The New Apostolic Church maintains a hierarchical ordained ministry with distinct offices: Apostle, Bishop, District Elder, Elder, Shepherd, Evangelist, Priest, and Deacon. All ordained offices are open only to men. Celibacy is not required, and most ministers are married. The ordination to these offices is understood as sacramental and effective through the church's authority.

Apostles occupy the highest office and possess unique authority to teach, to administer the highest sacraments (especially Holy Sealing), and to ordain others to the ministry. While other clergy may baptize and participate in the administration of sacraments, the Apostles' role is understood as superlative. An Apostle's laying on of hands in the sacrament of Holy Sealing is believed to convey the Holy Spirit in a way that no other ordained minister can accomplish.

Below the Apostles, bishops and elders exercise pastoral oversight and administer the ordinary sacraments under apostolic authority. Priests and deacons assist in worship and pastoral care. This hierarchical structure, with Apostles at the summit, reflects the NAC's conviction that Christ has restored the apostolic office and that the fullness of spiritual authority resides in the Apostles.