In the early 1830’s something unusual began to occur among a group of Presbyterians in London, England.  The pastor of Caledonian Chapel, Edward Irving, had long been interested in the charismatic gifts of the New Testament.  After studying and praying about these matters for a number of years, Irving began to see these very gifts manifest themselves among the members of his congregation.  Eventually this proto-Pentecostal movement would organize as the Catholic Apostolic Church in 1832, with John Bate Cardale chosen as First Apostle.  Along with the charismatic gifts, the Catholic Apostolic Church stressed the necessity for New Testament government in the church, including apostles and prophets.  While Irving and his followers remained mostly orthodox in doctrine, the Catholic Apostolic Church itself was eventually responsible for spawning several cults—including the Liberal Catholic Church, associated with the Theosophical Society.  Another such group is the New Apostolic Church (NAC).  Continue reading →