Did the New Apostolic Deaconesses of the early decades carry a spiritual ministry or not? Before we can answer this we have to clear up two further questions. First, were the women ordained? And secondly, what were their duties? Here is the current state of research.

Did the New Apostolic Church really ordain only men as ministers until last year? What about the Deaconesses who were active in Europe, America, and Africa for a period of eighty years? Here are some facts and figures to give an initial picture.

It was mainly in Africa that the Chief Apostle ordained new Apostles in the first half of 2023. But there were also two ordinations on other continents: one in America and one in Europe.

In the end, it was only one link that changed: after almost three years, our Friday list of online services is no longer necessary, thankfully. Here is a look back on an eventful period.

The Chief Apostle also sang along, but only during the opening hymn. Then he left the stage to the choir, orchestra, and the children’s choir for the 2023 Pentecost concert. During the last piece, the audience was allowed to sing along once more.

The feast before the feast: twenty-two congregations across the Western Cape had their midweek service conducted by a District Apostle or a District Apostle Helper. The congregation in Tafelsig experienced a special surprise—and for good reason.

New Apostolic Christians far beyond Zambia’s borders are reacting with dismay and sadness to a fatal road accident that has killed 24 people, most of them women, who were on their way to a church event.

Destruction, homelessness, hunger: of all the countries hit by the cyclone, Malawi was battered the worst. Relief efforts are underway also by New Apostolic aid organisations. What do the people need? District Apostle Kububa Soko wanted to see for himself.

Reunions after a pandemic forced break, anniversaries galore, and a Youth Day chock full of biblical knowledge. These are this week’s news flashes from New Apostolic congregations around the globe.

The record holder is Switzerland. The Regional Church broadcasts weekly online services in three languages. Close on its heels is South America, which offers divine services in Spanish and Portuguese for its brothers and sisters. As always, there are even more languages on nac.today.

Threads, chains, and self-control. These are the key words in the article by District Apostle Enrique Minio from South America in which he explores our motto for 2023 and the New Year’s message delivered by the Chief Apostle.

From Germany via Canada to Venezuela, and from there through Central and South America: this is the story of Apostle Lorenz Hans Muth. He was a pioneer in the classical sense and would have been one hundred years old today, 30 January 2023.

He lost everything and found refuge with brothers and sisters in faith: Ernst Kaufmann, who was of Jewish descent, survived because people in his New Apostolic environment hid him from the Gestapo. Here is a short biography of him to mark the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, which is observed annually on 27 January.

The crown is a popular motif used to design the 2023 logos. It allows the Regional Churches to illustrate the annual motto “Serving and Reigning with Christ”. But not all designers used a crown to emphasise the royal aspect of this year’s motto.

In most parts of the world, the Covid situation has improved so that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider was once again able to travel and ordain and retire Apostles. Some retirees had to wait longer for the official act because of the pandemic.

“Together in Christ” is not free, but it gives infinitely more strength than it costs. To close the year, we look back on the different aspects emphasised by the District Apostles in the Spotlight series reflecting the 2022 motto.

It was the year of the District Apostle Helpers: over the past twelve months, the Chief Apostle assigned no less than three new ones. This is not by coincidence. In fact, there is a stated reason behind these changes. And it all has to do with the future.

In many congregations, singing has resumed and so have concerts. Here is a small overview of concerts and workshops in different parts of the world, showcasing that music is a universal language that speaks to the soul.