Nieuw Apostolische Kerk (New Apostolic Church)

The New Apostolic Church is a Christian denomination that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. The church emphasizes the importance of apostles and their role in the early Christian church.

• Chain of Succession: The church believes in maintaining a direct link with the original apostles through a chain of successive apostles, where new apostles are ordained through a ritual called "laying on of hands."

The church believes that each apostle receives a sevenfold gift, which includes spiritual gifts like prophecy, healing, and tongues. These gifts are seen as essential for the work of an apostle, who serves as a mediator between God and humanity.

1. Two-Way Communication: The church emphasizes the importance of two-way communication between God and humanity, believing in prayer as a means of communicating with God and that God speaks to humans through various forms of inspiration, such as dreams or inner promptings.

The New Apostolic Church does not recognize the traditional seven sacraments. Instead, they focus on spiritual experiences like baptism by the Holy Spirit, which is a distinctive feature of the church.

• Decentralized Structure: The church has no centralized authority or governing body. Each congregation is independent and self-governing, with its own apostle or leader. This decentralized structure allows for maximum flexibility and adaptability in response to local needs and circumstances.

The New Apostolic Church has a significant presence in Europe, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.