Decisions as a team: the committees

The heart of the New Apostolic Church beats in the local congregations. It is through the New Apostolic Church International (NACI), however, that the community, comprised of the most diverse cultures, forms one Church with a uniform doctrine and global presence.

Worldwide: All Apostles are members of an association

NACI is an independent association established in accordance with Swiss law, with its headquarters in Zurich. Its membership is comprised of all active Apostles of the New Apostolic Church. The Church is led by the Chief Apostle, who serves as its highest spiritual authority. He is either designated by his predecessor or chosen in a vote by the District Apostle Meeting.

Central: the District Apostle Meeting

The District Apostle Meeting is the central deciding body of NACI. The District Apostle Meeting is comprised of the incumbent Chief Apostle as well as all active District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers of the world. It usually convenes twice each year to debate and pass resolutions on matters pertaining to the global Church.

There are two main committees that closely assist the District Apostle Meeting, namely the Coordination Group and the Finance Committee. The decision-making process is also supported by permanent Work Groups and temporary Project Groups, which are also staffed with qualified experts in their respective professional fields. This applies, for example, to teaching material for children, questions pertaining to music, or the position of the Church on social or medical issues.

Regional: the national assembly

Other deciding bodies of the New Apostolic Church International include the Delegates’ Meeting and the Apostles’ Meeting. The details are governed by the NACI Statutes.

Depending on the respective constitutions, such governing bodies may also exist on the level of the Local Churches. An example of these are the national assemblies that meet once each year to discuss fundamental issues. It is also on this level that the Church’s leadership is advised by specialised committees comprised of regional experts. And last but not least, there are also Work Groups in which Church members from several District Churches work together—for example, for the purpose of common infrastructure operations such as those pertaining to information technology or materials purchases.