The New Apostolic Church is an international Christian church. The foundation of its teachings is the Holy Scripture. It developed from the Catholic Apostolic Church in 1863 and is led by apostles, just like the first Christian congregations.

The New Apostolic Church recognises three sacraments: Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion. Baptism with water is the first and fundamental act of the triune God’s grace upon a human being who believes in Christ. Through the act of Holy Sealing, the baptised believer is filled with the Holy Spirit. This occurs through prayer and laying-on of hands of an apostle. The body and blood of Christ are imparted in the sacrament of Holy Communion.

The return of Christ to take home His bride is a central component of New Apostolic doctrine. Other significant elements are missionary work and love for one’s fellow human being.

The New Apostolic Church emphasises the personal accountability of its members for their actions. The individual is responsible to God for his behaviour. The gospel of Christ and the system of values inherent in the Ten Commandments provide clear orientation in this respect.

The New Apostolic Church is politically neutral and independent. It is financed by the voluntary donationsof its members.

Over ten million Christians around the world currently profess the New Apostolic faith.

 

It seemed important to the Church’s leadership to formulate a self-image, which would help Church members to explain, in brief and simple terms, the most important elements of the New Apostolic faith and Church to people of other confessions. The self-image is to provide a base of globally uniform statements for use in public.

 

The way to salvation ordained by Jesus Christ for our time

1. The New Apostolic Church is led by Jesus Christ through living Apostles. Its doctrine is based on the Holy Scriptures.

2. The Apostle ministry is the ministry authorized by Jesus Christ to convey salvation.

3. Apostles are essential to prepare His church for His promised return.

4. The New Apostolic Church recognizes three Sacraments: Holy Baptism with water, Holy Sealing and Holy Communion.

5. Dispensing of Holy Sealing and Holy Communion as well as forgiveness of sins is bound to the Apostle ministry.

6. New Apostolic Christians have received the gift of the Holy Spirit through Holy Sealing.

7. Jesus Christ, of whom the Holy Scripture bears witness, is central to the faith life of New Apostolic Christians. He is active in His church today and He will return. The goal of faith of New Apostolic Christians is to be united with Christ when He returns.

 

PART 1: 1889 – 1928

Prelude to the arrival of the Evangelist Carl Klibbe in 1889

News of the re-established Apostle ministry probably reached Southern Africa for the first time through Edward Irving who maintained regular correspondence with a close friend and fellow Presbyterian minister, John Pears. John Pears was invited by the Dutch Reformed Church to minister to Scottish settlers and Dutch inhabitants in the Cape ...more

PART 2: 1928 – 1970

Consolidation and Growth: 1928-1940

 

As a result of Apostle Schlaphoff's death, his son was commissioned to take over the leadership of the church in Southern Africa. Heinrich Franz Schlaphoff was ordained as apostle on 5 December 1928, who immediately set about to consolidate the various congregations. Under his guidance an era of expansion commenced and he also gave permission for the building of the first church in Pretoria....more

 

PART 3: 1970 – 2009

The Lord's Work Introduced to Mozambique: 1970

The Work of God was introduced to this part of Africa when Priest Benjamin Diedericks moved with his family to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in December 1970. Eager to spread the Lord's Work, he was standing one day next to his car inviting people to a service. He could hardly manage, since he could not really speak Portuguese ...more