The year 2018 has more to offer than work, the daily grind, and to-do lists. Many congregations are preparing for small and big events. There is a hive of activity. And there is joy, enthusiasm, and hope—something that is quite becoming to Christians.

What exactly is church? Only the building? Only a certain denomination? An organisation? There are different definitions. Paul speaks of a “body of Christ” in Scripture. Following are some thoughts from the Chief Apostle on this subject.

A record-breaking number of participants in a divine service that was broadcast in Nigeria, the disappearance of two District Churches in Germany, and a ban on divine services in Zambia … News from around the world that makes people listen up.

Twenty-two Apostles were ordained in the past year by Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, and eighteen went into retirement. Three active Apostles passed away in 2017.

Not all New Apostolic Christians have access to the Internet. But even those who do not will receive the Chief Apostle’s New Year message, which he proclaimed yesterday. And not only in divine service.

Let us recognise the glory of God in His works, thank Him for His gifts, and proclaim His glory! These are the three tasks for New Apostolic Christians in the coming year. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider’s New Year’s message:

Chrissandra, Paxton, Julia, and Sam: four names, four people, four different stories right from the heart of reality of New Apostolic Christians: sometimes sad, sometimes wonderful, but always strong in faith.

The New Apostolic Church is changing at the global level, not only from a doctrinal point of view, but also from a structural point of view: succession plans have been developed and District Churches are merging. Here is a brief look back at the year 2017 and an outlook on the immediate future.

The concept of ministry was one of the high priority topics of 2017—with a very special emphasis: the Chief Apostle himself gave an interim update on the ongoing efforts on this new doctrinal understanding. Following are some insights into the developments to date.

Without movement there is stagnation. This also applies to the structure and the organisation within the Church. New ministers and churches are constantly needed. Only then can the congregations around the world be properly cared for. Following is an overview.

The thousands of teachers of the New Apostolic Church are not the only ones who have a heart for children. The Chief Apostle does too, and this is reflected in the Divine Service Guide. Starting in the new year, the guide for ministers will also provide impulses for divine services especially for children.

Not sure what the Church’s position is regarding Facebook and Co.? A little unclear on how to handle the blurry boundaries between professional, private, and religious use when you post? The District Apostles have ratified The Social Media Guideline of the New Apostolic Church to provide guidance on the wise and appropriate use of social media.

Martin Luther left his mark on both church theology and the German language with his translation of the Bible. A revised edition appeared on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Starting in 2019, the 2017 Luther translation will be the official German-language Bible of the New Apostolic Church.

They travel by air, sea, or land and log mile after mile as they bump over rough terrain and potholed dirt tracks in four-wheel drives. Getting to their congregations can be exhausting for Apostles and even dangerous.

The two independent District Apostle Areas in South America will merge in 2019. This announcement was recently made by the Church leaders.

People who do good get more out of life. Doing good, especially in the days leading up to Christmas, opens our eyes for new perspectives and wonderful experiences. Following are some examples of all that is being done for the less fortunate.

Monday, 27 November. A session of the International District Apostle Meeting has just ended, as has a meeting of the Finance Committee. By the time the Chief Apostle arrives in the recording studio it is already three o’clock in the afternoon.

Seventeen-hundred congregations and ten Apostle districts in one city alone. A look at a New Apostolic stronghold which the Chief Apostle will visit this coming weekend.