What is the actual sequence of a New Apostolic divine service anyway? This question comes up often, especially when guests are present in a divine service for a baptism or confirmation, for example. The liturgical order of the divine services is the same for all divine services, and applies all around the world.

In all churches there are memorial ceremonies and services—defined to a greater or lesser extent—for loved ones who have passed away. Some Orthodox denominations celebrate with bread and cake at the grave. Other churches celebrate services of remembrance. The New Apostolic Church celebrates divine services for the departed three times each year.

Like many other Christians we attend divine services. It seems like something completely normal. But why do we go? And what exactly is divine service?

Those who would like a wish fulfilled know they have to do something for it. This also applies to the great desire expressed in one of the psalms—one that has been set to music and has evolved into a beloved classic in our circles. In a recent divine service, the Chief Apostle outlined a programme that helps us to stay in the house of the Lord.

A New Apostolic Church influenced by the Gothic Revival? And inside the edifice, on one of its walls, there is the headdress of a Native American Indian chief. Intrigued?

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider recently used the wine-growing process as an image to give some very clear indications regarding our life of faith.

There is much more to professing our faith in Jesus Christ than just saying amen. The Chief Apostle recently explained in a divine service what this means—for the Apostles and the congregations.

“The stranger is your neighbour!” This was one of the core messages from Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider over the past year. And—even in times of terrorism and war, waves of immigration, and xenophobia—this also remains our mission for the new year.

Organizationally well established—both as a team and in terms of leadership: that is how the New Apostolic Church in the Americas has presented itself. Here is part three of our year-in-review journey around the world on nac.today.

The first Christians supported the efforts and the mission of the Apostles by professing the gospel, by revealing their love, their joy, and their steadfastness, and by bringing their offerings. It is not any different today. Following are thoughts from Chief Apostle Schneider on how we can help along.

“It can never be said that the Apostle was a coward. I risked everything to help in the quick movement and furtherance of the Church work.” These words were written by the Chief Apostle’s right hand: Apostle Heinrich Franz Schlaphoff. Fifty years ago today he passed away.

Myanmar—for many years this extraordinary country was isolated from the rest of the world. Following the landslide victory of Aung Suu Kyi, many new possibilities have opened up for the country.

Lit tea-lights in the shape of a heart in Luxembourg, flowers and a “Pray for Paris” banner in Germany: the terror attacks last Friday in Paris have left people in shock, especially in Europe. But the District Apostles are also directing attention beyond Europe’s borders, to other parts of the world.

Believing in Jesus Christ is not all that easy. After all, His gospel contains more than one stumbling block. This is what the Chief Apostle made clear in a recent divine service, listing seven stumbling blocks and a guiding principle.

Globalization even has an effect on liturgical implements. The communion cups used in our New Apostolic congregations are globally sourced these days. One manufacturer from whom the Church buys is in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.

He rendered the church a great service, even though it took a long time before it was acknowledged. Millions of Christians believe his tenets today. Traces of Martin Luther are also found in the divine services of the New Apostolic Church, such as elements of our liturgy or the Luther Bible, the German language Bible translation—a landmark in German literature. Who was this man?

Why do we give God the glory? Why do we trust Him? Why do we keep our promises and proclaim salvation in Christ to our neighbour? The Chief Apostle supplied answers to these questions at Thanksgiving.

This past Sunday, 25 October 2015, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider conducted a divine service in our central church in Buenos Aires in Argentina, in which he placed District Apostle Norberto Passuni into retirement. District Apostle Helper Enrique Eduardo Minio was ordained to succeed him as District Apostle for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.