New Apostolic Church

The history of the New Apostolic Church is marked by schisms and a spirit of renewal. It began in Hamburg, Germany in 1863 when a group of believers split from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The New Apostolic Church, like its parent church, is a restorationist tradition. It believes that it is the re-established continuation of the Early Church and its leaders are successors of the twelve apostles. At the forefront of their doctrines is the Second Coming of Christ and the importance of the apostle ministry. The New Apostolic Church emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include prophecy, speaking in tongues, and miraculous healing. Most of its doctrines are akin to mainstream Christianity, especially its liturgy, but its organization and hierarchy are similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church. The New Apostolic Church is organized hierarchically, with the Chief Apostle as the head of the church. The Chief Apostle appoints all subsequent apostles. In the 1950s, under Chief Apostle J. G. Bischoff, the church experienced a major schism. Bischoff’s message, that he would not die before the Second Coming of Christ, was rejected by many members, and they left to form their own congregations. The New Apostolic Church has grown since that time, however, and now has millions of members worldwide. Located on Miles Avenue, the New Apostolic Church in Austin belongs to this faith.