All around the globe, our 2025 motto has unfolded its potential: inspiring commitment, love in action, fellowship, and a living faith. Here is a look back.
The New Year’s message
At the beginning of the year 2025, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider greeted all New Apostolic Christians in his New Year’s address with the motto: “It’s time to do good!”
The Chief Apostle explained what this means in the first divine service of the year, which was based on the Bible passage from Galatians 6: 9–10: “ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
It is high time to take some time to do good. In the congregation, in our families, and especially when it comes to our children. Doing good means helping everyone always and reaching out to help all.
Echoes from the District Apostles and their assistants
Here are a few thoughts from the District Apostles that illustrate the motto:
“It is time to do good, surrounding the next generation as a strong and caring congregation.” (Arnaud Martig, Canada)
“We do not all have the same resources, or the same gifts and talents, but we can all develop an abundance of compassion for the needs of our neighbour, like Jesus did.” (Peter Lambert, Southern Africa)
“To do good, we are not bound to any calendar, or condition, or recognition because we are programmed for good works.” (Elie Tatien Mukinda, DR Congo West)
“So we do good—for our neighbour as well as for ourselves—by modelling our lives on the gospel, trusting in God, and making a priority of those things that are lasting.” (Michael Ehrich, Southern Germany)
“If we want to do good, we must be prepared to stop.” (Rüdiger Krause, Northern and Eastern Germany)
“I don’t think Apostle Paul was telling believers to be naïve, but was addressing genuine concerns, particularly spiritual concerns. Doing good is a commandment of Jesus.” (Joseph Opemba Ekhuya, East Africa)
“Sometimes our first instinct may be to procrastinate or find an excuse not to take the time and act on this godly inspiration. However, let us seize these opportunities to do good.” (Mark Woll, Canada)
“Let us do good in the Church. Let us always be ready to seek unity, to master self-control, and to practise love in our family.” (Enrique Minio, South America)
“When a person does good, they pay attention and see, give love and compassion, and time and energy. And when a person gives it means they do not expect anything in return.” (Thomas Deubel, Switzerland)
“By taking the time to do good, however insignificant it may seem, we are not complaining about the darkness but are sharing our own light with others even though evil is gaining ground.” (Tshitshi Tshisekedi, DR Congo South-East)
“Either Christ lives in you and you do good works, or He does not live in you and you do not do good works.” (John Schnabel, USA)
“A faithful life of offering and sacrifice deepens our relationship with God, fills our hearts with joy, and strengthens our trust in Him regardless of our circumstances.” (Arnaud Martig, Canada)
And some District Apostle Helpers add:
“Much good can be accomplished by reaching out to the people around us, cultivating a warm fellowship and relationship with them, sharing Christ’s love and thereby providing soul care.” (Frank Dzur, Canada)
“If your motivation is based on love you can help the needy and make a positive impact on their development.” (João Misselo, Angola)
“Every believer is to recognise that the present moment is always the right time to act with kindness, compassion, and integrity.” (Robert Nsamba, Zambia)
Strengthening relationships, doing good
The 2025 motto inspired brothers and sisters around the world to come up with creative logos and various campaigns.
The congregation of Schwäbisch Hall in Germany, for example, focused on one particular aspect of the 2025 motto and organised activities around it.
Three stories from South Africa, Switzerland, and southern Germany tell how much of an impact a trombone, a song, or a chocolate truffle can have.
In line with the motto “A smile that creates a bright future”, a charity in Togo demonstrates that true goodness is a continuous practice, not an isolated case.
Four stories from Peru, Zambia, the DR Congo, and Switzerland show what love in action means: it will go the extra mile no matter how steep the path may be.
Photo: amenic181 – stock.adobe.com