Right here stands the New Covenant Apostolic Faith Church. It is a beacon of faith in this vibrant city. New Covenant Apostolic Faith Church sits at an elevation of six feet. The church is located in Orleans County. You can find it on the USGS 1:24K topographic map. The map is called New Orleans East.
New Covenant Apostolic Faith Church is more than just a location. It is a place of community. It is a place of worship.
The Church Of The Apostolic Faith is a Pentecostal church. It welcomes everyone to worship Jesus. The church extends a warm invitation. They would love to meet you.
The New Covenant Apostolic Order has a detailed history. It began as an “apostolic band” in the 1970s. Former Campus Crusade for Christ leaders founded it. They wanted to create a syncretic church. This church would blend Eastern Orthodox. It would also blend evangelical and Shepherding Movement elements.
In 1968, Jon Braun and Jack Sparks left Campus Crusade for Christ. They aimed to establish New Testament churches. Sparks later started the Christian World Liberation Front in Berkeley. Dissatisfied they reconnected in the early 1970s. Braun and Richard Ballew adopted a hierarchical church model. This model was based on Shepherding Movement teachings.
By February 1975 the group agreed. The church should be liturgical. It should have a clear hierarchical structure. Ray Nethery was skeptical. The group split into two camps. One leaned towards Eastern Orthodoxy. The other favored a Reformational view.
In November 1975, in Corpus Christi, Texas, they adopted the name New Covenant Apostolic Order. The first NCAO council met in 1976. They defined the Order’s basic characteristics. These included doctrines and government. The Order included seven founders and thirteen others. They were referred to as apostles. Elders governed the churches.
The NCAO established St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology. This was to train its clergy. In 1977, a split occurred. Those in the East disagreed with the Western contingent. The issue was binding individual consciences.
In 1979, the remaining members ordained themselves as bishops. They formed the Evangelical Orthodox Church. The NCAO became its mission arm. The NCAO dissolved. Most EOC congregations joined the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
The New Covenant Church started in 1985. Rev Paul Jinadu had a vision. He wanted to follow the New Testament pattern of the Church. He and his wife Catherine were missionaries in Nigeria.
The New Covenant Church is not a denomination. It is a concept. It welcomes all to fulfill their God-given mandate. The church has hundreds of branches. They are in over 45 countries.
The church’s mission is to empower every activity. This will fulfill Jesus’ command. The administrative head is the General Overseer. He is assisted by others. Faith, Scripture, and community are cornerstones of the church.
Youth and children’s ministries are vital. They provide nurturing environments. Rev. Michael Olufemi Oyelade and Rev. Mrs. Kate Jinadu are key leaders. They are dedicated to serving God. They are dedicated to serving the community.
The New Covenant Apostolic Faith Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a testament to community. It is a testament to a rich history. This church continues to inspire. It continues to serve. It continues to welcome all.