In case anyone wants to question whether many of the arcane rules really existed, below is another example of a letter sent out by District Apostle Erwin Wagner on April 1, 1999. Maybe it doesn't really hold water anymore because it was sent out on April Fool's Day! A scanned jpeg copy is available in my photos section entitled "Wagner Rant". The text of the document is listed below.
New Apostolic Church of North America
Erwin Wagner
April 1st, 1999
To all Priestly Ministries in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom & the Republic of Ireland
Dear Brothers:
More than ever, the Apostles of North America and I travel to many Sub Districts and have more Services in smaller gatherings in order to have the opportunity to meet and greet the members personally, whether after the Service or in our fellowship gatherings. We want our work to bring a closeness and an intimacy between all of us. In order for us to grow together we must come together, speak together and whenever possible, also pray together. On these occasions many intimate conversations have taken place, but also our Brothers and Sisters were given an opportunity to express their inner longings and voice their concerns.
One matter of concern has come up sporadically from place to place. Some Priestly ministries use material and substance from sources other than that provided for by our Chief Apostle, the Apostles, or myself. When such material is used and presented from behind the Altar then we bring a strange and diverse doctrine into the church. Then, the Gospel which is to be taught and served to the children of our Heavenly Father:
• is not received from the Holy Spirit;
• will not nurture the reborn life in their souls;
• will not strengthen their faith;
• will not give them the stamina of an overcomer;
• will not make them pray as a true child of our Heavenly Father;
• will not lead their lives in an exemplary manner for their calling;
• will not motivate their acceptable offerings and sacrifices to our Heavenly Father, thereby the blessing from above is not bestowed.
All of us on the day of our Ordination, regardless of the words used, were given the commission to serve only out of the sources provided, and not use other material which is not relevant to our New Apostolic faith, even if it is of a religious nature. It is our holy task that we "preach the unadulterated Gospel and teaching of the Lord Jesus".
Bear in mind that in our Ordination, the commission and authority was granted to us, that we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in the stead of our Apostle. Even the Apostle Paul had to deal with this situation as he writes to his Bishop Timothy in 1 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 3, "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine". This is, and must remain, the God fearing governor over our commission.
It is not our commission, in whatever form we might choose, to distribute our so-called personal services to others. Whatever I circulate to you Brothers and the members is translated and sent to the Chief Apostle because I want him to know what is being said and done, and in what direction we are going. I have repeatedly said to our Chief Apostle that if there is anything that does not agree with him, he should simply tell me and I will correct it. We do not distribute anything to another District Apostle's District, but only take care of the stewardship that is ours. So must it be with you.
We must become an outlet of strength; divine teaching must live in our soul; God fear must govern us, and then we will experience a flourishing faith, a happy hope, inspiring love and zeal, willingness to sacrifice, whereby a living fellowship will be fostered among the Brothers and Sisters. When we introduce something strange, then faith will fade away, and the results will show accordingly. When this takes place it is evident in Service attendance, in growth from within and without, and in the lack of willingness to offer. These are all signs which we must recognize.
Sincerest love from our Chief Apostle in which the Apostles and I join.
Sincerely yours,
Erwin Wagner
EW/bmp
c.c. All Apostles and Leading Ministries in English, Spanish and French
National Organization of the
New Apostolic Church of North America
Erwin Wagner
April 1st, 1999
To all Priestly Ministries in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom & the Republic of Ireland
Dear Brothers:
More than ever, the Apostles of North America and I travel to many Sub Districts and have more Services in smaller gatherings in order to have the opportunity to meet and greet the members personally, whether after the Service or in our fellowship gatherings. We want our work to bring a closeness and an intimacy between all of us. In order for us to grow together we must come together, speak together and whenever possible, also pray together. On these occasions many intimate conversations have taken place, but also our Brothers and Sisters were given an opportunity to express their inner longings and voice their concerns.
One matter of concern has come up sporadically from place to place. Some Priestly ministries use material and substance from sources other than that provided for by our Chief Apostle, the Apostles, or myself. When such material is used and presented from behind the Altar then we bring a strange and diverse doctrine into the church. Then, the Gospel which is to be taught and served to the children of our Heavenly Father:
• is not received from the Holy Spirit;
• will not nurture the reborn life in their souls;
• will not strengthen their faith;
• will not give them the stamina of an overcomer;
• will not make them pray as a true child of our Heavenly Father;
• will not lead their lives in an exemplary manner for their calling;
• will not motivate their acceptable offerings and sacrifices to our Heavenly Father, thereby the blessing from above is not bestowed.
All of us on the day of our Ordination, regardless of the words used, were given the commission to serve only out of the sources provided, and not use other material which is not relevant to our New Apostolic faith, even if it is of a religious nature. It is our holy task that we "preach the unadulterated Gospel and teaching of the Lord Jesus".
Bear in mind that in our Ordination, the commission and authority was granted to us, that we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in the stead of our Apostle. Even the Apostle Paul had to deal with this situation as he writes to his Bishop Timothy in 1 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 3, "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine". This is, and must remain, the God fearing governor over our commission.
It is not our commission, in whatever form we might choose, to distribute our so-called personal services to others. Whatever I circulate to you Brothers and the members is translated and sent to the Chief Apostle because I want him to know what is being said and done, and in what direction we are going. I have repeatedly said to our Chief Apostle that if there is anything that does not agree with him, he should simply tell me and I will correct it. We do not distribute anything to another District Apostle's District, but only take care of the stewardship that is ours. So must it be with you.
We must become an outlet of strength; divine teaching must live in our soul; God fear must govern us, and then we will experience a flourishing faith, a happy hope, inspiring love and zeal, willingness to sacrifice, whereby a living fellowship will be fostered among the Brothers and Sisters. When we introduce something strange, then faith will fade away, and the results will show accordingly. When this takes place it is evident in Service attendance, in growth from within and without, and in the lack of willingness to offer. These are all signs which we must recognize.
Sincerest love from our Chief Apostle in which the Apostles and I join.
Sincerely yours,
Erwin Wagner
EW/bmp
c.c. All Apostles and Leading Ministries in English, Spanish and French
