New Apostolic Christians, Divine Services have a special meaning. As an integral part of our Christian life, each service offers an opportunity for fellowship with God and with our brothers and sisters in faith. Those attending a Divine Service find the peace and quiet that is necessary to listen to the word of God. This is where they receive divine peace, obtain mercy and the forgiveness of sins, and experience the love of God.
A Divine Service in the New Apostolic Church always begins with a prayer. The church ministers subsequently called on to serve at the altar do not rely on a prepared sermon: there is no manuscript, and nothing is read out to the congregation. As preparation for all Divine Services, there is only a brief letter, the so-called “Word of Life” published by the church administration, which contains the text to be read out from the Holy Scriptures accompanied by some additional thoughts – the church ministers commissioned to conduct a Divine Service put their trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to provide the words that will be spoken. In the Bible, we read that the Lord Jesus said to his disciples, “Take ye no thought what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” The priests of the New Apostolic Church still rely on this age-old word today.
Divine Services are a Dialogue
A Divine Service conveys new spiritual strength, brings joy and describes the future of the Children of God: eternal salvation, eternal redemption, comfort and safety with God. Divine Services are a dialogue; God, the Father, speaks to us, and we speak to Him. This intimate fellowship offers comfort and hope, particularly for those days that do not work out the way we imagine they should. At the same time, listening to the words spoken from the altar, one recognises oneself, the things one does and one’s need of salvation. If one is conscious of this need, one may celebrate Holy Communion in faith.
Divine Services – an Offer of Grace
Service may also be understood as an offer of grace. New Apostolic Christians celebrate Holy Communion in every Divine Service. They confess their sins to God and are thus able to receive forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ. They forgive their neighbours too, and open their understanding to the divine benefits and blessings.
Our Divine Services are open to all who are interested. Anyone may come and see for him how pleasant and how wonderful rest and inner peace may be in the time we live in.