The New Apostolic Church has a new Chief Apostle. During the Pentecost service, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider ordained his designated successor, Helge Mutschler.

With his ordination, Helge Mutschler assumes the spiritual leadership of the worldwide Church. Following the ordination, Chief Apostle Schneider retired after 13 years in office. The divine service in Cape Town, South Africa, was broadcast worldwide and followed by hundreds of thousands of New Apostolic Christians across the globe. 

From Pentecost to Pentecost  

“Receive the authority to fulfil the Petrine office,” Chief Apostle Schneider said at the ordination of his successor. In connection with this, he made a request to the new Church leader, “Lead us to Jesus Christ; bring us closer to Him.” 

The transition in leadership of the international Church had been planned well in advance. As early as Pentecost 2025, Chief Apostle Schneider had assigned Helge Mutschler as Chief Apostle Helper, designating him as his successor. 

Serving unity and diversity 

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider had led the international Church since 2013. His period in office was characterised by theological clarification, the further development of the concept of ministry, the strengthening of international cooperation, and a commitment to keeping the Church consistently focused on Jesus Christ in a changing world. 

At the retirement of his predecessor, Chief Apostle Mutschler expressed his gratitude for the latter’s work, “In this handshake, I express the gratitude of millions.” He went on to say, “You consolidated the Church, you internationalised it, and you brought the richness and diversity to shine.” 

A new chapter, same mission 

Helge Mutschler was born in Tübingen, Germany, in 1974. Before entering the service of the Church full-time, Helge Mutschler worked as a lawyer and held senior positions within the self-governing body of the tax consultancy profession. He holds a doctorate in law. He received his first ministerial mandate in 1994. In 2015 then, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider ordained him as an Apostle. Helge Mutschler is married and the father of two children. 

This ordination marks the beginning of a new chapter for the New Apostolic Church. Its mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to prepare believers for the return of Christ, and to foster the unity of the Church.