church.today

Women in ministry: a debate full of contrasts

There was certainly plenty of buzz on the social media sponsored by the New Apostolic Church. The subject of women in ministry generated hundreds of comments. And the reactions could hardly have been more different.

17 06 2021

Africa Apostolate

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• Australia / Pacific
• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• Europe
• Investiture
• Ministry
• Organisation
• Pastoral care
• Society

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The sacraments (36): A leap over the church fence?

Some call it the Eucharist, others the Lord’s Supper. For some it is ministers acting in Christ’s stead, for others it is the universal priesthood. For some it is a transformation, for others the body and blood of Christ are joined to the substance. Here it is Christ, there it is a symbol. Although Holy Communion is celebrated in all churches, it is celebrated differently everywhere.

15 06 2021

Congregation

+7

• Denominations
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• Europe
• Holy Communion
• Ministry
• Sacraments

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Ordination of women: the decision-making process

The deliberations on the topic of women in ministry are entering the next round. This is what the Chief Apostle says in his annual interview of 2021. He gives a concrete roadmap and an update on the current status of the discussions.

10 06 2021

Apostolate

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• Chief Apostle
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• Doctrine 
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Fellowship is both the way and the goal

Training in the fellowship of the believers for eternal fellowship with God: this is how the Chief Apostle understands salvation in Christ and our preparation for it. What this means he explained in his annual interview 2021.

03 06 2021

Chief Apostle

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• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
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• Pentecost
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The sacraments (35): Who is allowed to the table and where?

Taking a seat at the Lord’s table—that can involve a lot of hurdles: all Christian churches attach conditions to participation in Holy Communion. Anyone who decides to visit another denomination can easily get tangled up.

01 06 2021

Acts of blessing

+7

• Chief Apostle
• Confirmation
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• Holy Communion
• Ministry
• Sacraments

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Getting to know the church of Christ

“I believe in…the one, holy, universal, and apostolic church…” Such is the New Apostolic Church’s understanding of church. But what exactly does it mean by that? The sermons in June shed some light on the matter.

31 05 2021

Apostolate Congregation

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• Divine service
• Doctrine 
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• Sacraments

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A hymn of thanks despite the pandemic

Just imagine, Pentecost is here, and no one is going! This year, the New Apostolic world will instead meet by satellite and internet in order to celebrate the birthday of the church of Christ. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will take to the airways from Switzerland for the festive divine service.

22 05 2021

Chief Apostle

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• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Europe
• Investiture
• Ministry
• Organisation
• Pentecost

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Celebrating Pentecost in church and at home

“At home worldwide” is the nac.today slogan and could not be more appropriate for Pentecost 2021: not only is the New Apostolic Church at home all over the world, but the Church is also bringing the feast home. The connection, in any case, will be made.

21 05 2021

Chief Apostle

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• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Music
• Organisation
• Pentecost

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The sacraments (33): How often should we partake?

When is the table of the Lord prepared? And how often should believers come to the table? In the past and present of the various denominations, the gamut of when to partake in the Lord’s Supper runs from once a day to once a year—let’s take a tour through some of the churches.

04 05 2021

Congregation

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• Denominations
• Divine service
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• Holy Communion
• Pastoral care
• Sacraments

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Out of the sky and into the net

Goodbye satellites, hello more broadcasts and a broadcast license for open streaming! The New Apostolic Church is repositioning itself for divine service transmissions in Europe. The catalyst for this change is not least of all the Covid-19 pandemic.

24 04 2021

Congregation

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• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Europe
• Organisation
• Pentecost

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Pastoral care (11): Confession and the quest for relief from guilt

Confession is a touchy subject. It is a highly sensitive and personal matter and often involves unresolved guilt. It is a difficult subject for all concerned.

15 04 2021

Congregation

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• Divine service
• Doctrine 
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• Sacraments

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The sacraments (31): The sequence according to the menu

It all began as a simple table prayer and developed into a rich culture incorporating many different forms of expression. We’re talking, of course, about the celebration of Holy Communion. Where did it come from and where will it lead? Here are some similarities and differences.

07 04 2021

Ascension Day

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• Congregation
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At what point does the body separate from the soul?

Whether it has to do with organ donation, euthanasia, or measures to prolong life, modern medicine repeatedly confronts us with existential decisions. Following is an orientation guide from the point of view of the New Apostolic faith.

06 04 2021

Pastoral care

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Vivit: He lives!

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. This is what Christians celebrate on Easter, whether in person in church or in their virtual congregations.

03 04 2021

Chief Apostle

+4

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Easter
• Music

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The sacraments (29): The clash over the cup

There is to be bread and wine at Holy Communion. Jesus said so. But what about children, people with allergies, and alcoholics? Will one of the two elements do the job just as well? Church history provides some answers.

09 03 2021

Congregation

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• Doctrine 
• History 
• Holy Communion
• Sacraments

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Same nature, same value, same mission

The New Apostolic Church professes equality and equal rights for both women and men. This is one of the conclusions that derives from its most recent doctrinal paper, which includes an appeal for both men and women to accept responsibility in the state, the church, and in society together.

04 03 2021

District Apostle

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• Doctrine 
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Preparation for the service for the departed

God loves all human beings and God wants to save every single one. So what does He need believers for? A divine service packed with Christian basics, a little poetry, and above all pure joy.

26 02 2021

Chief Apostle Concept of salvation for the departed

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• Congregation
• Divine service
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• Sacraments

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Across congregational boundaries

Most of our congregational life has moved online because of the pandemic. This also includes divine services that are being offered in live webcasts globally. Here is the updated overview for Sunday.

05 02 2021

Acts of blessing

+9

• Chief Apostle
• Confirmation
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Music
• Pastoral care
• Pentecost

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Church construction is a community effort

There are many New Apostolic congregations who still harbour the wish for their very own church building. With a support programme worth a few million and some personal initiative, such a dream can indeed come true for many.

26 01 2021

Africa

+13

• America
• Buildings
• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Europe
• Music
• Organisation
• Pastoral care
• Sacraments
• Youth

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A District Apostle Helper for Northern Europe

Only a few weeks after the most recent retirement, the circle of District Apostle Helpers will receive a new addition: to support one of the largest District Apostle Areas.

25 01 2021

Africa

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• Apostolate
• Asia
• Chief Apostle
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• Europe
• History 
• Investiture
• Ministry
• Organisation
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• Retirement

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Pastoral care (09): reaching out to the youth

“Shaping the future of the Church” can be achieved by those who win young Christians over to be active in the Church, says Chief Apostle Schneider. Following are some thoughts on the challenges, the opportunities, and a win-win situation.

19 01 2021

America

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• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• Divine service
• Europe
• Event
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Learning from Jesus

“We spread the message of God’s kingdom. Christian faith is designed to be shared with others.” This is what the Catechism says, and this is how we practise it; also with online services on Sunday.

08 01 2021

Africa Chief Apostle

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• Congregation
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At what point are body and soul joined?

When exactly does human life begin and when does it end? The boundaries are not always clear. But clear answers are important, because sometimes critical personal decisions need to be made. Here is some help from the Church.

07 01 2021

History 

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• Society

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The story of the man who was Chief Apostle for 30 years

These were difficult times in the history of the New Apostolic Church. They included two world wars, internationalisation, consolidation, division, and realignment—a little bit of everything. And he stood firm like a rock in the pounding surf: Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff was born 150 years ago today.

02 01 2021

America

+11

• Apostolate
• Chief Apostle
• Children
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• History 
• Ministry
• Organisation

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nak.org 3.0 is online

All the latest features, and the best of the old to boot: as of today, nak.org, the website of the New Apostolic Church International, has been completely redesigned. A lot has happened, not only in terms of design, but also under the hood.

01 01 2021

Chief Apostle

+1

• Congregation

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A church without borders or walls

Locked church doors, divine services on YouTube, mouth and nose protection at the altar: the pandemic really shook up church life in 2020. It was the year of COVID-19. Following is a chronicle of the year’s events.

28 12 2020

Africa

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don't miss

Unity in diversity. The Church in conflict?

When cultures clash. Do Africans have to become more European or Europeans more African? Do those who are more conservative have to become more progressive? Or the other way around? The answer can be found in the Bible.

31 01 2024

Chief Apostle District Apostle

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• Doctrine 
• Divine service
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• Pastoral care
• Organisation
• Europe
• America
• Africa
• Australia / Pacific
• Society

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When decision-makers should abstain

What if a conflict of interest arises for a member of the Church’s governing body? The Board of Directors of the New Apostolic Church International (NACI) broached this controversial question recently and set down guidelines.

24 01 2025

Organisation

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NACI is working on an e-learning program

The New Apostolic Church would like to offer its ministers better training opportunities—and on a global level, at that. It is for this reason that the New Apostolic Church International (NACI) is working on an e-learning program. Following are some initial insights. 

19 12 2024

Ministry Divine service

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• Pastoral care
• Media

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