Zurich. As reported on several occasions, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider intends to address the New Apostolic congregations of the world personally in a video address. The changes to the previous concept of ministry are to enter into effect as of Pentecost 2019.

“Thorough and careful communication, especially to our ministers, is very important to me,” expressed the international Church leader as he explained the rationale behind this approach. In the District Apostle Meeting in November of last year, he discussed a communications timetable for a globally uniform rollout on the subject.  

Communication timetable

This communication approach consists of three elements:

1. To begin with, a video presentation by the Chief Apostle himself to congregations all around the world is to set the stage for these changes in the concept of ministry. As already reported on multiple occasions, the Church’s leadership intends to adapt the hierarchy in the ministerial body in a manner appropriate to the times. To this end, a stronger distinction is to be made between ordination, appointment, and assignment in future. This new ruling was already implemented on the level of the Apostle ministry last year: for example, District Apostles will no longer be ordained, but rather appointed, as no additional ministerial authority, but rather only a leadership mandate, is conferred upon them in the process. This is now to be expanded to cover all levels of the hierarchy. How and why this is to occur is the subject of the video presentation by Chief Apostle Schneider. It is to be transmitted to all District Apostle districts between 9 and 12 April 2019. This can be done on a transnational level or separately, depending on the possibilities. In the German-speaking District Churches of Europe, a satellite transmission will be broadcast at 8:00 PM on 9 April for all interested members.
2. Part two of the communications cascade is comprised of an introductory presentation for all active ministers of the New Apostolic Church. Step by step, they are to be informed about the implications of, and reasons for, the changes to the concept of ministry. A corresponding introductory event will be offered after 9 April 2019. The District Apostles will decide on their own parameters for this element. Following the training of the active ministers, a similar event is to follow for retired ministers and all interested members.
3. A basic theological assessment of the concept of ministry has also been developed in the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church. It will be made available in the form of an expanded policy paper. A corresponding Special Edition of the “Divine Service Guide” will likewise expand on this topic.

Video presentation in April

The official start will thus be the video address by the Chief Apostle. He estimates that it will take between 50 and 60 minutes. Depending on the local possibilities, the transmission is scheduled to take place on, or starting on, 9 April 2019.