District Apostle Martin Rheinberger reflects on faith, ministry, leadership, music, and his message to the youth

Following the Ministers and wife divine service in Lagos, District Apostle Martin Rheinberger took time to interact with the youth and members of the New Apostolic Church Nigeria in an engaging interview. He reflected on his childhood, his journey in the ministry, the challenges of leadership, remaining faithful in marriage, and how young people can prepare spiritually for a youth convention.

The interview offered personal insights into the life and faith of the District Apostle, who was appointed to lead the Southern Germany district in 2025 and is currently responsible for 30 countries, including the countries of West Africa.

Growing up in a New Apostolic family
Born in 1967, District Apostle Rheinberger grew up in a New Apostolic family. His mother was already a member of the Church, while his father joined the New Apostolic Church in 1970. He described his childhood as secure and filled with love, recalling that attending church was something he genuinely enjoyed. “I always loved to go to church. Nobody had to force me to go to church.”

He explained that his faith did not develop because of one particular experience or defining moment. Rather, it grew gradually as he gained a deeper understanding of his faith and the Church. “There was no special incident,” he said. “It was more a growing into the faith step by step.” For him, faithfulness is a daily decision. “You have to say yes to your faith every day. You have to say yes every day that you want to be a servant.”

A journey of saying “yes”
District Apostle Rheinberger recalled that in 1989, at a young age, he was asked by a District Evangelist to serve as a subdeacon, a ministry that existed at that time. Having already served as a deputy choir master, he did not hesitate to accept the responsibility. “I got so much blessing out of serving God that I did not hesitate to say yes to serve our Heavenly Father,” he explained. His ministry developed progressively. He later became a priest and served as a congregation director. He was subsequently ordained as an evangelist and shepherd, ministries that are no longer part of the current structure of the Church. His later appointments included:

‒          2014: District Elder

‒          2017: Bishop

‒          2020: Apostle

‒          2025: District Apostle

…. As the youth prepare to gather under the theme “Be Strong and Courageous,” his message serves as a reminder that spiritual strength does not come merely from preparation for an event, but from a living relationship with God.