The work on a revised edition of the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church is progressing according to plan. Since its publication in 2012, there have been significant developments, including the structural reform of our concept of ministry and the ordination of women. Working groups have reviewed the available material and identified potential areas for revision. In the next phase, the chapters will be adapted and a draft compiled. A publication date has not yet been set.

Serving and Leading to be updated 

At the same time, the globally binding policy Serving and Leading in the New Apostolic Church is currently being revised. The aim is to support leaders in contributing to the unity of the Church through Christian love, understanding, and mutual respect and appreciation.

The current version dates from 2001 and thus needs to be updated. The process was initiated at the session of the District Apostle Meeting in Ghana in November 2024. Since then, the Regional Churches have proposed amendments which have been compiled into a new draft. This was now discussed over the 2025 Pentecost Council in Mainz (Germany). 

Project status reports

An overview provided information on the ongoing work in the various project groups of the New Apostolic Church International. This includes a process analysis regarding the compilation of the Divine Service Guide. New teaching materials for Religious Instruction will soon be introduced in English, French, and Dutch. The German-language edition has already been launched. Meanwhile, the Church is also working on new teaching material for confirmation classes.

In the area of communication, the Corporate Design Manual and the Social Media Guidelines are due to be updated. In the area of music, sheet music from the hymnal, choir book, and a songbook for youth choirs in use in Europe is currently being digitised. And the online learning tool for ministers is continuing to develop with the addition of further modules.

Impulses for congregational work

The European project group Congregation of the Future presented the results of its findings to the International District Apostle Meeting. These include subjects such as the definition and identity of a congregation, the impact of social developments, and ideas for congregational development.

Some of these findings have already been published under the title “The nature and duty of the Christian congregation in the spiritual sense” in a special edition of the Divine Service Guide (01/2025). Further publications are to follow.