THE TENETS OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH

What we believe and teach

1. The Unity of the God head and the Trinity of the Persons therein.
   (Numbers 6:22-27; Isaiah 6:3; Matt. 3:16; 28:19; John 15:26; 1 John 5:7; Deut. 6:4)
2. The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity of Repentance and Regeneration, and the Eternal Doom of the finally impenitent.
   (Psa. 51:5; Matt. 25:41; John 3:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rom 3:10-18)
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 the Earth.
   (Zech.14:4, Matt.1:23, 24:30, 28:5-6, Luke 1:35, John 14:30, 20:3-18 Acts 1:9,11 Rom.1:4, 5:11, 2Cor.5:19,21, Phil.2:6-11, 1Thess.4:15-17, 1Tim.3:16, Heb.2:17, 4:15, 7:25-26,1John2:1-2,Rev.20:1-15.)
4. Justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ.
   (Rom,3:24, 5:1-9, 6:11-14, 8:33, 10:4, 1Cor.6:11, 2Cor.7:1, Heb.10:10.
5. The baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, with signs following.
   (Luke 3:16, 11:13-19, 24:49, John 7:37-39, Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4,38-39, 10:46, Acts 19:6, Eph.5:18)
6. The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the church, which is the body of Christ.
   (1 Cor. 12:4-11, 14:3, 12, 26, Eph.1:23, 4:12)
7. The sacraments of baptism by immersion and of the Lord’s Supper.
   (Matt.28:19, Mark 16:16, Luke 22:19-20, Acts 2:38, 8:12,36-39, Rom.6:3-7, 1Cor.10:15-21,11:23-32).
8. The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
   (2Tim.3:16,2 Pet.1;21).
9. Church Government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacon.
   (Acts 6:2-3,6, 13:1-3, 20:28, 2Cor.11:28, Eph,4:8-16, 1Tim.3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Heb.13:17,1Pet.51-4).
10. The possibility of falling from grace.
    (Rom. 11:20-22, Col.1:21-23, Heb.6:4-6, 10:26-29, 38-39,2Pet.2:20,Rev.22:19).
11. The obligatory nature of tithes and offerings.
    (Gen.14:20, 28:22, Prov.3:9, Mal.3:10, 1Cor.16:2 ,2cor.9:6-7,Heb.7:1-10).
Note: The gifts of Healing included in Tenet (6) above establishes our belief in the Doctrine of Divine Healing.

THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH RULES OF BELIEF

The following is expected of you:

1. A personal testimony of your salvation in Christ.
   (Acts 4:12. Rom. 10:9)
2. Your acknowledgement of, and obedience to, the order and officers of the church; Apostles, Elders and Deacons.
   (1 Cor. 12:28, Eph.4:11, Heb. 13:17)
3. Your presence in the meetings of the church and abidance in full communion; that is not to absent yourself more than three times from communion without sufficient reason given for your absence.
   (Heb. 10:25)
4. Your conformity with the Fundamental Doctrines of the church, as well as with the two Ordinances, namely; Baptism by Immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper.
   (Luke 22; 19, Rom.6:4,17,1 Cor. 11 ;24,2John 1:9).
5. That you contribute towards the support of the cause as taught unto us in the word of God.
   (Gen.14:20, 28:22, Lev.27:30, 1Chor.29:14, Matt.23:23, 1Cor.16:2, Heb.7:8,17)
6. That you keep the counsel of the church within the church.
   (Matt. 7:6).
7. That you pray for and help every member remembering that we are joint members in the body of Christ.
   (1 Cor.12:25-26, Gal.6:2, 1Tim.2:1, Heb.10:24).
8. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.
   (Eph.4:3).

THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Never come to the house of God without praying before coming.
   (Matt.6:6-7, Eph.6:18)
2. Be at your seat at the commencement of the service you will thus be a good example to those who are late and neglectful.
   (Gen.22:3, Ps.108:2, Pro.8:17, Songs Of Solomon 7:12).
3. Bring your children with you to the house of God. Relatives and servants also have souls. It is your duty and privilege to take care of them.
   (Gen.18:19, Ex.20; 10, Matt. 11:4, John 1:41, 45, Acts 10:24).
4. Make the Pastor your personal friend, his sympathy, support and counsel are needed by you constantly pray for him.
   (Joel 2:17, Mal.2:7, Rom. 15:30, 2Cor.1:11, Eph.6:19, 1Thess.2:7, Heb.13:17).
5. Make the church your spiritual home.
   (Ps. 133:1, Acts 2:46-47).
6. When conversing in your heart, never speak disrespectfully or criticizing of God’s servants, or their ministrations, in the presence of your children. If you sow to the wind you may expect to reap the whirlwind.
   (Pro.22:8, Hos.8:7, Gal.6:7).
7. Take your Bible with you to the house of God.
   (Ps.1:2, Ps.119:16,72, 2Tim.3:16,17).
8. Enter reverently, pray fervently, listen attentively, give thanks with a grateful heart, and worship God in the beauty of his holiness.
   (Ps. 118:27-29, Ecc.5:1, Rom.12:11, James1:19).
9. "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name.” (Psa. 100:4).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BIRTH AND PROGRESS OF THE CHURHC IN THE TERRITORY

The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Maritime Territory which covers both Rivers and Bayelsa States started in Bodo, Gokana, Ogoni South South Nigeria in June 20th, 1934 when a delegation from Bodo visited Calabar after being told that The Apostolic Church was in operation there with its principles and practices.

The outcome of this mission was the visit of Pastor Noah Evans, a British Missionary from Calabar to Bodo in June 20th, 1934 to plant The Glorious Vision there which had since grown tremendously in both Rivers and Bayelsa States; the later received the vision in 1982.

The Lord established and accomplished this great work, using as His instrument, great and gifted men of God from both United Kingdom and Nigeria. It will not be out of palce to mention some of them from United Kingdom such as Pastors Joseph Philips, D. C. Hopkins, D. H. Macgill, George Perfect, I. J. Vaughan, L. J. Derry, Noah Evans, G. P. Selby, R. J. J. Lewis, W. R. Chivers, G. H. Williams and G. G. Weeks.

From Nigeria, great servants of God such as Pastor E. E. Okon, C. E. O. Mfon, O. A. Essien, E. N. O. Ene, E. Henshaw, E. E. Etta, J. U. Udom, J. Thomas all from the former Calabar Area and from the former Igbo Area; servants of God such as Pastor M. M. Anyanchor, O. E. Kalu, Kawa, Nwoke Onwubiko and many others. God also made use of mighty indigenous Ministers such as Pastors N. V. Bobah, R. V. Gbarato, M. K. Nyiedah, F. N. Philips, B. Faara-Vigo, A. E. George, M. A. Pirah, P. B. Isaac and A. F. Barabe etc.

The Missionaries from the United Kingdom properly trained our indigenous leaders and haded over the leadership of the Church to them. From then till now, the Field now Territory, had gotten four indigeous leaders (Field Superintendents/Territorial Chairmen)in the persons of Pastor B. Faara-Vigo, F. N. Philips and A. N. Aeba whos had ended their works and retired to glory and home. The fourth and present Territorial Chaiman is Apostle L. O. Ogbonnah JP.

The Territory had recorded great and significant progress among which are: the acquisition of Territorial Easter Convention Ground in Rumuokwurushi in Port Harcourt, the opening of Territorial Printing Press in the Territorial Headquarters in Bodo City.

There is a strong prospect to acquire more in the near future. At present, Maritime Territory is composed of 47 Areas, 175 Districts and 550 Assemblies. There is strong faith in the promises of God through prophetic and divine revelations that The Apostolic Church Maritime Territory shall continue to expand and experience tremendous growth and prosperity from God.

A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH THEOLOGICAL SERMINARY

Prior to the establishment of the Bible College, the administration of The Apostolic Church trained her staff in Theological Institutions owned by other Christian denominations from 1960-1970, since there was no immediate plan to establish her own. Later, it was discovered that the demand for Bible College education and Bible College sponsorship was growing at an alarming rate and required a decisive action. This need therefore informed the establishment of the Bible College under the superintendency of Pastor G. P. Selby, a British Missionary, towards the end of his over forty years missionary service in Eastern Nigeria.

The College was established on the 23rd Day of September, 1978, as a Diploma awarding institution known as The Apostolic Bible College (ABC), with an initial intake of about twenty three students who were admitted for the three year diploma in Theology programme with Pastor B. A. Zorasi as the pioneer Principal of the College.

The pioneer students graduated in 1981 with Diploma in Theology. According to history, there was no known Theological institution then in this region, thus The Apostolic Bible College was the first of its kind in the East of the Niger

Pastor G. P. Selby who was the first Visitor of the College was later succeeded by another British missionary, Pastor Gordon Golden Weeks. The leadership of the College was transferred from Pastor B. A. Zorasi (Late) (The Pioneer Principal) to Apostle (Dr) J. B. Leema, since Pastor Zorasi went for further studies in 1982. Pastor (Dr) J. B. Leema continued successfully in the leadership till the year 1987 when he handed over the leadership of the College back to Apostle B. A. Zorasi when he returned from training. From 1992-1993, Pastor E. G. Kogbara was appointed Acting Principal; afterwards the following people led the College respectively: Pastor S. B. Baadom (Late), Prof. E. N. Eyidie, Bishop (Prof) P. C. Chukwumah, Apostle (Prof) F. F. Aaron, Apostle (Dr) L. B. Zorzor and currently, Apostle C. U. Achonwa.

The Challencelorship of the institution devolved from the British Missionaries to the African Field Superintendent of Apostle F. N. Philips (Late), Apostle (Dr) A. N. Aeba (Late) AMB P. and Apostle L. O. Ogbonna JP (the present Chancellor of the institution).

In 1994, The Apostolic Bible College was upgraded to The Apostolic Theological Seminary and later got affiliated to the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The school also has approval from the Rivers State Government via its letter: ME/INS/1450/VOL.1/22 to operate as a full-fledged Theological Seminary under the supervision of the Rivers State Ministry of Education.

From the initial 23 pioneer students in 1981, The Apostolic Theological Seminary has trained and graduated several highly competent ministers and missionaries of great repute and significant impact in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Or corporate mission is equipping ministers of the gospel with essential tools which are relevant to their ministers for overcoming the devil and loosing humanity from the shakles of Satanism, fear, anxiety, poverty, greed, and general ungodliness. The Apostolic Theological Seminary has the great commission as its focus and is doing everything necessary under grace to ensure that He who called us will not be disappointed when He comes to rapture His Church.

We acknowledge the truth, there is no where under the heavens where quacks, charlatans and untrained individuals can administer the divine initiatives of the reconcilliation, reconstruction and restoration of man to his original glory, without requisite and relevant education. In as much as secular education is commendable, divine initiatives can only be peddled on the pedestal of sound theological education - this, TATS offers with a passion for quality.

The seminary is currently pursuing an accreditation with Association of Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), as well as West African Association of Theological Institutions (WAATI).

LEADERS (PAST AND PRESENT)

1. 1952 - 1977: Pastor G. P. Selby; Igbo Area Superintendent
2. 1978 - 1981: Pastor Gordon Weeks; 1st Rivers Field Superintendent
3. 1981 - 1997: Pastor (Dr) B Faara-Vigo; 1st African Rivers Field Superintendent
4. 1997 - 2002: Pastor F. N. Philips; 2nd Africa Rivers Field Superintendent
5. 2002 - 2018: Pastor (Dr) A. N. Aeba; 1st Maritime Territorial Chairman
6. 2018 - till date: Pastor L. O. Ogbonnah JP; 2nd Maritime Territorial Chairman

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