Commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not the only thing that happened this Pentecost. On 24th May 2026, a remarkable chapter of the New Apostolic Church unfolded before us. And for a moment there, we had two Chief Apostles.

“We have a new Chief Apostle—what a blessing, what a joy,” announced Chief Apostle Schneider after the ordination of his successor, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler.

“In this handshake, I express the gratitude of millions,” the newly ordained Chief Apostle Mutschler said at the retirement of his predecessor.

On the day of Pentecost 2026, thousands of our brothers and sisters from South Africa gathered in Cape Town to witness the passing of the torch. This moment of historic change rippled across the globe through smaller and bigger screens via live streaming.

Across 30 congregations in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, nearly 1,300 brothers and sisters gathered at their church to view the livestream. In awe and reverence, they watched the service unfold. Many more joined the YouTube livestream from their personal devices at home.  

The Service was based on the Bible verse 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 is more than the outpouring of the Holy Spirit," Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider began his sermon, reminding us: "We thank and praise God for this outpouring." He added that because of this, we experience the Lord in our midst today.

We believe in the Church of Christ. This does not mean only the New Apostolic Church, a religious organization created by men, he explained. It refers to the Church of Christ, which is created by the work of the Holy Spirit.

The strength of His church is not measured by power, influence, wealth, or the number of members. It is, however, measured by love, faith, and obedience to His will. The Chief Apostle reiterated that members of our church from across the globe are diverse, and the differences among them should not be judged as strengths and weaknesses. It is by divine design that we are diverse. Judging the weakness of others, he said, poses a danger to the Church. 

“Unity in diversity—that is heaven,” added the Chief Apostle Helper Mutschler when he was called to serve along. “United in looking up to Christ”—just as we are doing in the Pentecost service right now, he shared, “That is a foretaste of what is to come.” 

What came after the celebration of the Holy Communion was anything but usual. “Receive the authority to fulfil the Petrine office.” With these words, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider ordained the new international Church leader, Helge Mutschler. We witnessed the two International Church Leaders embrace each other with love and reverence, understanding the weight of the divine calling they shared.

After the Ordination, we saw the New Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler retire his predecessor. “You consolidated the Church, you internationalised it, and you brought the richness and diversity to shine,” he added, among other things. “This Divine Service was like a summary of everything you have taught us.” 

Filled with grace and wonder, we watched the beginning of a new era in the continued journey of our church.

After the Divine Service, we heard back from members who watched the livestream in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Many appreciated both the opportunity and the quality of the streaming, which allowed them to experience the Divine Service without interruption. They deeply cherished being part of this special occasion.

From our congregation in Mumbai, India, brothers and sisters shared that the handing over of leadership to the new Chief Apostle would remain an unforgettable moment in their memories. Members from Bagerhat, Bangladesh, also expressed their excitement to journey into the future under the leadership of our new Chief Apostle.

Alongside thousands who experienced this Divine Service, our hearts were united in gratitude for Chief Apostle Schneider’s years of faithful service and guidance to the Church. We extend our heartfelt prayers and wishes for God’s abundant love, wisdom, and blessings upon our new Chief Apostle, Helge Mutschler.

With excerpts from nac.today - https://nac.today/en/unity-in-diversity-that-is-heaven/