This act marks the start of a one-year preparation phase, explained Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider during the divine service he conducted on 29 June 2025 in Regensberg, Germany. “We thank you with all our hearts and we are grateful to the dear God that we have you, and that he has given us a Helper in you.” 

In about a year, the current District Apostle Michael Ehrich will retire. At that point, Apostle Rheinberger will be appointed as his successor. In addition to the region of Southern Germany, the working area encompasses some 30 countries in Europe, Central Africa, West Africa, and East Africa. 

In his address prior to the assignment, the international Church leader emphasised the spiritual understanding of leadership: “We are not a business, we are not a political entity. We have not come up with a plan. The plan is with God—and we are only instruments in His hand.” Rather, the necessary preparation consists of training heart and mind to be able to follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit at the right moment.

The new District Apostle was born in 1967. He is married and has two sons. He received his first Church ministry as a Sub-deacon in 1989. In 2020 Martin Rheinberger was ordained an Apostle.