“Since 1901” is how the story of the Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck begins. Initially the congregation gathered in rented spaces. This arrangement continued until 1927. Then the church acquired a property. It was located at Fischergrube 71. The congregation converted the building behind the residential and commercial property into its own meeting place.
That space could accommodate 100 people. It was expanded in 1936. The Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck then had room for 250 people. Sadly the buildings at Fischergrube were destroyed. This happened during the extensive bombing on March 28 and 29 in 1942.
After World War II ended the Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck grew. Many refugees joined the congregation. For a time the congregation met in school halls. Finally on December 10 1960 the church was rebuilt. It stands today at Ellerbrook 2-14. The Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck partially used the old property. An extensive addition was added in 1981. The church was partially renovated in 1988. The Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck plans to rebuild. This will meet today’s requirements.
After 1945 the number of New Apostolic Christians in Lübeck increased greatly. This was due to the influx of refugees. Other congregations and churches were established around the Hanseatic City. Demographic changes and increasing secularization affected the Neuapostolische Kirche. The church saw declining membership. Today there are three congregations. One is in the inner city. The others are in Schlutup and Travemünde. Together they have about 800 members.
The three Lübeck congregations are part of the worldwide New Apostolic Church. It has almost 9 million members. The highest ministers are called apostles. Jean Luc Schneider from France leads the apostles. He is the Chief Apostle. His closest coworkers are the district apostles.
Germany has four district apostle areas. They lead the regional churches. Lübeck belongs to the regional church of North and East Germany. It is led from Hamburg. Within the regional church district leaders oversee several congregations. The Lübeck district includes other congregations. These are in Mölln Bad Schwartau Bad Oldesloe Bad Segeberg Neustadt and Heiligenhafen.
Congregation leaders head the local churches. Priests and deacons assist them. An apostle ordains these ministers. The church ministers are usually volunteers. Church services include Holy Communion. They take place Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. The Neuapostolische Kirche values personal care. It encourages responsible actions based on the Christian message.
In Germany the regional churches are public corporations. They are financed by voluntary contributions. No one checks giving. All church acts and blessings are free. These include baptisms marriages and funerals. Finances are managed centrally. The international church uses some income to support people in poorer areas. The Neuapostolische Kirche also provides aid. It supports relief efforts in disasters.
The Bible is the basis of the church’s teachings. The church uses the current Luther Bible. Ministers preach freely. They base sermons on the topic and the Holy Spirit. The church administers three sacraments. These are baptism Holy Communion and Holy Sealing.
The Neuapostolische Kirche began in Hamburg in January 1863. It separated from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The name expressed the desire to be the one holy catholic and apostolic church. This church emerged after 1832. Twelve apostles were called through prophecy in Great Britain. Most were in Edward Irving’s London congregation. He was a Scottish Reformed pastor.
The apostles sought renewal. They wanted to unite all true Christians. This would prepare for Christ’s return. This offer went unheeded. So they saw themselves as leaders of a firstfruit congregation. This would lead to the salvation. It would prepare all Christians for God’s future kingdom.
The Catholic Apostolic Church apostles expected Christ’s return soon. So they refused to accept successors. The Hamburg congregation recognized more apostles in 1863. This led to separate apostolic congregations. From 1902 they were called New Apostolic Congregation. They took the name Neuapostolische Kirche as soon as legally possible. This was in 1919.
Apostles lead the church. The expectation of Christ’s return continues. These elements remain central to the New Apostolic faith. Where Christian teaching is proclaimed the Holy Spirit is at work. Where Christian action is witnessed the Holy Spirit is at work.
Daniel Marx is the leader of the Neuapostolische Kirche Lübeck today.