New inspiration, clear words, and practical advice for faith in daily life—the third issue of 2025 once again offers a multifaceted view of Church life around the world.
The new issue of community offers a many-sided snapshot of Church life in 2025. At its core is the question: what does it mean to be strong in faith and, at the same time, ready to act today? In his sermon in Omsk, Russia, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider emphasises that external crises are not an occasion for resignation. Rather, the idea is to remain spiritually awake, to rise up—both figuratively and practically—and lead a life deliberately oriented to the return of Christ.
The divine service report clearly shows that it is not the external circumstances that define the attitude of the believer, but rather that faith defines the believer’s view of the circumstances. The appeal to “get up and look up” is a challenge, a sober-minded call to action—without emotional escalation. Those who wait for Christ are not merely to observe passively, but prepare themselves actively already today. This includes reconciling, forgiving, and personal transformation—in concrete and binding fashion.
Strengthening the foundations—and thinking ahead
One concise article places the concept of salvation into its theological context. It emphasises that salvation is more than mere preservation or escape. It incorporates a return to fellowship with God and also involves the deliberate and conscious cultivation of this relationship—through faith, the sacraments, and a life guided by the Spirit of Christ.
This doctrinal text succinctly summarises key points and places them in the larger context of the plan of salvation. It makes clear that being a Christian—today more than ever—requires spiritual clarity and personal consistency. A full discussion of this topic will appear in the coming days as a separate article on nac.today.
From the lives of the children—and right in the middle
The children’s section does not come short either in this issue. In an illustrated and age-appropriate manner, it tells the story of a pivotal moment in the life of Apostle Peter, namely his threefold denial of Christ and the subsequent bitter realisation of what he had done. What at first glance seems like a story far removed from the imagination of children is made tangible through simple language and clear narrative.
The focus here is not on failure, but on rising up again—a theme that runs through the entire issue. The children learn that even role models of faith can sometimes make mistakes, but that honesty, repentance, and trust in God can make a new beginning possible. This perspective combines biblical content with children’s experiences—vividly, seriously, and without taking a moralising tone.
This section of the magazine is also complemented by a personal account from a child in Paris: Alfred, a student from the northeast of the city, reports on his everyday life, school, family, and community. A short, relatable perspective into the faith life of a child living in a major European city.
Perspectives from around the world
The “Global News” section once again takes up a particularly large amount of space in this issue. It demonstrates in impressive fashion how diverse, challenging, and yet encouraging Church life can be in different parts of the world. In Colombia, the Chief Apostle talks about steadfastness in faith, even in “fiery trials”. In South Africa, he explains how to endure God’s apparent silence. And in Germany, he stresses that those who are always waiting for better conditions to come along will never act.
There are also reports from Papua New Guinea, where one Apostle trekked for days to provide pastoral care in the aftermath of a landslide. Further articles are dedicated to the motto for this year: “It’s time to do good!” and how this is being implemented around the world both graphically and in practice. Whether they take the form of a stylised heart, praying hands, or symbols of growth, the diverse contributions show how locally influenced and yet globally connected our practice of faith actually is in our Church around the world.
This section is rounded out by an interview with young people from South America. Together with the Chief Apostle, they discuss things that seem impossible in life—and how they can nevertheless be achieved through faith, namely to forgive, to love, and to hope. An encounter on equal terms, clear in tone, open in language, and inspiring in its message.
The third issue of community 2025 thus offers yet another opportunity for orientation and reflection. It makes clear that those who believe today do more than wait—they take action. Now.