The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a controversial and influential movement within charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity. While it presents itself as a restoration of authentic Christianity, its core beliefs and practices significantly diverge from traditional Christian orthodoxy, particularly concerning church governance, the authority of Scripture, the nature of salvation, and the church’s role in the world.
What is the New Apostolic Reformation?
The NAR emerged in the late 20th century, a term coined by church growth specialist C. Peter Wagner. It’s characterized by a decentralized structure of “apostolic networks” led by self-proclaimed apostles and prophets who claim to receive direct, new revelations from God. These leaders, including prominent figures like Bill Hamon, Che Ahn, Bill Johnson, Chuck Pierce, Dutch Sheets, and Rick Joyner, assert authority over affiliated churches, a claim critics deem unbiblical.
Core Beliefs and Practices
The NAR’s distinct theological framework clashes with established Christian doctrine in several key areas:
- Restoration of the Fivefold Ministry: NAR teaches that the roles of apostles and prophets, along with evangelists, pastors, and teachers (from Ephesians 4:11), must be restored to lead the modern church. Apostles are seen as having supreme authority over churches and movements.
- Dominion Theology / Seven Mountain Mandate: This belief promotes the idea that Christians must take control of seven key areas of society—religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business—to usher in God’s kingdom on Earth.
- Spiritual Warfare and Miraculous Signs: There’s a strong emphasis on spiritual warfare, including binding territorial demons, and actively pursuing miracles, prophecies, visions, and healing as evidence of God’s power.
- Apostolic Governance: NAR churches often abandon traditional denominational structures in favor of these apostolic networks, where modern-day apostles hold considerable authority.
Key Terminologies in the NAR
To understand the NAR, it’s helpful to grasp some of its unique terms:
- Apostle: A modern church leader believed to have authority akin to New Testament apostles, often overseeing networks of ministries.
- Prophet: A person believed to receive direct revelation from God to guide individuals or the church.
- Five-Fold Ministry: The belief, based on Ephesians 4:11, that the church should be led by apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, with particular emphasis on apostles and prophets.
- Spiritual Warfare: Prayer and intercession to combat demonic forces thought to influence people, places, and institutions.
- Territorial Spirits: Demonic forces believed to control geographical regions or societal institutions, which NAR adherents attempt to “bind” or cast out.
- Dominionism: The belief that Christians are to take dominion over societal institutions to establish God’s kingdom on Earth.
- Seven Mountains Mandate: A doctrine teaching that Christians must influence and control seven spheres of society: religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business.
- Kingdom Now Theology: The view that God’s kingdom should be established on Earth now through Christian influence and leadership in all aspects of life.
- Impartation: The transfer of spiritual gifts or anointing from one person to another, often through the laying on of hands.
- Activation: A practice designed to “activate” spiritual gifts in individuals, particularly prophetic or healing gifts.
- Alignment: Bringing oneself or one’s ministry under the spiritual authority of a recognized apostle or prophet.
- Revival/Outpouring: Terms describing a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit, often resulting in emotional or physical experiences.
- Declarations/Decrees: Speaking words believed to have spiritual power to bring about God’s will or change circumstances.
- Ecclesia: A redefinition of the church as a governing body with civil authority to implement God’s rule, rather than solely a congregation for worship.
The Seven Mountains Mandate in Detail
The Seven Mountains Mandate is a cornerstone of NAR doctrine, asserting that Christians must conquer seven key societal spheres to usher in the Kingdom of God on Earth. These spheres are: Religion, Family, Education, Government, Media, Arts and Entertainment, and Business and Economy.
Proponents of this mandate, including Lance Wallnau, Bill Bright, Loren Cunningham, C. Peter Wagner, Dutch Sheets, and Johnny Enlow, believe that Jesus will return only after the church gains control or significant influence over these areas, often by placing “kingdom-minded” Christians in positions of power. This eschatological view is known as Postmillennialism.
Why the Seven Mountains Mandate Conflicts with Biblical Teaching
The Seven Mountains Mandate diverges significantly from traditional biblical understanding:
| Issue | Seven Mountains Mandate | Biblical Teaching | Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission of the Church | Establish dominion over societal systems to bring God’s kingdom. | Preach the Gospel, make disciples, await Christ’s return (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). | Redefines the church’s primary mission from spiritual to political/societal conquest. |
| Nature of God’s Kingdom | Visible, earthly rule before Christ’s return. | Not of this world; Christ brings it at His return (John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21). | Redefines the nature and timing of God’s kingdom. |
| Eschatology (End Times) | Jesus returns after Christians have transformed society. | Jesus returns at God’s appointed time, not due to human achievement (Matt 24:36; 2 Thess 2). | Promotes postmillennialism/dominionism, contrary to biblical warnings of increasing deception and persecution. |
| Spiritual Authority | Modern-day apostles and prophets lead the movement to dominion. | Scripture is the final authority, not new apostolic voices (2 Tim 3:16-17; Rev 22:18-19). | Elevates unbiblical authority structures. |
| Means of Transformation | Political power, cultural influence, strategic placement. | Gospel preaching, inner transformation through the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17). | Trusts in worldly means rather than divine power for change. |
| Role of Suffering and Persecution | Downplays suffering; emphasizes Christian triumph in society. | The church is called to suffer for Christ (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:12-14). | Presents an unrealistic and unbiblical view of Christian life. |
Spiritual Dangers of the Seven Mountains Mandate
This mandate presents several spiritual risks:
- Shifts hope from Christ to culture: It implies humanity can usher in the Kingdom through political and cultural efforts.
- Encourages false authority: Promotes modern “apostles” and “prophets” who claim new revelations that can supersede Scripture.
- Leads to dominionism: Attempts to control secular structures in the name of God, which distorts the gospel.
- Diverts the church’s mission: The focus shifts to influence and power, away from humility and the proclamation of the cross.
- Replaces the biblical gospel: It offers a politicized gospel of dominion instead of personal salvation through Christ.
Ironically, the term “Seven Mountains” is derived from Revelation 17, which describes the Whore of Babylon sitting on seven mountains—a symbolic representation of a false church in symbiotic relationship with pagan governments. This imagery suggests an end-time system where a false church controls governmental structures.
Clash with Traditional Christian Beliefs
The NAR’s distinct theology creates fundamental disagreements with traditional Christian doctrines:
| Tenet | New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) | Traditional Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant) |
|---|---|---|
| Church Governance and Authority | Governed by modern-day apostles and prophets believed to have direct divine authority, creating a hierarchical structure where their directives are binding. | Governance varies, but ultimate authority rests in the inspired Word of God (the Bible). Leaders’ authority is subordinate to and tested by Scripture. Most scholars believe the offices of apostle and prophet ceased with the New Testament era. |
| Authority of Scripture | While affirming the Bible, places strong emphasis on new revelations, prophecies, and “words from the Lord” from contemporary apostles and prophets, potentially elevating them to equal or greater authority than Scripture. | Adheres to Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) or Prima Scriptura (Scripture first). The Bible is considered the final and complete revelation of God and the authoritative guide for faith and life. New revelations are not considered binding or on par with Scripture. |
| The Kingdom of God | Espouses “dominion theology” or the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” teaching that Christians must take dominion over societal spheres to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth before Christ’s return. | Understands the Kingdom of God as a present spiritual reality and a future, eschatological hope. The primary mission is the Great Commission, not human achievement of establishing the kingdom before Christ’s second coming. |
| Salvation and the Gospel | Focus can shift from personal salvation from sin to corporate and societal transformation through signs, wonders, and taking dominion. The gospel message is sometimes intertwined with teachings on physical healing, financial prosperity, and spiritual warfare for territorial reclamation. | Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning work on the cross. The core gospel is Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. While physical healing and blessing are acknowledged, they are not central to the message of salvation itself. |
| Spiritual Warfare | Emphasizes “strategic-level spiritual warfare,” involving identifying and battling “territorial spirits” controlling geographical areas or social structures, often through prophetic declarations and spiritual mapping. | Acknowledges spiritual conflict but focuses on personal holiness, prayer, and resisting temptation through the Holy Spirit and the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6). Emphasis is on defensive spiritual warfare and reliance on Christ’s victory. |
| Role of Miracles and Signs | Places a very high emphasis on the miraculous, including signs, wonders, and healing as a normative and expected part of Christian life and a primary means of evangelism and demonstrating God’s power. | Believes God can and does perform miracles but does not typically see them as a guaranteed or everyday occurrence for all believers in the same way as NAR. Focus is on the miracle of salvation and the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life. |
Foundational Documents and Creeds
Traditional Christianity, across its major branches, affirms the ecumenical creeds of the early church, such as the Nicene Creed, which articulate foundational doctrines like the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature. The NAR, while not always explicitly denying these tenets, operates with a theological framework that is not bound by these historic confessions. Their emphasis on new revelation and the authority of modern apostles can lead to teachings that deviate from or reinterpret long-held doctrines, which traditional Christianity would consider unorthodox.
Criticisms and Claims of Subverting Christianity
Critics from mainstream evangelical and traditional Christian communities argue that the NAR:
- Undermines Biblical Authority: NAR teachings often elevate modern “apostles” and “prophets” to a level of authority that rivals or overrides Scripture, contradicting the Sola Scriptura principle.
- Lacks Accountability: Operating outside traditional denominational structures, NAR leaders often face limited accountability, potentially leading to theological error, financial abuse, or personality cults. The NAR actively recruits churches, encouraging them to break denominational ties and join their “Apostolic” networks.
- Distorts the Gospel: The NAR’s focus on earthly dominion and cultural transformation (known as Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, or Dominion theology) is seen as politicizing the gospel. They claim that cities and nations will convert en masse through a “corporate anointing” or “manifest sons of God”—a Gnostic, occult teaching where Christians evolve to a god-like status and perform greater works than Jesus.
- Promotes Unbiblical Practices: Practices like “grave soaking” (lying on graves to absorb anointing), overemphasis on prophecy, and reliance on subjective experiences are considered extra-biblical or occult-like. Other practices include visualization, affirmations, decrees, fire tunnels, astral projection, and various mystic practices. These teachings are often criticized for diminishing Christ and elevating humanity, mirroring occult and New Age movements.
- Causes Division and Confusion: The movement’s charismatic excesses and novel doctrines have created division and confusion within Christian circles, blurring the lines between biblical doctrine and New Age occult teachings. This is particularly problematic given the widespread biblical illiteracy, making Christians vulnerable to false teachings.
Prominent Churches and Ministries Associated with NAR
While there isn’t an official list, several prominent churches and ministries in the U.S. and globally are commonly associated with NAR teachings and practices due to their leadership structures, theological emphases, and connections to key NAR figures. This list is not exhaustive:
- Bethel Church (Redding, California): Led by Bill Johnson, known for supernatural ministry, healing, prophecy, and its Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.
- Glory of Zion International Ministries (Corinth, Texas): Founded by Chuck Pierce, focuses on prophetic teachings and hosts large gatherings.
- International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) (Kansas City, Missouri): Founded by Mike Bickle, known for 24/7 prayer and worship and prophetic ministry.
- MorningStar Ministries (Fort Mill, South Carolina): Founded by Rick Joyner, emphasizes prophetic revelation.
- New Life Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado): Has been noted for its apostolic governance structure.
- The Rock Church (San Diego, California): Led by Miles McPherson, associated with NAR through its leadership and emphasis on societal transformation.
- Gateway Church (Southlake, Texas): Led by Robert Morris, has connections to NAR through its teachings and affiliations.
- Hillsong Church (Multiple U.S. Locations): While not officially NAR, it shares overlapping characteristics with the movement due to its leadership style and contemporary worship emphasis.
- Elevation Church (Charlotte, North Carolina): Led by Steven Furtick, shares some overlapping characteristics with NAR.
- The Potter’s House (Dallas, Texas): T.D. Jakes’ church, while unique, has drawn comparisons to NAR-affiliated ministries due to its structure and emphasis on empowerment.
The Unrivaled Supremacy of Jesus Christ: A Biblical Perspective
In stark contrast to the NAR’s emphasis on human leaders and achievements, the Bible unequivocally presents Jesus Christ as supreme, holding ultimate authority and preeminence over all creation, the Church, and every spiritual and earthly power.
- Creator and Sustainer: Colossians 1:15-20 describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,” through whom and for whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together.
- Superior to All: Hebrews 1:1-4 declares Jesus superior to prophets and angels, stating He is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”
- Head of the Church: Ephesians 1:22-23 states that God “put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body.”
- Victory Over Sin and Death: His resurrection demonstrates ultimate power, with 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 proclaiming, “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
The Bible affirms Jesus as the only Apostle and High Priest of His church today (Hebrews 1:1-4, 3:3-6). There is no “new” revelation; God has already given His supreme revelation through Jesus Christ, who is appointed prophet, priest, and king over the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
The New Apostolic Reformation is a movement that blends charismatic theology with aggressive dominionist goals and a redefined ecclesiology. Critics from both mainstream evangelical and traditional Christian communities warn that it distorts biblical authority, displaces Christ-centered theology, and confuses spiritual authority with political and social power, thereby subverting historic Christian faith.
Modern theological movements like dominion theology and the NAR promote unbiblical ideas that undermine the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. Their claims of new, extra-biblical revelation from modern leaders contradict the clear biblical principle that the Church’s one and only foundation has already been laid in Christ.
What are your thoughts on how the NAR’s teachings might impact the average churchgoer’s understanding of Christianity?
Discover more from Discernment Watch
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
