Chrissandra, Paxton, Julia, and Sam: four names, four people, four different stories right from the heart of reality of New Apostolic Christians: sometimes sad, sometimes wonderful, but always strong in faith.

The New Apostolic Church is changing at the global level, not only from a doctrinal point of view, but also from a structural point of view: succession plans have been developed and District Churches are merging. Here is a brief look back at the year 2017 and an outlook on the immediate future.

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.

Without movement there is stagnation. This also applies to the structure and the organisation within the Church. New ministers and churches are constantly needed. Only then can the congregations around the world be properly cared for. Following is an overview.

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.

Not sure what the Church’s position is regarding Facebook and Co.? A little unclear on how to handle the blurry boundaries between professional, private, and religious use when you post? The District Apostles have ratified The Social Media Guideline of the New Apostolic Church to provide guidance on the wise and appropriate use of social media.

Martin Luther left his mark on both church theology and the German language with his translation of the Bible. A revised edition appeared on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Starting in 2019, the 2017 Luther translation will be the official German-language Bible of the New Apostolic Church.

They travel by air, sea, or land and log mile after mile as they bump over rough terrain and potholed dirt tracks in four-wheel drives. Getting to their congregations can be exhausting for Apostles and even dangerous.

The two independent District Apostle Areas in South America will merge in 2019. This announcement was recently made by the Church leaders.

People who do good get more out of life. Doing good, especially in the days leading up to Christmas, opens our eyes for new perspectives and wonderful experiences. Following are some examples of all that is being done for the less fortunate.

Monday, 27 November. A session of the International District Apostle Meeting has just ended, as has a meeting of the Finance Committee. By the time the Chief Apostle arrives in the recording studio it is already three o’clock in the afternoon.

Seventeen-hundred congregations and ten Apostle districts in one city alone. A look at a New Apostolic stronghold which the Chief Apostle will visit this coming weekend.

Ministry and person. This may sometimes pose potential for conflict. The two roles, the one as minister and the one as husband and father, do not always coincide. What does the Chief Apostle say about this?

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.

The District Apostles were given a tour of the exhibition grounds where the International Youth Convention (IYC) will take place in 2019. Before the tour, the District Apostles—who had convened for their fall session—were informed about what the participants would see, hear, and do at the Youth Convention.

A 17-year old young woman is currently inspiring members of the New Apostolic Church in South Africa with awe. First they picked up the telephone for their sister. Now they are proudly sharing her videos. A success story between church music and pop music.

Perceivable, sensitive and understanding, able to inspire people for the Lord, and willing to serve the congregations. This is what Apostles around the world are like.

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.