He is not yet Chief Apostle. Yet at the District Apostles’ Meeting in Cape Town, he already highlighted two priorities: pastoral care as a focus and the continuation of teamwork as a method.

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.

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.

“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. 

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. 

Interviews with the “newcomers” have become a welcome tradition on the sidelines of the District Apostle Meeting. The full videos will be released in the coming weeks—but here is a first glimpse.

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.

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.

The New Apostolic Church is embarking on a historic week: believers from all around the world are turning their attention to the Pentecost celebrations in South Africa—and the ordination of a new Chief Apostle.

God’s love in the hearts, His Spirit in the church … With this video, the New Apostolic Church Southern Africa shares its anticipation of the 2026 Pentecost feast.

People who feel afraid and ashamed tend to want to hide. However, God calls them back to life. Those who heed this call experience care, peace, and a new sense of dignity.

With less than six weeks to go until the 2026 Pentecost celebrations, excitement is building and preparations are entering an intense phase.

When fear clouds our thinking, poor decisions can suddenly seem reasonable. District Apostle Joseph Opemba Ekhuya from Kenya in East Africa illustrates why trust is a far better guide than panic. 

It is now up to him to make the right decisions: Herman Ernst, the new District Apostle of South America. The Chief Apostle explained how this is done during the appointment.

Caring, humble, and wise … This is how the Chief Apostle characterised the retiring District Apostle Enrique Eduardo Minio from South America.

Fear is a natural part of life. Yet when we place our trust in God, it brings a deep sense of security, dispels fear, and fills us with confidence. God is present, both in the storms of life and in moments of stillness, says District Apostle Michael Ehrich from Germany. 

God calls human beings despite their limitations. “Do not lose heart, but trust in the Lord,” advises District Apostle Helper Herman Ernst from South America, for God’s calling is stronger than fear. 

Today, we honour Norberto Rubén Batista, who would have turned 75 on 12 March. Loved across South America, he left a lasting mark despite serving only two years as District Apostle.