Letter of Resignation

Leaving a church is a deeply personal and often difficult decision, especially when it involves core theological disagreements. If you feel the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) teachings no longer align with Biblical truth as you understand it, it is often best to keep your written resignation clear, firm, and gracious.

Here is a template you can adapt.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date]

To: [Name of Pastor or Elder Board] [Church Name] [Church Address]

Subject: Resignation of Membership

Dear [Pastor/Elder Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning my membership at [Church Name], effective immediately.

This has not been an easy decision, as I have valued the relationships and community I’ve found here. However, after much prayer, reflection, and study of the Scriptures, I find that I can no longer support the theological direction the church has taken.

Specifically, I have significant concerns regarding the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) teachings currently being integrated into the ministry. I believe these teachings regarding modern-day apostolic authority and signs and wonders diverge from the foundational Biblical truths I am committed to following. For the sake of my conscience and my walk with Christ, I must seek a church body that more closely aligns with my theological convictions.

I ask that you respect my decision and update your records to reflect that I am no longer a member.

I pray for God’s guidance and grace for [Church Name] in the future.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

A Few Tips for the Transition

Be Brief: You aren’t required to provide an exhaustive list of every grievance or “proof text.” A brief mention of your concerns is enough for a formal record.
Keep a Copy: Always keep a copy of the letter for your own records.
Anticipate the Follow-up: Leadership may reach out to “reclaim” you or challenge your perspective. Decide ahead of time if you are open to a meeting or if you prefer to let the letter stand as your final word.
Prioritize Peace: Leaving a church can feel like a breakup. Focus on finding a healthy, Bible-centered community where you can heal and grow.

Specific Biblical passages that contrast with NAR teachings to help you prepare for any follow-up conversations?

When discussing the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the primary conflict usually centers on the sufficiency of Scripture versus new revelation, and the nature of church authority.

Here are specific Biblical passages you can use to contrast common NAR teachings.

1. Modern Apostles vs. The Biblical Foundation

NAR teaches that God is restoring the “office” of Apostle with the same governing authority as the original Twelve.

The Contrast: Ephesians 2:20 states the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. A foundation is laid once; it is not rebuilt in every generation.
The Test: Acts 1:21–22 and 1 Corinthians 9:1 suggest that a true Apostle had to be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ.
The Warning: 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 warns of “false apostles” and “deceitful workmen” who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

2. “New Revelation” vs. The Sufficiency of Scripture

NAR often emphasizes “fresh words” from God that can carry the same weight as the Bible.

The Contrast: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is sufficient to make the believer “complete, equipped for every good work.” We do not need extra-Biblical revelation to be complete.
The Finality: Jude 1:3 speaks of the faith that was “once for all delivered to the saints.”
The Warning: Galatians 1:8 warns that even if an angel from heaven preaches a gospel contrary to the one already received, they should be accursed.

3. Dominionism (7 Mountain Mandate) vs. The Nature of the Kingdom

NAR teaches that Christians must “take dominion” over the seven spheres of society (government, media, etc.) to usher in Christ’s return.

The Contrast: John 18:36 records Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
The Mission: Matthew 28:19–20 (The Great Commission) commands us to “make disciples of all nations,” not to “take over” the structures of all nations.
The Reality: 1 John 5:19 notes that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” until Christ himself returns to establish his kingdom.

4. Signs and Wonders vs. Faith in the Gospel

NAR often focuses on “power encounters” and physical miracles as the primary proof of the Spirit’s presence.

The Contrast: Matthew 12:39 says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.”
The Priority: 1 Corinthians 1:22–23 says, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified.”
The Warning: Matthew 24:24 warns that “false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

How to use these in a conversation:

If a leader asks, “Why do you feel this is false teaching?” you can pick one of these points. For example:

“I’ve been studying Ephesians 2:20 and 2 Timothy 3:16. I am concerned that by elevating modern apostles and seeking ‘new’ revelations, we are moving away from the sufficiency of the Bible. I believe the foundation of the church was laid once, and I want to stay anchored to the written Word.”

Would you like me to help you draft a specific response to use if they ask to meet for “clarification” or “counseling”?

It is common for leadership in NAR-influenced churches to suggest a meeting to “discuss your heart” or “provide clarity.” These meetings can sometimes feel more like a high-pressure intervention than a mutual conversation.

Having a prepared, polite, but firm script allows you to maintain your boundaries while staying “gentle as a dove and wise as a serpent.”

Scenario 1: Declining the Meeting (Recommended for Peace)

If you feel that a meeting will only lead to more stress or spiritual manipulation, you are not obligated to go.

The Script:

“Thank you for reaching out and for your concern. At this time, I’ve spent a great deal of time in prayer and study, and my decision is final. I don’t believe a meeting would be productive for either of us, as my concerns are deeply theological. I’d prefer to let my letter stand as my final statement. I wish you and the congregation the best.”

Scenario 2: Accepting the Meeting (With Boundaries)

If you do decide to meet, it’s helpful to go in with a “broken record” strategy—repeatedly bringing the conversation back to the Bible.

The Script for when they say: “You’re putting God in a box/limiting the Spirit.”

“I’m not trying to limit God, but I am trying to follow the boundaries He gave us in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the Word is sufficient. If a ‘new’ revelation or practice doesn’t align with the ‘once for all’ faith delivered in the Bible (Jude 1:3), I have to prioritize the Bible.”

The Script for when they say: “You need to submit to apostolic authority.”

“I believe in the authority of the local church as described in the New Testament, but I have significant concerns about the modern ‘office’ of Apostle as it’s being practiced here. My ultimate submission is to Christ and His Word, and right now, I feel led to a body that holds Scripture as the sole final authority.”

Tips for Staying Grounded

Bring a Friend: If you do go, bring a spouse or a trusted, objective friend. You shouldn’t have to face a board of elders alone.
The “Scripture Only” Rule: If they cite “prophetic words” or “personal visions” about why you should stay, politely redirect: “I can’t base my walk with God on someone else’s subjective vision; I have to base it on the objective truth of the Bible.”

You Can Leave: If the meeting becomes heated or you feel “spiritually bullied,” you have the right to stand up and leave.