District apostles and apostles are ordained by the chief apostle or by a district apostle acting in his stead. District apostle helpers are appointed. If an apostle is to be ordained, the responsible district apostle will propose the designated minister to the chief apostle. He will in turn inform the other district apostles of the proposal. It is left to the district apostle’s discretion to inform the apostles in his working area. In case a district apostle is unable to propose a suitable minister to receive the apostle ministry, the chief apostle will confer with other district apostles about calling a suitable minister from another district apostle’s area to the apostle ministry.

Before their ordination the apostles take the following vow:

Before God, the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, I vow to love the Almighty God, the Creator of all things, with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my being, and with all my strength, and to love my neighbour as myself. It is my holy duty to proclaim Jesus Christ’s doctrine, especially the redeeming power of His sacrifice, and to proclaim His return, and, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, to fulfil the commission received in Jesus’ name honestly, diligently, conscientiously, and uprightly. I want to serve in humbleness, and conduct myself worthily and honourably before God and man. I acknowledge the chief apostle as the highest minister and promise him my full support. I declare my support for the unity with the chief apostle, the district apostles and apostles of the New Apostolic Church who are united with him, whose highest duty is obedience in faith, whose highest honour is being faithful to God’s work, whose greatest goal is completion in Christ. In discharging this leading ministry of the New Apostolic Church, I shall unequivocally take responsibility for this profession of faith and live in accordance with the gospel as an apostle of the New Apostolic Church.

District apostles, district apostle helpers, and apostles retire upon reaching the age of 65. In the event of serious circumstances (e.g. in the case of an illness), the chief apostle can shorten the period of office, but he can also extend it. The Statutes also make provision for resignation from office, and likewise provide for suspension or dismissal. Upon request, every apostle must provide the chief apostle with information regarding his official activities and give an account of them.