Apostolic Church Origins: 6 Things That Led to Development of Christian Denomination

The Apostolic Church involves several denominations of Christians. Some of the churches differ. There are those that include the Pentecostal origins, such as charismatic experiences and speaking in tongues. Others avoid the charismatic approach, but have similar spiritual beliefs involving the literal interpretation of Scriptures.

The Apostolic Church, also known as the Apostolic Faith Church and the New Apostolic Church are among the largest denominations.

Here are six things that helped develop the Apostolic Church:

ALERT: When Do You Think Christ Is Returning? Vote Now

1. A movement began in England and Scotland in the early 1800s among theologians and Christians who began praying for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Some of them believed that their fervent prayers renewed a calling from God for new apostles.

2. Some of these new apostles settled in Germany in 1863 to form the New Apostolic Church. They acted as the apostles did by teaching and baptizing converts as well as helping to sanctify them through the Holy Spirit.

3. The New Apostolic Church had similarities to evangelical churches except for its focus on the role of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the practices of the Pentecostal movement, the new apostles called on the Holy Spirit as a part of baptism or sanctification when a believer accepts Christ. A convert to the church confesses to sins and strives for a sinless life during his or her conversion with the Holy Spirit.

VOTE NOW: Is Christ Returning?

4. The Apostolic Church in America can trace some of its beliefs back to the Anabaptist movement in Europe during the 16th century. Anabaptist held strict beliefs on the literal teachings of the Bible. Christians influenced by this movement set up the Apostolic Christian Church in 1847 in Lewis County, New York.

5. The Apostolic Faith Church had Pentecostal beginnings. William Oliver Hutchinson formed a Pentecostal Church in Britain in 1909. It was later a headquarters for a network of Pentecostal groups, which became known as the Apostolic Faith Church.

6. Many Pentecostals began accepting Apostolic beliefs during revivals or meetings. In 1920, Ben Fisher, who led an independent Pentecostal church in Belfast, Northern Ireland invited an Apostolic preacher to minister at his church. That resulted in the Pentecostal group affiliating with the Apostolic Church in Wales.

URGENT: When Do You Think Christ Will Return? Vote Here Now!

Related Stories:

• Jindal Prayer Rally Incurs Liberal Wrath

• Arkansas Gun Range May Be in Legal Crosshairs for Muslim Ban