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community 3/2026: One church, one Spirit, and a new leader

July 1, 2026

Author: Sophie Berg

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Faith, fellowship, and new beginnings define the third issue of the community magazine. From Pentecost to new projects and spiritual reflections, this edition has lots to offer.

Featuring a message from the new Chief Apostle, Helge Mutschler, on the occasion of Pentecost, the member magazine presents its third issue of 2026.  A wide range of articles, accompanied by numerous photographs, offer insights into the lives of New Apostolic Christians around the globe.

On faith as small as a mustard seed, truth, and humility

The issue opens with a divine service from Lindlar in Germany, conducted by the then Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler, based on Luke 17: 5–6: “And the Apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’”

True faith does not depend on its size but thrives on trust in the great God. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can help us overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges such as suffering, guilt, fear, or irreconcilability if we place our complete trust in Jesus Christ.

The issue also features short reports on divine services in Panama, Sierra Leone, and Australia, covering topics such as recognising the truth in the light of Christ, the courage of humility, and belief in the resurrection, which changes everything.

Inspiration for young and old

On a colourful double-page spread, young readers can explore the story of Joseph and his eleven brothers. Driven by jealousy over their father’s special favour for Joseph, they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Many years later, their paths crossed again. By then Joseph had risen to one of the highest political positions in the country.

Eleven-year-old Marco from Erie in the USA, whose roots are in Burundi, talks about himself, his large family, and his hobbies. He and his four brothers—he also has four sisters—share a passion for music and theatre. And he reveals what Burundi is known for.

The article “Holy Communion: the central act of liturgy” explores the liturgy of the New Apostolic Church. It describes the structure and order of divine service and how God’s saving work can be experienced through His word, the sacraments, prayer, and blessing. The celebration of Holy Communion is the central act.

Pentecost, change, and the Global Church

The events around Pentecost are highlighted under the title “One Church, one Spirit, and a new leader”. The article offers brief insights into the Pentecost service that took place in our Tafelsig church in Cape Town, South Africa, and reflects on the transition from Jean-Luc Schneider to Helge Mutschler as Chief Apostle. A brief profile of Helge Mutschler completes the feature.

In São Domingos, Guinea-Bissau, a new youth centre has been officially inaugurated with a divine service, traditional dances, and a shared meal. The centre serves as an important place for socialising, education, and the strengthening of faith for around 500 active New Apostolic young people living in the area.

How are our sisters and brothers in The Gambia faring? The article “In the midst of life” explores this question, shedding light on the challenging circumstances faced by the congregations there. Despite the difficulties, many members remain deeply engaged in congregational life. The report also highlights how the local Regional Church continues to reaffirm its support for congregations across West Africa.

The Church’s “Serving and Leading” guiding principle has undergone a comprehensive revision and has been aligned with the key Church principles, including the Vision and Mission statements, the Catechism, and the Guide for Ministers. A stronger focus on service is one of its central new principles. The 16-page brochure summarises the foundational principles and emphasises the importance of transparency, trust, and mutual respect.

July 1, 2026

Author: Sophie Berg

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