Pentecost 2026: the full story in words

From the preparations and the District Apostles’ Meeting to the Pentecost concert and, finally, the highlight—the divine service. Here is everything to read and look back on.

May 27, 2026

Africa Chief Apostle

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• Pentecost

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They called him Papito

When congregations in Argentina today celebrate anniversaries, you often hear the names Gantner and Toplisek mentioned. As pioneers, these two friends and Apostles laid historic foundations. In all of this, a special kind of processed cheese and a widow played a decisive role.

May 26, 2026

America

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• Anniversary
• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• Divine service
• History 
• Profile

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This is how unity in diversity sounds 

With rhythm and infectious energy, the Young People’s Choir brought the spirit of joy to the 2026 Pentecost concert. “South African Medley” made cultural richness audible.

May 25, 2026

Africa

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• Music
• Pentecost

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The evening’s largest choir 

A special guest made an appearance at the 2026 Pentecost concert in Cape Town, South Africa: the audience. Invited to join the grand finale, spectators sang along—clearly relishing the moment. 

May 25, 2026

Africa

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A song that gets under your skin 

Have your tissues ready. The orchestra, choir, and Young People’s Choir performed a deeply touching rendition of “God be with you till we meet again”.

May 25, 2026

Africa

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• Pentecost

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The sounds of Pentecost in pictures

The orchestra, two choirs, and an impressive lineup of soloists transformed the Pentecost concert into a celebration enjoyed by tens of thousands of spectators—both on site and online. The photos from Silvertown.

May 25, 2026

Africa Music

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Like Peter on the water

Don’t be afraid of the wind and the waves, but look only to Jesus Christ. This is the advice Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider gave to his successor, Helge Mutschler—a video clip of the ordination.

May 24, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• Investiture
• Ministry
• Pentecost

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The gratitude of millions in a handshake 

With love and deep respect, the new Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler paid tribute to the work of his predecessor, Jean-Luc Schneider—the retirement in the video.

May 24, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• Ministry
• Pentecost
• Retirement

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Farewell and a new beginning in pictures

This Pentecost Sunday marks a historic day for the New Apostolic Church: Helge Mutschler was ordained as the new Chief Apostle, while Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider was eagerly looking forward to retirement.

May 24, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• Investiture
• Media
• Pentecost

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The holy day in pictures

Pentecost 2026: The Tafelsig congregation in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted this special celebration with plenty of energy, music, and joy—scenes from the divine service.

May 24, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• Divine service
• Media
• Pentecost

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Unity in diversity—that is heaven 

“We have a new Chief Apostle—what a blessing, what a joy.” These were the spontaneous words of Chief Apostle Schneider after the ordination of his successor.  

May 24, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• Divine service
• Pentecost

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The person departs, the path remains 

From Richard Fehr to Wilhelm Leber, then to Jean-Luc Schneider, and now to Helge Mutschler. The video captures the moments in which the Chief Apostles received and passed on the baton.

May 23, 2026

Chief Apostle

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• History
• Investiture
• Ministry
• Pentecost

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Twelve Pentecost services, twelve messages

Love, trust, and discipleship: these are the impulses that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider set for Pentecost from 2014 to 2025—highlights in a video.

May 23, 2026

Chief Apostle

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• Divine service
• Pentecost

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From small beginnings to a Pentecost stage

Is Tafelsig, the congregation hosting the 2026 Pentecost service, the largest New Apostolic church in the world? The answer is not entirely straightforward, as it depends on how one counts.

May 23, 2026

Africa

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• Buildings
• Congregation
• History 
• Local news
• Pentecost

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Pastoral care: listening rather than answering

He is not yet Chief Apostle. Yet at the District Apostles’ Meeting in Cape Town, he already highlighted two priorities: pastoral care as a focus and the continuation of teamwork as a method.

May 22, 2026

Africa

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• District Apostle
• Organisation
• Pastoral care
• Pentecost

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A sneak peek from Silvertown

Not only church members around the globe are eagerly awaiting the Pentecost concert from Cape Town. Here is a quick peek. The concert on 23 May 2026, 5 p.m. (UTC+2) can be followed via livestream.

May 22, 2026

Africa

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• Music
• Pentecost

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Cape Town’s singing landmark 

From pivotal moments in church history to musical highlights and major transitions, the Silvertown congregation has long been—and remains—a centre of New Apostolic life in South Africa. 

May 22, 2026

Africa Buildings

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• Congregation
• History 
• Local news
• Pentecost

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A break before the next round

Hard work deserves a break. What might the District Apostles be talking about between sessions? Judging by the expressions on their faces, probably nothing too serious.

May 22, 2026

Africa

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• Chief Apostle
• District Apostle
• Pentecost

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Everyone in one frame 

And now, smiles please. No proper District Apostles’ Meeting would be complete without the traditional group photo of the leaders of the New Apostolic Church International. Here is the 2026 Cape Town version.

May 22, 2026

Chief Apostle

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• District Apostle
• Pentecost

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At the heart of congregational life

“So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel.” Echoing the words of Luke 9: 6, the District Apostles and their assistants set to work on Wednesday. 

May 21, 2026

Africa

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• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service

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Between new beginnings and farewells  

Cape Town is hosting its fourth New Apostolic Pentecost celebration. Each has had its own unique character and left lasting impressions—inviting a moment of reflection. 

May 21, 2026

Africa

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• Pentecost

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One last time in this line-up

This is the last District Apostles’ Meeting before Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider hands over the reins to his designated successor. Today, the 20 church leaders from around the world began their series of meetings—here is a glimpse behind the scenes. 

May 21, 2026

Africa District Apostle

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• Organisation
• Pentecost

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And suddenly the Chief Apostle walks in 

He did it again—just like three years ago. Chief Apostle Jean‑Luc Schneider surprised a congregation on Wednesday that had been expecting the visit of a District Apostle instead. Here are the photos from Hanover Park.

May 21, 2026

Chief Apostle

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• Congregation
• Divine service
• Pentecost

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Fresh voices with something to say

Interviews with the “newcomers” have become a welcome tradition on the sidelines of the District Apostle Meeting. The full videos will be released in the coming weeks—but here is a first glimpse.

May 20, 2026

District Apostle

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• Media

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Check, check, here we go

Everything is in place for the District Apostle Meeting: the agenda is set, the technical equipment is up and running, and the conference room is ready. The Church administration has taken care of every detail. Here are the final photos before the start.

May 20, 2026

Africa

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• District Apostle
• Organisation
• Pentecost

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From a house congregation to a multinational Church 

As the host of this Pentecost celebration, the Regional Church of Southern Africa looks back on a journey marked by faith, steady growth, and enduring solidarity—from its first mission to the Regional Church that it is today. 

May 20, 2026

Africa

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• History 
• Local news

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