The Apostolic Church as a denominational name was adopted in 1916 in the United Kingdom by the body of believers who had been led by God, subsequent to the Welsh Revival of 1904-05, into the truth of the Principles and Practices of the early Apostolic Church as contained in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. In 1918 during the period of the Influenza epidemic in Nigeria, certain brethren began to practice divine healing a a result of which they had to withdraw from their denomination and from the “Diamond Society” due to the persecution from those who did not believe in divine healing.
In 1921 the “Diamond Society” became associated with the “Faith Tabernacle Congregation” of Philadelphia, USA because they also believed in divine healing, confessing and forsaking sins, in tithes and offerings, baptism by immersion, opposition to divorce and re-marriage and other similar scriptural teachings. They did not, however, believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with signs following.
On June 10, 1930 in Ilesha, Nigeria, West Africa, a great revival started in the churches in fellowship with “Faith Tabernacle Congregation” and much persecution resulted. This revival was led by the late Evangelist Joseph Babalola. Appeals for help to the leaders in Philadelphia went unheeded. Correspondence had, however, been exchanged with the headquarters of The Apostolic Church in the British Isles and now an appeal was made to that body for assistance. In response to the invitation three Missionary delegates 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). God richly blessed their ministry and after an exchange of views on doctrinal matters and other fundamental scriptural truths the Leaders of the Father Tabernacle Congregation of Nigeria unanimously decided to affiliate with The Apostolic Church of Great Britain and adopted The Apostolic Church as a denominational name together with its principles and practices.
One great factor that contributed to the growth of the Church in Nigeria is the belief and acceptance of the Ministry of Apostleship and the Voice of the Lord through Prophetical Ministry. The Church has passed through turbulent times, particularly in 1931, 1940, and 1952; but the Voice of the Lord has kept the Church on till today. Since those days God has raised up many faithful Nigerian Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers who have, under God, and in sincere cooperation with the many dedicated Missionaries from Overseas, been used to spread the Gospel truth to every part of Nigeria and other countries in West Africa.
Presently, The Apostolic Church in Nigeria is administered as a single entity by the National Council of The Apostolic Church Nigeria with Pastor E.E. Okon as National President. The field work is organized in five sections: The Lagos and Western/Northern Areas Territory (LAWNA); Cross River State Field; the Igbo Field; the Maritime Field; and the Akwa Ibom Field.
The result is a thoroughly scriptural, and spiritually healthy indigenous fellowship bounded together with an unbreakable cord of love, which fellowship has made and will yet make a very great contribution to the progress of God’s work in Nigeria. As the work progressed, in line with the provisions of The Apostolic Church Constitution, The Apostolic Church in Nigeria became an autonomous body in 1983 but continues in cooperation and exchange of spiritual experience with The Apostolic Church in the United Kingdom.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Bible is the infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and contains every answer to man's problems. 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21
THE FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINAL BELIEFS OF THE CHURCH
The following are the fundamental doctrinal beliefs of the Church, based on the Holy Scriptures and stated in summarized form. Such doctrinal beliefs as accepted and confessed, and the personal experience and practices resulting there from, shall be essential basis of the fellowship and union of the members thereof.
1. The Unity of the Godhead and the trinity of the Persons therein.
2. The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity for repentance and regeneration, and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent.
3. The Virgin Birth, Sinless Life, Atoning Death, Triumphant Resurrection, Ascension and abiding Intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ: His Second Coming and Millennial Reign upon earth.
4. Justification and Sanctification of the Believer through the finished work of Christ.
5. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers with signs following.
6. The Nine Gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church, which is the Body of Christ.
7. The Sacraments of Baptism by Immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper.
8. The Divine Inspiration and Authority of the Holy Scriptures.
9. Church Government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons/Deaconesses.
10. The possibility of falling from Grace.
11. The obligatory nature of Tithes and Offerings.