The Apostolic Church Nigeria
| The Apostolic Church Nigeria | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification | Evangelicalism |
| Orientation | Pentecostal |
| Theology | Trinitarian |
| Structure | National Temple |
| Leader | Pastor G.O Olutola |
| Associations | Christian Association of Nigeria |
| Members | 4,500,000 (2009) |
| Tertiary institutions | Samuel Adegboyega University |
The Apostolic Church Nigeria is a Christian church in Nigeria. It is one of the biggest churches in Nigeria with over 4.5 million members and a National Temple that seats over 10,000 worshippers in a service.[1]
History
The Apostolic Church Nigeria was borne out from the Apostolic Church of the United Kingdom through three Missionary delegates who arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on September 23, 1931; they were the late Pastors D.P. Williams (President), A. Turnbull (Vice-President), and W.J. Williams (International Prophet).[2] Prior to their coming, a great revival started in the churches in fellowship with Faith Tabernacle Congregation of Nigeria which resulted to much persecutions in 1930.[3]
In 1931, after exchange of doctrines and other fundamental scriptural truths between the missionaries and leaders of Faith Tabernacle Congregation of Nigeria, the leaders of the fellowship decided to affiliate with The Apostolic Church of the United Kingdom and adopted The Apostolic Church as a denominational name together with its principles and practices.[4]
Doctrine and belief
The Apostolic Church Nigeria is built on a fundamental doctrinal belief based on the Holy Scriptures. Its theological beliefs are summarised in its confession of faith, known as the Tenets, which read as follows:
- The one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- The inherent corruptness of man through the Fall; The necessity of repentance and regeneration by grace and through faith in Christ alone and the eternal separation from God of the finally unrepentant.
- The Virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and continuing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ; His second coming and millennial reign upon earth.
- The Justification and sanctification of believers through the finished work of Christ.
- The baptism of the Holy spirit for believers with supernatural signs, empowering the church for its mission in the world.
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church and ministry to the world.
- The Sacraments of Baptism by immersion and of the Lord’s Supper
- The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
- Christ’s leadership of the Church through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders and deacons, for unity, maturity and growth of the church.
- The security of the believer as he remains in Christ
- The privilege and responsibility of bringing tithes and offerings to the Lord.
The Constitution of the Apostolic Church in the United Kingdom states that "These Tenets shall forever be the doctrinal standard of the Apostolic Church and shall not be subject to change in any way whatsoever."[5]
Organization and administration
The Apostolic Church Nigeria is administered as a single entity by the National Council and it is headed by a President. The current President is Pastor G.O. Olutola who succeeded Pastor Eyo Okon in 2011.[4]
The church is categorized into five sections called fields with a view of bonding members in a spiritual and healthy fellowship. The fields include:
- The Lagos and Western/Northern Areas Territory (LAWNA),
- The Cross River State Field,
- The Igbo Field,
- The Maritime Field,
- The Akwa Ibom Field,
- The Aba Field.
Samuel Adegboyega University
In 2011, the church founded Samuel Adegboyega University, a tertiary institution located in Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria and named after LAWNA's first territorial chairman Samuel Adegboyega.[6]
National Convention
The National Convention is a biannual gathering of all The Apostolic Church members at the National Temple, Lagos State, Nigeria.
References
- ^ "World's largest church inaugurated in Lagos". Vanguard Nigeria. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
- ^ Rufus Okikiolaolu Olubiyi Ositelu (2002). African Instituted Churches: Diversities, Growth, Gifts, Spirituality and Ecumenical Understanding of African Initiated Churches. LIT Verlag Münster. pp. 90–. ISBN 978-3-8258-6087-5.
- ^ "History:Origins". The Apostolic Church, LAWNA. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
- ^ a b "HISTORY OF TAC WORLDWIDE". Retrieved 12 July 2015.
- ^ "Constitution of the Apostolic Church". p. 8.
{{cite web}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ Gabriel Enogholase (26 August 2011). "Oshiomhole lauds Adegboyega varsity". Vanguard News. Retrieved 25 August 2016.