The GWODAFC family believes in the doctrine of Apostolic Succession.  We believe that the Christian Church today is the spiritual successor to the original body of believers in Christ which was founded by the Apostles.  The Twelve Apostles were commissioned by our Lord to preach the Gospel to the world, regardless of whether Jew or Gentile.

Below is the Apostolic Doctrine, as the GWODAFC believes it.

Apostolic Doctrine

The Apostolic Doctrine: the church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20) 

We believe that the bible is the inspired, infallible (unadulterated) word of God, written by holy men of old as the Holy Ghost moved them. All 66 books of the Old and New Testament were inspired by God and free from all errors in their original form.  We believe the written and oral teaching of Jesus and the Apostles (along with the Old Testament) were the complete revelation of God’s Plan of salvation and reconciliations of man to himself.  II Peter 1:20-21

We believe in ONE God, infinite in power, whose name is Jesus.  We believe that he was revealed to us as Father in creation, Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost comforting grace that never leaves those who trust in Him.  1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6-11, 2 Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28.

We believe that in Jesus Christ dwelled the fullness of the Godhead body he pleased the Father that in him should all them dwell.  Colossians 2:9; 1:19.

We believe in the virgin birth; that Jesus was both human and divine – God manifested in the flesh. 2 Timothy 3:16.

We believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20:21

We believe in baptism in water by immersion in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and baptisms of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit give utterance.  Acts 2:4, 38; Acts 19:5-6

We believe in the literal second coming of the Lord.  We also believe in the rapture of the saints, before the tribulation and that only those who are filled with the Holy Ghost will go with Him when He comes.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Acts 2:11.

We believe in the “gifts” of the Spirit, where variations permeate supernatural abilities given to specific believers typically by laying on of the Apostle hands.  They served to authenticate the ministry and authority of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.  We do not believe any single gift was meant to be the “initial evidence” of the filling or receiving of the Spirit.  God distributed “spiritual gifts” according to His will in conjunction with the apostolic ministry.  1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

We believe that marriage is holy since it was instituted in the beginning (Genesis 2:21; Matthew 19:1-15; Hebrews 13:4).  Couples who have not fulfilled the requirements of civil law in regards to marriage should do so before being baptized.

We believe in separation of the Church and State and that neither should intervene in the internal affairs of the other since this fulfills a biblical precept (Mark 12:17) and is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America.  Christians should participate in civil activities insofar as their own person inclinations, ideas and opinions permit.  They should obey the civil authorities and all laws and ordinances issued by them.

We recognize human government as ordained by God (Romans 13:1-2).  We admonish our members to affirm loyalty to or country.  According to the following scriptures, it is believed and interpreted that the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ should not shed human blood taking lives and destroying their properties (Matthew 5:19, 26:56; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:19; James 5:6; Revelations 13:10).

We believe the systems of the Biblical teachers, for the purpose of obtaining the funds necessary to carry out the work of the Lord, is that of tithes and offerings and that this should be practiced by Ministers and believers alike (Genesis 28:22; Matthews 23:23; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 9; 3-14, 16:1-2; Galatians 6:6-10; Philemon 4:10-12; Hebrews 13:16).

We believe that the Ministry is a calling of God and that the Holy Ghost confers upon each Minister the privilege of serving the Church in instinct capacities and with distinct gifts, whose manifestations are all toward edification of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:6-18; 1 Corinthians 12:5-11; Ephesians 4:11-12), organized to examine candidates for the Ministry to determine where they should be approved to serve therein and assign them their duty (Acts 1:23-26, 6:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-10, 4:14, 5:33; Titus 1:5-9).  We also believe that the Holy Ghost uses its Ministers in various ways according to the needs of the work of the Lord and the capability and personal disposition of the Minister.  No one can be placed in a higher position than that of which he / she is worth (1 Timothy 3:13; Romans 12:3).

We believe that the Bishopric is the highest office work in the Ministry and that special respect and consideration should be given those who occupy it without giving less consideration to those that occupy positions of lesser responsibility.  Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:2