The church spread, experiencing primary growth in the Midwest. Though sometimes referred to as the New Amish, these believers generally called themselves Evangelical Baptists. In 1917, to avoid identification with the Baptist denomination, the church adopted a uniform name, the Apostolic Christian Church.

As the church in America flourished, it drew many from German-speaking Mennonite or Amish backgrounds. The Apostolic Christian Church in America developed somewhat independently from the churches in Europe, especially those in Eastern Europe.

In the turmoil resulting from the wars and hardships in Europe, Nazareans from Eastern Europe immigrated to North America. The cultural customs they brought with them proved to be at odds with the existing culture in the American churches. Though many initially conformed to the new order in America, concerns and misunderstandings grew.

Unfortunately, contention centered on these cultural differences, in particular the wearing of the mustache. The Amish influence would not tolerate this practice, which was commonplace among those from the Balkans. The trouble grew until members were disciplined for refusing to shave. The European elders attempted to mediate and resolve the problems. In spite of their efforts, a division occured a few years later.

Since nearly all of the leadership of the American churches remained with the original order, the recent immigrant brethren, with the assistance of the European elders, labored to establish the brethren who had been separated.

In time, they became known as the Apostolic Christian Church (Nazarean). During the post-war years, the church experienced growth through the immigration of Nazarean brethren from Communist Eastern Europe. Fleeing persecution, they came seeking a better life in North America. Many congregations retain some of their Eastern European character, especially among those groups who have more recently emigrated.

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