Journeying together, looking to heaven

Gratitude, anticipation, and a wish that transcends everything. As the interview draws to a close, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler looks back a little land and looks far ahead.

At his retirement, you said to Chief Apostle Schneider, “In these hands, I place the gratitude of millions.” What are you personally most grateful to him for?

What I said then were not merely the words of his successor. It was meant just as much on a personal level—as one of those millions. And if I were to sum it up in a single sentence, it would be this: I am grateful to him for being what he preached. 

That is rarer than one might think. One can talk about humility and still make a big deal about oneself. He did not do that. He never made a big deal of himself. He always knew that he was merely an instrument, a servant whose name was not important. And behind that lay a very simple trust in God. Not complicated, not overly theological. He simply trusted in God.

He spoke of the gospel, not of tradition. And he lived by it himself, even when it was uncomfortable. He spoke his mind—even when it would have been easier to look the other way. When it was the right one, he chose the more difficult path. And he bore the pain that resulted from it.

And on a very personal note: in the period leading up to my ordination, he carried me through. He did not throw me in at the deep end, nor did he lead me by the hand. He was simply there. He has now said that he wants to be an ordinary member of the congregation in Strasbourg. Going there, praying, singing—and, if needed, cleaning the church. That is exactly what he preached for thirteen years. And now he is living it. I thank him for that. Not as his successor, but as one of millions.

We spoke about challenges and the respect you have for the demanding task ahead. Is there anything you are wholeheartedly looking forward to?

Oh, there is plenty! (laughs) I am looking forward to the fellowship. And I mean that quite simply. I look forward to celebrating divine services with the brothers and sisters. Everywhere. In congregations whose names I did not even know until now.

I look forward to continuing to work on God’s work together with them. And to journeying alongside them, towards the same goal.

I am looking forward to the different traditions, to the cultures, to the way divine services are held in one place and how they are held in another. And yes, that goes for the food too. (laughs) There is plenty in store for me, and I am happy to embrace it.

Wherever people are gathered in His name, He is in their midst. Christ Himself said so. And now I have the opportunity to experience this in more places than ever before. I am looking forward to that wholeheartedly.

Looking even further into the future. What do you hope New Apostolic Christians will be grateful to you for at the end of your term of office?

I find this question a little difficult to answer because I do not want gratitude to be directed at me personally. But I can say what I hope will be there in the end. And essentially, it is the same thing I have already said twice: that we have remained steadfast. 

Steadfast in the Apostles’ teaching: that Christ is proclaimed clearly and unadulterated so that people understand Him. 

Steadfast in fellowship: that the Church is united—not all the same, but united. That we have turned our diversity not into a source of conflict, but into a source of richness. And that pastoral care is no longer a topic about which one writes papers, but something that happens as a matter of course. 

Steadfast in the breaking of bread: that we experience a foretaste of heaven there. That someone who comes to a divine service feeling weary and worn out can breathe a sigh of relief afterwards. That they find peace because they find Christ. Not as a ritual to be got through, but as the moment when heaven already begins. 

And steadfast in prayer: for there we find the plea that holds everything together: “Come, Lord Jesus!” And quite honestly, I would prefer it if this term of office were not to come to an end at all. I would prefer it if He were to return before then. That is what I pray for. And that is what I wait for.