Team player rather than lone wolf

The first ever general assembly of the “Igreja Nova Apostólica Angola” took place in August 2019. In the process, District Apostle Rainer Storck gathered together with the country’s 34 Apostles and Bishops in order to discuss church strategy. One of the District Apostle’s concerns is to strengthen the financial independence of the District Church of Angola. At present, nearly 100 percent of the annual expenditure for running costs comes from the District Church’s own funds. Investments require transfers, however. Other topics included the implementation of the new concept of ministry, as well as an improved reporting system for membership data, statistics, and offerings.

In June 2019, the national assembly of the New Apostolic Church Berlin-Brandenburg, which consists of the Apostles, Bishops, and district rectors of the District Church, gathered together for a weekend. The subject of “Serving and leading in changing times” was assigned a great deal of attention during the meeting. In addition to a presentation by District Apostle Wolfgang Nadolny, who was supported professionally by Bishop Harald Bias, there was time for a lively discussion about leadership standards and tools. District Apostle Nadolny also went on to report on the “Awareness Concept” created by the District Church of Southern Germany. The important thing here is to protect the children and young people, as well as the individuals who care for them. And the national assembly also decided to take its first step in this direction: its members decided that they would submit certificates of good conduct for themselves as a start.

The financial year 2018 was the main item on the agenda at the national assembly of the District Church of Western Germany. The governing body consists of the District Apostle and the Apostles, as well as the Bishops and district rectors of the District Church. For the very first time, the group made a decision about the annual financial statements of the District Churches of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse/Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, which were amalgamated at the turn of the year 2017/2018. At this meeting at the start of September, the national board was unanimously discharged and the annual financial statements approved. In addition to the newly introduced assignment of teachers and youth leaders, the discussion between the district leaders and the Church leadership also turned to new training opportunities for Deacons, Priests, and others in leadership positions.