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.

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.

A congregation in which everyone feels welcome and loved. How is that supposed to work? The Chief Apostle’s answer: everyone can contribute. Here are ten reasons to rejoice and five building blocks that contribute to a feel-good congregation.

On Sunday Christianity observes the first Sunday of Advent. Here are some of the different ways our brothers and sisters around the world will start off the new church year.

December ushers in Advent, Christmas, and the end of the year. These periods determine the contents of our sermons in December. The focus is on admonition, expectation, and joy—also in our divine services.

A determined effort to do good. This is how the believer demonstrates how important the proximity of God is for him. And what is “good”? Learn to love as God loves. Here are some thoughts from a divine service by the Chief Apostle.

The International District Apostle Meeting is in session. This is the first time since the initial resolutions concerning our concept of ministry were communicated. There are still many open questions, but this is not the only interesting subject.

Servants of God? This does not only apply to the ministers. This is what the Chief Apostle said in a recent service for ministers that was broadcast across Europe. His sermon revolved around the question: Serving – who, how, and why?

Fellowship with Jesus is possible already here on earth, not only in heaven. Two divine services in a row provide clarity about the future and the present. Following is a divine promise and a detailed description of the believer’s mission.

Death and eternal life … How do other Christian churches see this? And which teaching is behind this religious practice? This was the topic of a conference at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. The initiative came from the New Apostolic Church.

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. First surprise: this place was finished a long time ago. Second surprise: man has already been there. The question now is, how do we get back home?

Doing something for the environment, comforting civil war refugees, and helping young people … The challenges that the Church faces at the global level are enormous. Following is a brief overview.

God gives, and He gives abundantly. But it does not always feel that way. A divine service by the Chief Apostle opens up a new perspective. God gives more than enough so that we can do good works with it. The hosting congregation set a touching example.

The new concept of ministry has begun to have some concrete implications, a point that the Chief Apostle made clear at today’s divine service for ministers, which was transmitted throughout Europe. A Special Edition of the Divine Service Guide is now being issued. The most important points from it follow in brief.

Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus and in His love is essential. From there it is only a small step to responding to His love by doing good works. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider mentions seven ways we can combine our faith with works.

“It’s too late! It’s no use anymore!” That was the response of the people to Jesus some 2,000 years ago—just before He raised a young girl from the dead. And this dismissive response can still be heard again and again even today, said Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider.

Do I snap photos of every individual flower of the altar decoration with a macro lens and ring flash two minutes before the start of the divine service? Should I hide four radio-controlled flash units in the floral arrangements to create better lighting for the altar space? – What works and what doesn’t?

Many brothers and sisters—and a significant piece of history—await Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider as he travels to South Africa this week.