What exactly is Pentecost? If you ask people on the street, many have no idea. And yet Pentecost is a prominent Christian feast. It stands for divine service and church, for life and a new start.

“Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?” This is more than a question, even today, for us. Ascension is a reminder for Christians to take on responsibility—not to stand still, but to be underway on behalf of the gospel.

Pentecost is a very special feast for the New Apostolic Church—a kind of birthday celebration of the worldwide Church. Following are some highlights from four decades.

Cultural diversity is a hallmark of the District Church South-East Asia. And this applies to confirmation as well. How do they celebrate in Hong Kong, Indonesia, or the Philippines?

The countdown is on: 32 days to go to this year’s Pentecost celebrations. This time in Frankfurt (Germany). The preparations are in full swing and there is growing excitement. There is even a dedicated website.

It is time for confirmation services. Between Easter and Pentecost adolescents around the world step before the altar and profess their belief in God. The congregations take a keen interest. Following is a look at the District Church of Canada.

A sermon … It is far more than a discourse of a religious nature. It is the assurance of God’s nearness and His help. It is the proclamation and explanation of the will of God. A sermon encourages, edifies, comforts, and offers perspectives.

When the Chief Apostle visits a congregation, he is usually the only Chief Apostle there. Not so in the congregation of Nordheide. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider celebrated the divine service while the retired Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber played the organ—something rare indeed.

Soon young Christians will step up to the altar to be confirmed. Just before this act of blessing they recite a doctrinal text from the early church that deserves to be given a closer look.

“Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language that they may not understand one another’s speech.” Six thousand languages have developed since then, and everyone speaks at least one of them: their mother tongue.

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?

True to the motto “Educating the leaders” a new training programme has been initiated. This follows a decision by the Chief Apostle who stipulates that the Church leaders need more than firm faith and a good knowledge of the Bible.

Articles, photos, and videos documenting the life of faith of New Apostolic Christians around the world were viewed at least 38 million times over the past year. That is the assessment of nac.today’s first year. A look behind the scenes.

Such messages need space! They need an occasion to present themselves: New Year, Christmas, or Pentecost are ideal. Pentecost has long been a popular occasion for a uniform message. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider is taking a somewhat different approach.

Youth development of a different kind, generational change in leadership, and a celebration of faith with a whole lot of “paaaahhhhh”: such was the year 2015 in Africa. The continent with the most New Apostolic Christians in the world opens our series of annual reviews here on nac.today.

“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.

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.

Theological topics and organizational matters … Whenever the District Apostles who work in Africa come together there is a full agenda. This time, the African Joy newsletter was a central topic. Read more about the conference of African District Apostles taking place in Johannesburg in South Africa.