Provides an introduction to an understudied Anabaptist group – the Apostolic Christians – which descend from 1830s Mennonite-oriented religious revivals in Switzerland led by ex- Reform minister Samuel Fröhlich. Apostolic Christians soon settled rural North American frontier areas such as north-central Illinois.

Traces group divisions over time, showing how schisms concern community coherence and resistance to assimilation. The largest Apostolic Christian denomination in North America is the Apostolic Christian Church of America (ACCA) with over 11,000 members. Compared to other Anabaptist groups, Apostolic Christians have had few schisms; recent divisions were in 1932 and 2012, when more conservative groups withdrew

Illustrates how groups maintain identity despite absence of major symbolic markers delineating Amish and Mennonites, such as technology restrictions or highly conspicuous dress customs. Apostolic Christians also participate more actively in wider society, e.g., voting and higher education, than Amish and Mennonites.

Describes distinctive customs, such as plain meetinghouses (the largest capable of holding over 1,000 people), services involving distinctive practices such as “greetings” and the holy kiss within genders, and faith marriage.

Characteristically Apostolic Christian socio-religious themes include repentance and conversion, gentle reasoned pleading in preaching, affectionate fraternity of the brotherhood, and seeking the Spirit’s leading through the church community.