Committed to working as independent partners

On 29 and 30 October 2026, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler met with the District Apostles of Europe in Tuttlingen, Germany. The focus was on future cooperation between the German-speaking Regional Churches. The District Apostles declared their intention to work together in a committed and strategic manner at all levels. The situation is similar everywhere: every Regional Church faces the same or similar challenges. Through enhanced cooperation, these challenges are to be addressed jointly in the future, making the efforts more effective. The Chief Apostle made it clear that this cooperation was neither a move towards nor a preliminary step to another merger of Regional Churches. Rather, it is intended as a long-term, committed partnership in which each Regional Church continues to act as an independent partner.

Closer cooperation will also involve the harmonisation of guidelines, a topic on which the District Apostles also exchanged views. One initial result: a group of female ministers will draw up a uniform European dress code for female clergy, based on existing regulations. Furthermore, the Chief Apostle and the District Apostles discussed closer cooperation in the areas of construction and property, as well as in the work of the Church’s aid organisations. Another topic was the strategy for membership development.

Apostles of Europe discuss pastoral care, divine service, and leadership

On the following day, Saturday, 31 October, the Apostles of Europe gathered in Tuttlingen with the Chief Apostle for a full-day European Apostles’ Meeting. It began with pastoral care, a topic introduced by the Chief Apostle. Pastoral care is at the heart of the apostolic ministry: being close to people, listening to them, and accompanying them on their journey. The Apostles’ wives were also involved in this part of the meeting. Together, the Apostles and their wives shared their experiences and reflected on what sustains them and their families in their pastoral work.

The Apostles themselves had proposed further topics in advance. They discussed the divine service and clearly reaffirmed their commitment to the Church’s liturgy: it fosters a sense of identity and serves as a unifying element for the Church worldwide. This makes it all the more important to raise greater awareness of the purpose and significance of the liturgy through training. They also exchanged ideas about formats that could encourage greater congregational involvement in the divine service. Another topic was how the Apostles can support the Chief Apostle in proclaiming the testimony of faith in a unified manner.

On the subject “Leadership structure”, a statement made by retired Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider during the spiritual part of the District Apostles’ Meeting 5/2025, provided guidance: “The District Apostle must have an open ear for the Apostles, the Apostles for the ministers, and the ministers for the believers.” Finally, on the subject “The Church in a Changing Society”, the Apostles shared successful examples of their evangelisation work. Their aim was to breathe new life into the Church’s core mission, the commission to “Go therefore” (Matthew 28: 19).

Following the meeting, the Apostles gathered for a devotional to prepare for the divine service for the departed on 1 November. The devotional was organised and led by young people from the district.