We have a new Chief Apostle—what a blessing, what a joy.” These were the spontaneous words of Chief Apostle Schneider after the ordination of his successor.

“Receive the authority to fulfil the Petrine office.” With these words, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider ordained the new international Church leader, Helge Mutschler, today in Cape Town, South Africa. His request to him was, “Lead us to Jesus Christ; bring us closer to Him.” 

“In this handshake, I express the gratitude of millions,” the newly ordained Chief Apostle Mutschler said at the retirement of his predecessor. “You consolidated the Church, you internationalised it, and you brought the richness and diversity to shine,” he said, among other things. “This divine service was like a summary of everything you have taught us.” 

Pentecost and the true church 

The divine service was based on a Bible text from 1 Corinthians 12: 13: “For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 

Pentecost celebrates the church of Christ, Chief Apostle Schneider explained. By this we do not mean the New Apostolic Church as a man-made organisation, but the fellowship of true believers. “That is something holy and perfect.” 

The church of Christ’s mission is to continue the work that Jesus did on earth: to reveal God’s nature, love, will, and power; to call sinners to repentance and to follow Him; to care for those who are suffering; and to strengthen the unity of the faithful. 

Strong by different standards 

Just as Jesus appeared strong at times and weak at other times during His earthly life, so too does the church of Christ. Yet the strength of Christ’s church is not measured by influence, wealth, or the number of members, but by love, faith, and obedience to the will of Christ. 

“His kingdom is not of this world,” the Chief Apostle recalled Jesus’ words. Nobody can claim to rule a country, wage wars, or use violence in the name of Jesus Christ. And the gospel is not a way to become rich through faith, prayer, and sacrifice. “We live in a time where people mix up things.” 

United in looking to Christ 

Members of the New Apostolic Church around the world are very different from one another. “That is no accident. It’s God’s will.” However, people tend to view themselves as strong and those who are different as weak. 

Judging the weakness of others, he said, poses a danger to the Church. Decisive for the future of the Church is how believers treat the weak. After all: “Whatever you do for the weakest, you do for Jesus Christ.” 

“Unity in diversity—that is heaven,” Chief Apostle Helper Mutschler added, when called to serve. And achieving this is so simple: “United in looking up to Christ”—just as we are doing in the Pentecost service right now. “That is a taste of what is to come.” 

Author: Andreas Rother

Source: nac.today