apostolista

Apostolista is a term used in Portuguese and Spanish to describe a person who adheres to an apostolic form of Christianity or belongs to a church that identifies itself as apostolic. The word derives from the term apostle and the suffix -ista, which denotes a follower or adherent. In everyday use, it can refer to individuals within denominations that emphasize apostolic authority, doctrine, or practice, including groups that claim continuity with the apostolic era or seek to restore early church practices.

The scope of the term varies by region and context. It is often employed in religious studies, journalism, and community discourse to distinguish groups that stress the authority and example of the apostles from other Christian traditions. Some apostolista communities pursue restorationist aims or emphasize governance, baptism, sacraments, or preaching modeled on the apostles’ teachings, while others identify more generally with a broader “apostolic” tradition without a single uniform set of beliefs.

Regional usage and connotation can differ. In some places the label is a neutral descriptive category, whereas in others it may be used by rival groups, media, or commentators with pejorative or polemical undertones, depending on local religious dynamics. The beliefs and practices of apostolistas are not uniform and can vary significantly between communities.

See also: Apostolic Church, Apostolic succession, Restorationism, Pentecostalism, Apostles.