Between north German clarity and quiet warmth, Rüdiger Krause developed a style all his own for reaching people. This Sunday he will retire as District Apostle of around twenty countries.
Before the sun had even risen properly over Ekaterinburg (Russia), Rüdiger Krause opened the door of the congregation’s small kitchen. Four divine services in as many days were behind him, but he greeted each member with the same smile that immediately says, “I am one of you.” Punctual, attentive, with a dash of humour. That is how he was on his travels through 22 independent Regional Churches in Northern and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It was here, among the people and the congregations, that it became evident what had defined his decades of serving in ministry: a vibrant sense of fellowship and reaching out to people.
From his first ministry to responsibility
Rüdiger Krause, born in Hamburg in 1960, received his first ministry as a Sub-deacon at the age of 21. After serving in other ministries, he was ordained a Bishop in 2002 and an Apostle in 2005. In 2010, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber appointed him District Apostle for Northern Germany. In 2016, the regions of the district of Central Germany were added.
His working area covers a vast territory with more than 670 congregations. “He neither wanted to go it alone nor was he the solitary type,” a companion characterised him. He was always integrated into the community, always on an equal footing with people.
Leading with head, heart, and clarity
Rüdiger Krause’s leadership relied not merely on giving instructions, but on instilling confidence. “As patron of the Communications Working Group, he certainly did not always agree with the majority of the group. Fine, whatever. He went along and respected the result, but did not keep his opinion to himself,” a colleague reports. Another colleague, from the circle of Apostles, says, “In Apostle Meetings, he reminded us that he is an Apostle like the rest of us and that we have to make decisions together.”
“When he smiled, he was on board,” a long-time colleague remembers. “That reaction came within seconds. If he hesitated or disagreed, his expression turned neutral. He wasn’t sullen or moody but maintained a kind of poker face. Then we knew that we would have to make a new attempt to try and convince him.”
On the road and always among the people
His routine was always the same: he began every day with coffee and breakfast, no matter how early he had to set out. But baked beans were definitely not his cup of tea. This ritual followed him everywhere for decades—into meetings in Zurich at the head office of the international Church, or when travelling to Scandinavia or Central Asia for divine services and pastoral visits.
One of his last official trips, a few days ago, took him to Russia. In the district of Ekaterinburg, he conducted four divine services within four days, led two meetings for ministers, took part in congregational events, and made pastoral visits to members. “His joy in serving there and sharing fellowship was evident to everyone,” his successor reports. Despite his demanding schedule, he remained attentive, flexible, and good-humoured—qualities that have long distinguished his leadership style.
Vibrant fellowship on a small and large scale
One of the guiding principles of his tenure was fostering fellowship—not only within his teams, but also internationally. “There were times when opinions differed within the Coordination Group, and some discussions were quite intense. But he never lost sight of the bigger picture, and in the end, we found good solutions,” a colleague recalls.
He managed to preserve his human sensitiveness and made small, heartfelt gestures: personal messages or photos from everyday life that made the people around him smile. For example, when unforeseen circumstances thwarted his (travel) plans … Instead of getting upset, he would send a cheerful video of his cosily set breakfast table to his colleagues. His laid-back sense of humour made for a hearty laugh and made it clear how easily he could turn minor mishaps into something positive.
Foresight in projects and committees
His work was not limited to congregations but also focussed on structural and international church work. From 2011 to 2014 he headed the Public Relations working group, from May 2018 to October 2023 the project group Religious Instruction Europe, and from 2014 to 2024 he was a member of the Chief Apostle’s Coordination Group. His commitment as head of communications at the International Youth Convention in 2009 will also remain unforgettable.
Those who worked with him emphasise his remarkable ability to delegate tasks and inspire confidence: “He has the gift of delegation, a skill not everyone possesses. And then he lets those to whom he has delegated tasks actually do them.” This approach reflected his cooperative, collegial leadership style and opened up space for creativity and initiative.
Despite all his responsibilities, Rüdiger Krause remained a family man. Wherever his travels took him, he stayed in touch with his wife, kept up to date with his children and grandchildren, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them.
Leaving office, but not the hearts
He touched people, and what endures are the traces he left: in the Global Church, in European working groups, in congregations he visited, and among colleagues who worked with him over many years. A Church leader who remained approachable, who valued people and fellowship while making clear decisions. A man whose humour, foresight, and commitment shaped his time in office and who inspired people.
On Sunday, 14 December 2025, the Hamburg native will officially retire in our church in Hamburg-Eppendorf. Presumably he will not slip into the Hamburg dialect and toss out his usual, “But we’ll have to have a natter about that.”