The New Apostolic Church (NAC) is an chiliastic church, existing since 1879 in Germany and since 1897 in the Netherlands. It came forth from the Hamburg schism in 1863 in the Catholic Apostolic Church, which was founded in 1847 in England and started in the 1830s as an renewal movement in among others the Anglican Church and Church of Scotland. Millennialism (or chiliasm), from millennium, which literally means thousand years, is primarily a belief expressed in some Christian denominations, and literature, that there will be a Golden Age or Paradise on Earth where Christ will reign prior to the final judgment and future eternal state, primarily derived from the book... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχισμα, schisma (from σχιζω, schizo, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization. ... 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar). ... The Catholic Apostolic Church, a millenarian religious community often called Irvingites, though it was never actually founded nor anticipated by Edward Irving. ... 1847 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Royal motto (French): Dieu et mon droit (Translated: God and my right) Englands location within the British Isles Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area – Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population – Total (mid-2004) – Total (2001 Census) – Density Ranked 1st UK... The Anglican Communion is a world-wide organisation of Anglican Churches. ... The Church of Scotland (C of S, also known informally as The Kirk; until the 17th century officially the Kirk of Scotland) is the Christian national church of Scotland. ...

History

Through prophecies in England in 1832 John Bate Cardale was called as the first apostle of the second sending. Until 1835 eleven more men from various Christian denominations, social positions and religious training were called to the new founded apostleministry. After a long period of combined preparation, these apostles started to travel around the world, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The mean point of their gospel was the presently return of Jesus Christ and spreading the sacrament of the Holy Sealing (to be compared with confirmation). Prophecy, in a broad sense, is the prediction of future events. ... 1832 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... The Twelve Apostles (in Koine Greek απόστολος apostolos [1], someone sent forth/sent out, an emissary) were probably Galilean Jewish men (10 names are Aramaic, 4 names are Greek) chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth by Jesus of Nazareth to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles... | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... List of Christian denominations ordered by historical and doctrinal relationships. ... For the novel by Wilton Barnhardt, see Gospel: a novel, for the manga, see One-Pound Gospel. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth; for other uses, see Jesus (disambiguation). ... This page is about the title, for the Christian figure, see Jesus Christ is the English representation of the Greek word Χριστός The Christian religion takes its name from Christ, as a title given to Jesus of Nazareth, always capitalized as a singularly descriptive title meaning literally The Anointed One. ... A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace—a holy mystery. ... Confirmation is a rite used in many Christian churches. ...

Apostle Schwartz later in life

After the death of three apostles in 1855 the apostolate declared that there was no reason to call new apostles. Two callings of substitutes were explained by the apostolate in 1860 as coadjutors to the remaining apostles. After this event another apostle was called in Germany in 1862 by the prophet Heinrich Geyer. The English apostles didn't agree with this calling, and therefore the Hamburg congregation with its 'angel' F.W. Schwartz splitted up to the Allgemeine Christliche Apostolische Mission in 1863 and the Dutch branch of the Restored Apostolic Mission Church (at first known as Apostolische Zending, since 1893 officialy registered as Hersteld Apostolische Zendingkerk (HAZK)). Image File history File links Apostle F.W. Schwartz - Restored Apostolic Mission Church of the Netherlands - selfmade scan - died in 1895, so the original photograph must be at least that old File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old... Image File history File links Apostle F.W. Schwartz - Restored Apostolic Mission Church of the Netherlands - selfmade scan - died in 1895, so the original photograph must be at least that old File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old... Death is the cessation of physical life in a living organism, or the state of the organism after that event. ... 1855 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Alster Lake at dusk Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and with the Hamburg Harbour, its principal port. ... 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar). ... Scheme of several Apostolic Churches inside and outside the Netherlands from 1830 until 2005. ... 1893 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Scheme of several Apostolic Churches inside and outside the Netherlands from 1830 until 2005. ...

While the English apostles were dying, the new generation of German apostles started to spread "the word" around the world. After a second schism in 1897 in the Netherlands, the number of twelve apostles was bygone and more men were ordained as apostles. In 1907 the name of the church in Germany was changed into New Apostolic Church. In the Netherlands the name Hersteld Apostolische Zendinggemeente in de Eenheid der Apostelen (HAZEA) that was adopted after the schism of 1897, was maintained until the 1960s. The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχισμα, schisma (from σχιζω, schizo, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization. ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

The New Apostolic Church formed a central ruling ministry in form of the "Chief Apostle". Parallel to the progress of the new apostolic denomination there occurred splittings throughout the world on several occasions. The Chief Apostle, also known as the Stammapostle, is the highest ministry in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896. ...

The reasons for these splittings were different but mainly related with the central ministry of the Chief Apostle and its claim for supremacy.

The first big split occurred in Saxonia in 1921. The New Apostolic Chief Apostle Hermann Niehaus was led more and more by emotions, dreams and visions after 1914. The Saxonian Apostle Brückner became the solicitor for all those who critized the spiritual views of the Chief Apostle and the worshipping of his person. The different opinions led to the exclusion of Apostle Brückner and some thousand believers in 1921. The excluded founded the "Reformiert-Apostolischer Gemeindebund." With an area of 18,400 sq. ... 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... 1914 (MCMXIV) is a common year starting on Thursday. ...

The main reason for the great splittings of the New Apostolic Church in Switzerland 1954 and West-Germany 1955 was the new teaching in 1951 of the then reigning Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff. This teaching presumed that he would not die before Jesus Christ returned to take the predestined into his kingdom (First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching, called "The Botschaft," became an official dogma. Those ministries especially the apostles who did not preach this lost their office and were excluded from the New Apostolic Church. Chief Apostle Bischoff died in 1960, without his dogma being fulfilled. There was no restoration of the excommunicated ministries to this day. On May 1st, 2005 a document of first steps of reconciliation was signed by the Swiss New Apostolic Church and the United Apostolic Church in Switzerland (=Vereinigung Apostolischer Christen). 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... West Germany was the informal English name for the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1990, during which years the Federal Republic did not include the German Democratic Republic (informally known in English as East Germany). ... 1955 (MCMLV in Roman) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... // Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas) is belief or doctrine held by a religion or any kind of organization to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. ...

The various communities and congregations which evolved out of these conflicts in different countries (Australia, Europe, South Africa) gathered 1956 in the "United Apostolic Church". World map showing Europe Europe is conventionally considered one of the seven continents which, in this case, is more a cultural and political distinction than a physiogeographic one. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The member churches of the United Apostolic Church (de:Vereinigung Apostolischer Gemeinden, nl:Vereniging van Apostolische Gemeenten) are independent communities in the tradition of the catholic-apostolic revival movement which started in the beginning of the 19th century from England and Scotland. ...

Doctrine

The New Apostolic Church sees herself as the salvation work of Jesus Christ and is strongly expecting the return of Jesus Christ in the near future, aiming to be led into heaven when Jesus Christ returns on earth. The base of this faith is found in the Bible. Doctrine, from Latin doctrina, (compare doctor), means a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system. ... Michelangelos interpretation of Heaven Heaven is an afterlife concept found in many religions or spiritual philosophies. ... The word faith has various uses; its central meaning is similar to belief, trust or confidence, but unlike these terms, faith tends to imply a transpersonal rather than interpersonal relationship – with God or a higher power. ... The Bible (Hebrew תנ״ך tanakh, Greek η Βίβλος [hē biblos] ) (sometimes The Holy Bible, The Book, Good Book, Word of God, The Word, or Scripture), from Greek (τα) βίβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, is the classical name for the Hebrew Bible of Judaism or the combination of the Old Testament and New Testament of Christianity...

The New Apostolic Church knows three sacraments: A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace. ...

Holy Baptism with water

In the NAC is the Holy Baptism with water part of the spritual rebirth and a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit. Everyone can be baptised, both children and adults. The baptism can be transferred by priestly ministries.

Baptism in early Christian art. ...

Holy Communion

In every service the sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated. The holy communion is accessible for baptized members of the Church and those who have been invited as guests. Priestly ministries direct the holy communion.

The Eucharist is either the Christian sacrament of consecrated bread and wine or the ritual surrounding it. ...

Holy Sealing

The Holy Sealing is a part of the spiritual rebirth. It is the baptising with the Holy Spirit as it was in Jesus' time. In this act, believes the NAC, man becomes a child of God and will be ready to enter heaven. The Holy Sealing can only be transferred by an apostle. Just like the holy baptism, the holy sealing is accessible to both children and adults.

This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Michelangelos depiction of God in the painting Creation of the Sun and Moon in the Sistine Chapel) This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and derived henotheistic forms. ... Michelangelos interpretation of Heaven Heaven is an afterlife concept found in many religions or spiritual philosophies. ...

Organisation

The headoffice of the New Apostolic Chuch is located in Zurich, Switzerland. From here the worldwide church is led. The church is split up in several regional churches, covering entire countries or continents. The NAC finances herself thanks to voluntarily gifts of the churchmembers. The NAC doesn't collect taxes. The received money is used for building maintenance, social aid and aid to the developing countries. The church is politically neutral and expects her members to comply with the local laws. Location within Switzerland   Zürich[?] (German pronunciation IPA: ; usually spelled Zurich in English) is the largest city in Switzerland (population: 366,145 in 2004; population of urban area: 1,091,732) and capital of the canton of Zürich. ... A developing country is a country with low average income compared to the world average. ...

Worldwide the NAC has eleven million members spread over all continents.

Ministries

The ministries in the NAC are hierarchical. Only men can carry a ministry. The different ministries are: A hierarchy (in Greek hieros = sacred, arkho = rule) is a system of ranking and organizing things. ...

Apostles

Chief Apostle 

The Chief Apostle is the head of the church. His position can be compared to the one Apostle Peter had 2,000 years ago in the circle of the Apostles. Only the chief apostle can appoint new apostles. The current chief apostle is Wilhelm Leber.

District Apostles 

District apostles govern the different regional churches, supported by apostles.

Apostles 

The apostleministry is the most important ministry in the NAC. Only apostles can carry out the gift of the Holy Spirit and ordain new ministries. Apostles don't have a parish, they travel around the world to direct divine services. On the moment, around 360+ apostles are working on earth.

The Chief Apostle, also known as the Stammapostle, is the highest ministry in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896. ... Petrus, by Francesco del Cossa Saint Peter, also known as Peter, Simon ben Jonah/BarJonah, Simon Peter, Cephas and Kepha—original name Simon or Simeon (Acts 15:14)—was one of the twelve original disciples or apostles of Jesus. ... Dr. Wilhelm Leber (* July 20, 1947 in Herford, Westfalen, Germany). ...

Priests

The different priestly ministries work in the local parishes and have responsibility for the direct spiritual care of the parishioners. Priestly ministries can carry out the holy baptism and the holy communion. Unless an apostle is present, the priests lead the service. Sometimes priests are sent out by a bishop or elder to lead divine service in a nearby parish.

Bishops 

A bishop works in several church disticts, often in directly supporting the apostle working in his district.

District Elders 

District Elders are mostly leading a regional church district.

District Evangelists 

District Evangelists support the district elders.

Shepherds 

A shepherd is local working, mostly leading large parishes.

Evangelists 

A evangelist is local working, leading parishes. The Evangelist ministry is charged with testimony of the religion. It is usually associated in newly founded parishes responsible for testifying the religion to non-members and members alike.

Priests 

Priests have direct responsibility for the spiritual care of the parishioners. In a parish can work several priests, depending on the local need. It is possible for them to lead a parish.

A bishop is an ordained member of the Christian clergy who, in certain Christian churches, holds a position of authority. ... Titians The Pastoral Concert Pastoral refers to the lifestyle of shepherds. ... Evangelism is the proclaiming of the Christian Gospel. ... Roman Catholic priest LCDR Allen R. Kuss (USN) aboard USS Enterprise A priest or priestess is a holy man or woman who takes an officiating role in worship of any religion, with the distinguishing characteristic of offering sacrifices. ...

Deacons

Deacons 

The deacon ministry is a local ministry. A deacon only works in his home parish. Here he supports the priests.

Deacon is a role in the Christian Church which is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. ...

External links

• New Apostolic Church International