What is an apostolic church believe? An apostolic church is a Christian denomination that holds to the belief that it is directly connected to the original apostles of Jesus Christ. This belief is rooted in the idea that the church has a divine mission to spread the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and to continue their work of establishing and nurturing the Christian faith. In this article, we will explore the core beliefs and practices of an apostolic church, and how they differ from other Christian denominations.
An apostolic church believes in the authority of the Bible as the ultimate source of spiritual truth and guidance. They hold that the teachings of the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, are essential for understanding and living out the Christian faith. This belief is often accompanied by a strong emphasis on the importance of apostolic succession, which is the idea that the church has maintained a direct line of leadership from the apostles to the present day.
One of the defining characteristics of an apostolic church is its focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts, as described in the New Testament, include prophecy, healing, tongues, and other miraculous abilities. Apostolic churches believe that these gifts are still active in the modern church and are essential for the church’s mission of spreading the Gospel. As a result, apostolic churches often place a strong emphasis on the practice of spiritual gifts and the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Another core belief of apostolic churches is the importance of church discipline and accountability. They believe that the church should be a community of believers who hold each other accountable to live according to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. This includes not only personal morality, but also the church’s role in the broader community. Apostolic churches often engage in social justice initiatives and community service projects as a way of living out their faith and demonstrating the love of Christ.
In terms of church governance, apostolic churches typically have a structure that reflects their belief in apostolic succession. This may include a bishop or apostolic leader who is seen as having a direct connection to the apostles, as well as a network of pastors and elders who are responsible for overseeing the church’s spiritual and administrative functions. This structure is designed to ensure that the church remains true to its apostolic roots and continues to fulfill its mission.
One of the unique practices of apostolic churches is the emphasis on the laying on of hands. This practice is believed to be a form of apostolic succession and is used for various purposes, including ordination, healing, and the empowerment of believers. The laying on of hands is seen as a symbol of the church’s connection to the apostles and the continuity of the Christian faith.
While apostolic churches share many beliefs with other Christian denominations, they also have distinct practices and traditions that set them apart. For example, apostolic churches often have a strong emphasis on the importance of music and worship, with many incorporating contemporary music and charismatic styles of worship into their services. They also tend to be more open to the use of modern technology and media in their outreach and communication efforts.
In conclusion, an apostolic church believes in the direct connection to the apostles of Jesus Christ and the importance of maintaining the apostolic succession. They emphasize the authority of the Bible, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, church discipline, and apostolic succession in their beliefs and practices. While apostolic churches may have unique traditions and practices, their ultimate goal is to spread the teachings of Jesus and the apostles and to continue their work in the modern world.
