The gap between expectations and reality, between the ministry and its bearer … This field of tension made for some moving moments in the most recent divine service for ministers in Europe: the Chief Apostle apologized.

Two times each year, all District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers of the world come together for a District Apostle Meeting. They debate globally strategic topics that are of significance for the overall leadership of the Church. In October this meeting will take place in Johannesburg in South Africa.

New Apostolic Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return as the bridegroom and take His bridal congregation unto Himself on the day of the Lord. But who will be included in this group? Who will be accepted by Him? What will happen?

The lives of New Apostolic Christians also include some very simple, pragmatic things. A functioning bicycle, enough to eat ... our members are there for one another and their fellow human beings. Even over the past few days. This time, nac.today takes a look at Africa and Europe.

On coming Sunday all of Europe will be looking toward Düsseldorf, in the best sense of the word. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, the six District Apostles of Europe, and the Apostles of the District Church of North Rhine-Westphalia will be the hosts of this divine service for ministers originating in the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“Peace amidst our earthly fears” is the plea in an old hymn from the New Apostolic choir repertoire. This is the wish of all Christians. Jesus already told His disciples that they would have tribulation in the world, but that they could be of good cheer as long as He was with them. And what about today?

The Church is building a hospital, Apostles are working on growing together, and young people are occupying themselves with the Catechism—here is a look around the world from Africa to Europe to South America.

Would I like to help out? Gladly! But how? Questions like this have been coming up again and again—even in New Apostolic congregations—with regard to the influx of refugees to Europe. The Church's leadership has not merely contented itself with launching appeals, but is also offering help to the helpers.

Helping hand in hand: that is how New Apostolic congregations have been helping refugees for months—most often together with other Christians, initiatives, and organizations. Infrastructural support is also coming increasingly from the Church leadership.

The District Apostle district of Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe hosts an International Women's Day once each year. Actually, the event takes place over several days, namely from Friday to Sunday. So what is it all about?

Three active Apostles in a row have passed away in the past few days on the African continent. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider paid tribute to their commitment to the now grieving congregations.

The fate of the many refugees who are currently travelling in Europe has moved the hearts of New Apostolic Christians around the world. This is demonstrated by the reactions in social networks. But it is not just talk and discussion: concrete help is also being organized.

It is to be used as a workbook and a manual to support instruction: the Catechism, which has now been subdivided into 750 questions and answers. Over the coming days it will be distributed to congregations around the world and will shortly also be available as an app for smartphones and tablets.

Doing the will of God: that is the objective of each and every believing Christian. Yet each and every one of us must make personal decisions for ourselves. This was something that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider made clear recently in Tbilisi in Georgia: “God expects us to be mature children of God.”

On Sunday, 19 April 2015, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider celebrated a divine service in Dodoma, the national capital of Tanzania. On this occasion, he placed District Apostle Shadreck Lubasi into retirement and ordained Joseph Opemba Ekhuya (45) as his successor, and commissioned him to lead the New Apostolic Church East Africa as District Apostle. A few weeks before this change, the two Apostles gave nac.today an interview.

Many millions of people around the world are refugees. Many of them flee their countries for fear of terrorism and out of concern for life and limb. Helping them when they arrive in their new country is an expression of active charity.

Europe and Africa — two different continents, two different cultures. In Europe, the membership numbers of many churches are decreasing, and even New Apostolic congregations are being closed. But the Church is growing in other places.

In our Spotlight series, the District Apostles are asked to express their thoughts on our 2015 motto “Joy in Christ”. This time, it is District Apostle Michael Ehrich’s turn. He is from the south of Germany.