He felt much better and a few weeks later during Bible study, he received the Holy Ghost in his living room. Though sometimes referred to as the New Amish, these believers generally called themselves Evangelical Baptist. You must log in or register to reply here. Personal Bible study is always encouraged and expected. But Satan didnt want to let him go. Im part if this church and have thougths somtimes that it might be cult or cult like. There are a lot of variables and my lack of knowledge on the subject leaves me without a definite answer. Members eventually become both financially and socially dependent on the group. Previously, I had written for a small group of readers who follow me on Twitter and rarely publicize on Facebook or any other website. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. old), a member of UPCI. 2:20; 1Pet. Psychologically what is going on is that the cult leader subconsciously strategizes that if he surrounds himself with completely loyal devotees who are motivated to put himself first, he will not have to worry about the problems of life that he is not mature enough to deal with. Its members believe that a person was selected by God to expand God's kingdom through a particular geographic area or people - just like when Peter was entrusted with spreading the Good News of Jesus to the Jews, and Paul was entrusted to spread it to the gentiles as . And Im not sorry I did! Although once united throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there are now four sides. But they are not all that way. Why I Left the Apostolic Church, A Follow Up. a Baptist, born-again Christian. Because baptism is identified with a "death to sin" in Romans 6 and other New Testament writings, congregational recognition of the convert's repentance and death to sin is desired prior to baptism. Most congregations do not have a Deacon, rather they are ordained mostly in very large congregations where the elder needs assistance, or in very small congregations where there is no local elder. Most of the time when people are looking for a church, they search online, view a church's website, and then maybe they visit on a Sunday and maybe they don't. If they don't, you'll never know. So thats my definition of a destructive cult. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. (Phil 3:4-9). By the way, "sin not", "does not sin", "can not sin" "should not sin" are all bearing different meanings & are directives. Often it is best to avoid using the word altogether because it makes it more difficult to approach the subject with objectivity because of the strong negative judgment that comes with the term cult. I responded, "No, you sin every day." Each local church Elder serves as an equal member within the collective "Elder Body" of all elders who make decisions regarding the denomination. refers to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus who were sent out to spread the Christian faith. The Apostolic Christian Church maintains 90 congregations throughout the United States, Japan, Mexico, and Canada, with its membership concentrated in the Midwest. What is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? Very concerning and sad to hear. saying baptism is not necessary when scriptures show otherwise). All this, and no sign of having a baby. They claimed they wanted it like the "good old days". Before the baptism takes place, the convert makes a covenant with Christ in the presence of the entire congregation. Who came to you and taught you? The man from the group earnestly replied, Have you ever heard of the Holy Bible? Organizational affiliations do not save a person; God saves the person who, in obedience to Gods Word, follows what He has commanded. Once put in place, Ministers, Deacons and Elders can only be removed of their position by death, voluntary retirement or in extreme cases by the national elder body. PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. I also have friends in many independent Apostolic churches (not affiliated with a particular organization). I understand that we all have different perspectives, and we should seek to learn from each other's perspectives. Many former members cite a disillusionment with how spiritual leadership is organised within the church. I just have to be prayerful and look for things that edify me. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Recently the Apostolic Christian Church had a split. I didnt need to look elsewhere, though. Members stand up and announce other AC churches that they have recently traveled to or are traveling from. As uncomfortable as it may have been for meand most likely for those closest to me in attendanceto divorce myself from this particular institutional body and move away from those people who were like family, it was necessary for me; and at risk of soundly triteit has been the best myself-depreciating step forward I could have ever taken! The European German language bodies (Neutufer) have also faced divisions. To leave the group would immediately put them into a survival crisis. In an easy to follow and very organized layout, you will find yourself making the best Chicken Wild Rice Soups and sweetest Angel Food Cakes . There was a language barrier but eventually the question could be understood through an interpreter: How did you find out about the plan of salvation? I believe anyone who follows the plan of salvation as laid out in the Bible and lives their best according to the Word is saved. Starting at the intersection of Main and Queenwood streets, go East on Queenwood .8 of a mile to S. 4th St.. Another point of contention for me was the fact that members are encouraged to become emotionally and financially dependent on their Church leaders essentially turning the community into one giant family controlled by an isolated group of elites. I began to recognize that my values no longer aligned with those of the Church, and rather than attending out of obligation, I decided it was best that I no longer associated with them. A light meal is generally served between the morning and afternoon services, Midweek services consist of a single service, generally of the same format as the Sunday services. If this appeals to you, we look forward to meeting you soon. Most congregations have one elder, however some have none and in rare instances a congregation may have more than one. A. I originally felt like I should write this after searching for something on Google in regards to Apostolic small group lessons. By ditching any prior held religious expectations or obligationswhich often come with their own pressure and valuesI could discover an inherent connection with That-Which-Is without feeling like I had to fit into any preconceived spiritual box. It was one of the best things I ever did in my walk with God. Marriage between "a man and a woman of like mind, faith, and fellowship" is encouraged for all members where God leads. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action. We have also experienced those that have left our Apostolic Christian church, seeking a return to the "old ways," whatever that means. Finally, apostolic doctrine on womens roles is one-dimensional, clearly upholding scriptures in regards to womens submission but overlooking others which may provide insight into modern day equality between male and females within spiritual bodies. The Apostolic church forbids its members from participating in any activity outside of the belief system of the church - such as seeing a movie or attending another Christian denomination service - both activities which allowed me to develop a bigger understanding and appreciation for life with Jesus and what's important to Him. But I left the church. A lot of the aspects of the Apostolic Christian Church that at first glance seem cult-like are actually just cultural. Your blog edified me and Im so happy you wrote it. It says baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Women who are Apostolic Pentecostals also wear long dresses, and they dont cut their hair or wear makeup.8 thg 9, 2015, The Apostolic Church believes in the five gifts God gave the church. Q. I dont go to an Apostolic church anymore because I was hurt once before. Apostolic Christian Church 171 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677 (201) 391-4577. It does not state that if you don't speak in tongues you are going to hell. UCA News Network. In studying various destructive cults I started to notice a pattern of spiritual abuse. Now, if you mean what about people who have the Holy Ghost but were baptized using only the titles but not in the name of Jesus? Paul says, even when we've done all for God, we are just doing our duty. A minister who is ordained as a deacon may assist the local elder with meeting with new converts, performing baptisms, and other duties usually carried out by the elder alone. His delusion and break from reality can become so strong that he can start believing that he is God. The Apostolic Christian Church (ACC) is a worldwide Christian denomination from the Anabaptist tradition that practices credobaptism, closed communion, greeting other believers with a holy kiss, a capella worship in some branches (in others, singing is with piano), and the headcovering of women during services. In 1932 all Apostolic Christian groups required a beard without mustache (except the Nazareans), but by the 1950s it was discouraged in all groups. This is in contrast to how it was taught to them by their parents, who followed a more hierarchical structure of clergymanship. First, let me start by saying that I am truly sorry for the hurt you experienced and pray that God will eventually heal the wounds you suffered. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Please do counsel with your pastor on this. Firstly, believing in a cause is essential for spiritual growth. "The senior pastor himself was declared as an apostle by an Elijah List prophetess, and that his church would be known as the "loving church."Armed with this fresh knowledge, the church became fanatical in making that prophecy happen." Related Articles: 6 Hallmarks of an NAR Church NAR: Influence and Teachings The next question you should ask yourself is whether the Apostolic Christian Church is good for your spiritual development. These people were nothing like that family memberthey were not judgmental at all, they believed in inward and outward holiness but understood that each person grows at their own pace, and the church was full of love. Scripture also states that the apostles are the foundation of the church ( Eph. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They cannot leave without becoming homeless/penniless and they have no other friends or intimate relationships outside the group. Welcome to Saint Anthonys Catholic Church. Will it guide you toward what is true, loving, and empowering? The Apostolic Christian Church only ordains men, who are authorized to administer . One of the biggest things I had to adjust to was how strict the lifestyle was, from rules regarding clothing and technology, to purely religious practices like communal prayer. Doing this allows us to build a strong relationship with God while growing closer to him through faith-filled practices. I didnt think anyone could understand, but you do So relieved. I'm not sure that it is as vibrant and close as it would otherwise would be. Later he cites the Lord's prayer, virtually as . But then, unfortunately, she miscarried. That way of thinking is easier said than done, I know. Given you and your wifes circumstance, you can probably imagine the grief and questioning! Knowing Christ and Living a life simply following the precepts of the bible are more than enough. Vote Now, Can Prayer Heal You? The all-male leadership of an Apostolic Christian church consists of the "elders" of local congregations. Later, during prayer, I saw a couple of tears coming down his cheeks. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. It was that someone brought a guest to church, but he was the only one. Loooonng before there was a 'Church of Christ' there was THE Church, the Body of Christ, "the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Foundation of the Truth" according to St. Paul. People leave the Church of Christ because of disillusionment with the moral failures of certain leaders, disappointment with the denomination's position on social issues, and disagreement with certain aspects of the tradition's theology, like the belief that a person must be baptized to be saved. Oneness Pentecostals see God as one being that fulfills 3 roles, father/creator, son/savior, and the holy spirit. This broadened my horizons and gave me greater appreciation for both conservative lifestyles and those who stray away from them alike. I, too, have been hurt by people within the church but by the grace of God was able to overcome it. There's a verse in Ecclesiastes about that: Ecc 7:10. They generally dont watch TV or movies either.