Even a tiny seed can develop great power and grow big. Regardless of one’s gifts, shortcomings, and personal past, everyone can be a source of blessing.

The religious holidays in December create a bit of a muddle with our usual Sunday service times. The festive season also influences the subjects of our divine services as we anticipate Christmas.

One faith, one doctrine – one church, many cultures: this was the common idea that hovered over almost every item on the agenda at the recent District Apostles’ Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland.

What is definite is that there is gender equivalence and equality of the sexes before God. That is why, since the beginning of the year, women can also be entrusted with ministerial authority. This has both doctrinal and practical implications.

“The apostolate decides that women can be entrusted with ministerial authority.” Isolated Bible verses are cited against this decision. However, these relate less to the authority than to the mandate. And the Church takes this into account.

When the New Apostolic Church first started to work in Portugal, the ministers had to deal with language barriers, finding places for worship, and building schools. This weekend, many years later, two special divine services await the country’s almost 5,500 brothers and sisters.

Far from home, but at home in faith: Afua Ampong moved abroad to study. England, her new home, is so different from where she has lived most of her life, Ghana. Fortunately, the members in the New Apostolic congregation opened their hearts and she has found a spiritual home.

Following Jesus also requires us to exercise restraint. In his Spotlight, District Apostle Edy Isnugroho reports on fellow believers who have impressed him in particular fashion. And he goes on to explain why it is still worthwhile.

Are human beings legally permitted to kill other human beings? Is this revenge or justice? Humanity is divided on such questions. What does the Bible say? And where is the church on the subject? Some answers on the occasion of the “World Day Against the Death Penalty” on 10 October.

There are at least three books that ministers of the New Apostolic Church need: the Bible, the Catechism, and the Guide for Ministers. The latter of these works has just been sent to the Regional Churches in order to receive a final regional polish.

There are many slogans about peace. Perhaps the best known is “Make love, not war”, an anti-war slogan. A Christian motto is “Peace amidst our earthly fears”. This comes from Jesus Himself.

Nearly a hundred thousand people took part in the divine service in Kinshasa, either directly or on television. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider addressed the current situation in the country and called on the members to overcome evil with good. Jesus leads by example.

At the beginning of the gospel already, Peter wanted to know how often he would have to forgive his neighbour. More often than you think, was the answer of the Son of God to this question. For us Christians today it is crystal clear. Or maybe not?

Half a year after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, people are still trying to come to terms with the aftermath. Together with its partner organisation Hatay Yardım İnisiyatifi Derneği and the New Apostolic Church Western Germany the relief organisation nak-karitativ supports traumatised children.

A blood donor clinic with a view of organ pipes, birth registration in front of the altar, and meals under the emblem … Typically, church buildings are sacred places, but sometimes they also open their doors for a good cause to serve the broader community.

Who is God? There are many answers to this, but only one that really matters: the image that Jesus Christ revealed. If we open ourselves up to this image, we can be sure to achieve everything that is possible.

When it comes to the prevention of sexual abuse the New Apostolic Church is undeterred. The most recent example is the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct published by the New Apostolic Church Western Germany.

Grief needs space. And the bereaved need support. What can be done and how can we help? An interview with Brit Gardemeier, spokesperson of the Round Table Bereavement Support Group of the New Apostolic Church Northern and Eastern Germany, provides some insight.