Pentecost 2026: the full story in pictures

Arrival, District Apostles’ Meeting, a surprise visit, musical moments marking a farewell and new beginnings—all there to view.

Landed in Cape Town

Barely off the plane and already in the spotlight: the Chief Apostle and the first District Apostles have landed in South Africa—pictures from their arrival.

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.

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. 

To mark the start of their Pentecost assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, the Church leaders fanned out to local congregations in the evening to conduct divine services. The following Apostles were scheduled:

• Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler in Erica West

The District Apostles

• Thomas Deubel (Switzerland) in Scottsdene
• Michael Erich (Southern Germany) in Retreat East
• Joseph Opemba Ekhuya (East Africa) in Saxonsea
• Herman Ernst (South America) in Hanover Park
• David Heynes (Northern and Eastern Germany) in Ocean View
• Edy Isnugroho (South-East Asia) in Erica East
• Arnaud Martig (Canada) in Eisleben South
• Elie Mukinda (Democratic Republic of the Congo West) in Strand-Gustrouw
• Stefan Pöschel (Western Germany) in Manenberg
• John Schnabel (USA) in Dunrobin
• Peter Schulte (Western Pacific) in Voorbrug
• Kububa Soko (Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe) in Bonteheuwel Central
• Tshitshi Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of the Congo South-East) in Tafelsig

And the District Apostle Helpers

• João Misselo (Angola) in Uitsig
• Robert Nsamba (Zambia) in New Orleans
• Mandla Mkhwanazi (Southern Africa) in Lavender Hill
• Martin Rheinberger (Southern Germany) in Silvertown

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.