Responsibility, pastoral care, love for the Lord—these qualities defined the ministry of District Apostle Michael Ehrich. After 44 years as a minister, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler retired him.

Apostles’ doctrine, breaking of bread, fellowship, and prayer. This is the programmatic focus for Martin Rheinberger, the new District Apostle of Southern Germany.

Open for all people, firm in the gospel: with his last spiritual address to the District Apostle Meeting, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider once again set some clear priorities.

A shepherd does not carry his staff merely for decoration. District Apostle Élie Tatien Mukinda (Democratic Republic of the Congo West) uses this image to speak about leadership and responsibility.

After 20 years in ministry, District Apostle Michael Ehrich is retiring. His ministry took him behind the altar, into congregations, among young people, and into international responsibilities—and each time it brought him back to his mission of proclaiming Christ.

Where does the heart of the Church truly beat? In this interview, District Apostle Helper Martin Rheinberger (Southern Germany) speaks about faith, generations, and responsibility. His answers are both practical and deeply grounded in everyday church life.

God created human beings for fellowship. Yet various influences often threaten to undermine it. District Apostle David Heynes (Northern and Eastern Germany) explains how we can maintain our closeness to God.  

What happens when a 17-year-old suddenly realises: this is where I belong? District Apostle David Heynes (Northern and Eastern Germany) talks in an interview about formative experiences, cultural diversity, and servant leadership.

Pentecost is still close. The images are vivid, the words still resonate, and the music lingers. But what remains when everyday life grows louder than the memories?

District Apostle Thomas Deubel’s contribution is presented as a video discussion. In conversation with young people, he talks about experiences related to our 2026 annual motto: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe!”

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.