused of false prophecies, false apostles, and spiritual delusion.
- Evangelicals are criticized for lack of true sacraments, disrespect of ministers, and accountability.
- Eastern Orthodoxy has maintained apostolic succession but is stagnant and legalistic.
There is limited cooperation with some Christian groups where the NAC does charity and community work. But genuine spiritual unity is essentially rejected in favor of the NAC considering itself the sole dispenser of divine truth and authority on earth.
Presence Around the World
Here is a brief overview of the presence and growth of the New Apostolic Church around the world:
- Europe – Around 3.8 million members concentrated in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Portugal and Hungary.
- Africa – Over 3 million members, especially in Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Angola.
- Asia – Steady growth in Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Philippines. Less presence in China and Middle East.
- North America – Around 200,000 members, with larger concentrations in the Eastern USA and Canada.
- South America – Almost 1 million members, predominantly in Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia.
- Australia and Oceania – Significant growth in Australia and New Zealand.
The NAC has expanded rapidly in Africa due to successful missionary work. Growth in North America and Asia is slower due to established Christian denominations. The church regularly appoints new apostles and prophets to support worldwide expansion.
Similar Denominations
The New Apostolic Church shares some similarities with these denominations:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) – Both believe in modern prophets and apostles as well as additional sacred texts beyond the Bible.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses – Strict beliefs, separation from other groups, centralized authority, and end times focus.
- Seventh-Day Adventist Church – Emphasis on end-times prophecy and the Second Coming of Christ.
- Shakers – Historic group that also believed in modern-day apostles and prophets.
However, there are also significant differences between the NAC and these groups in terms of specific doctrines and practices.
Conclusion
In summary, the New Apostolic Church is a rapidly growing restorationist church that teaches the return of biblical-style apostles and prophets in modern times. They claim to be the reestablished original church founded by Jesus, with authority to administer sacraments and prepare believers for the return of Christ. However, the church has also faced scrutiny and criticism for excessive control and claims of spiritual exclusivity. While sharing common threads with groups like Mormons, JWs, and Adventists, the New Apostolic Church retains its own unique ecclesiology and set of doctrines based on apostolic authority.
