New things in the church that make you go hmmm…
Is God adding powerful new apostles and prophets in this day and age to church leadership on earth, self-appointed individuals to whom their followers are obliged to submit?
Whatever happened to the “Word of Faith/ Prosperity Gospel,” “Healing of Memories,” “Hyper-charismatic,” and “Dominionist,” etc., movements that were so popular in the 80s and 90s? (Note: they are still around, gathered together in part or in whole beneath the religious movement called the New Apostolic Reformation or NAR.)
But there are new beliefs and experiences in NAR, too:
What about something called “grave sucking” and “readings” of a kind of Christianized version of Tarot Cards?
What about “gold dust” floating above in some kind of “glory cloud” during church services?
Whatever happened to the old hymns replaced, now, in part or entirely in many churches, by very loud music dominated by pounding drums, dimmed lights, and repetitious phrases or some variation thereof?
And, to save the most sensational for last, what are “Holy Spirit fire tunnels” and why do people sometimes begin to laugh or twitch uncontrollably while they pass through them, some even falling down, incapacitated for a period of time afterward?
The above are some of the manifestations specific to NAR although some would deny an affiliation with that name per se.
But the big question is where is all this in the Bible or orthodox Christianity? For there are some warnings about changing God’s Word:
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
But it is easy to understand why a believer or prospective believer gravitates toward experiential/emotional forms of worship with high-power music and “prophecies” that invariably portend health, wealth and success–but rarely if ever include the anti-Christian persecution that has always been a biblical, prophetic reality in a world beset with a spiritual enemy who hates us (even as he hates Jesus) and that is broken through the consequences of sin.
It is also easy to understand why we tend to equate feelings and fantastical experiences with a sense of God’s presence. After all, Moses saw a burning bush, a sea part in the nick of time to provide an escape for the Israelites fleeing Pharoah’s army, and so on.
Indeed, as we grow in knowledge of, and faith in, Him, the experience inspires emotions, but that which is generated by the Holy Spirit abiding in believers who, when they yield to His guidance, wisdom, comfort, correction, and love, tends to come from another list:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
These are the less exciting but still powerful manifestations of our walk with Him, despite what may be going on in the world at large that grows darker by the day, while not negating what God, in His sovereignty and His timing, can do on a bigger scale, too.
Sometimes, probably most often, we can feel God near even in the middle of otherwise ordinary hum-drum days, whether alone or with others, on the job or in the kitchen, as well as in myriad other ways, sensational and not so much.
Maybe we even feel God’s presence in church–and not necessarily during music worship.
For the truth is, even when times are hard, we can know God is with us as we “Draw near to (Him)…” (James 4:8) because He promised to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:15).
Besides His constant presence, Jesus also gifted us with His peace, in the closing days of His first earthly ministry–even when healing may not manifest instantly and the “wealth” may not materialize as desired or it gets stolen.
Or when people persecute us.
But to the main concern of this post: some also consider the NAR a cult for the above partial list of questionable experiences and several other reasons, most notably its major doctrines, delineated in the guest features below. Others even consider the NAR a precursor to the Tribulation period’s one world religious system.
Still 0thers, familiar with NAR practices and doctrines, are walking away from even the very popular and expertly produced music. View a discussion on this topic below, as well***.
But see what you think. – pbn
GUEST FEATURE 1
New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a dominionist movement which asserts that God is restoring the lost offices of church governance, namely the offices of Prophet and Apostle.Leading figures in this seemingly loosely organized movement claim that these prophets and apostles alone have the power and authority to execute God’s plans and purposes on earth. They believe they are laying the foundation for a global church, governed by them.They place a greater emphasis on dreams, visions and extra-biblical revelation than they do on the Bible, claiming that their revealed teachings and reported experiences (e.g. trips to heaven, face-to-face conversations with Jesus, visits by angels) can not be proven by the ‘old’ Scripture. (Source)
…NAR, the New Apostolic Reformation. … It is like Grape Nuts – it’s not grapes and it’s not nuts. It’s like Christian Science – it’s not Christian and it’s not scientific. Well, the New Apostolic Reformation isn’t new, it isn’t apostolic, and it isn’t a reformation. But it is a rapidly expanding movement being generated by some of the same old troubling false teachers and false leaders that have been around in Charismania for decades, always dishonoring the Holy Spirit, always dishonoring the Scripture, always claiming miracle signs, wonders, visions, dreams. ~ John MacArthur
Fast Facts:
- Also known as Dominionism, Third Wave, Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, Joel’s Army, Manifest Sons of God, Charismatic Renewal, Charismania.
- Its founder was C. Peter Wagner (d. 2016) who claimed that the Church of the 21st Century will be ruled by Apostles and Prophets. Wagner anointed himself NAR’s “Presiding Apostle”.
- Linked with the Kansas City Prophets “who brought grandiose claims that a ‘new breed’ of super prophets were beginning to arrive on planet earth who would change the world forever”; likewise Word Faith and Pentecostal movements.
- Not governed by an official denomination, it is led by alleged apostles and prophets.
- Teaches that the new apostles and prophets are to be the government for the emerging “New Order” church.
- Claims there will be a reformation greater in scale than the Protestant Reformation.
- Claim direct revelation from God and many allege that Jesus and angels visit them in person. Some of them declare that they have visited heaven many times and had conversations with Jesus as well as the Prophets and Apostles.
- NAR’s extensive mission outreach throughout the globe has caused the astonishing church growth that’s happening in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Denigration of the Bible and Sola Scriptura.
- Experience oriented theology and based in emotionalism.
- Steeped in mysticism.
Common Traits
Here are 6 traits, beliefs, and some of the common lingo used by adherents:
1. “APOSTLES”
We’re in a “Second Apostolic Age.” There are new Apostles are on the earth today, anointed by the laying of hands to represent and speak for God here on Earth. These “Super Apostles” are equal to the original Apostles – the ones who witnessed Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and were appointed by Christ Himself to the office. Since these new apostles are commissioned by God, their authority may not be questioned.
2. “KINGDOM”
Rather than preach the Gospel of the cross, Apostolic leaders are working to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth. They do this by taking dominion of earthly kingdoms or “mountains” of government, media, entertainment, education, business, family, and religion. Leaders often talk of city building and organize prayer walks to pray against demonic strongholds. They often speak of being mission-focused rather than being Christ-centered.
3. “DESTINY” “PRESENCE” “GLORY”
Though members are not always charismatic, they frequently emphasize a manifestation of “Glory” and “God’s presence,” and often have a special anointing to receive direct revelation from God, and other signs and wonders. They teach that our purpose is to achieve our dream destiny so that we can change the world.
4. “REVIVAL”
Revival on a massive scale is key in this movement. There is a strong emphasis on an “end times harvest” through a great awakening that we can usher in. Often these revivals are held in stadiums and reach millions around the world via live stream technology; they are marketed and produced like rock concerts. All scripture verses about an end times falling away are ignored, and get replaced with hyped-up claims about the Next Big Thing that’s always just around the corner.
5. “UNITY”
Unity (at the expense of biblical doctrine) is almost always used as both the how and the why in this movement. Unity for the sake of bringing Heaven to Earth is leading to the blurring of doctrinal and denominational lines, often bringing together well-known leaders of charismatic, reformed, Word of Faith, seeker-emergent, progressive and Roman Catholics churches, all under one umbrella.
Finally, NAR churches almost always abandon major tenets of Christian faith:
6. NAR DENIES THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE.
NAR adherents may believe in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, but God’s breathed-out Word is just not enough for them. Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins is not good enough; the promise of eternal life in Heaven is not good enough.
Leaders:
The founder of the New Apostolic Reformation is church growth specialist C. Peter Wagner. Wagner served as Professor of Church Growth at the Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of World Missions until his retirement. Until recently he was president of Global Harvest Ministries and is currently Chancellor emeritus of the Wagner Leadership Institute. Prominent member of the International Council of Apostles Chuck Pierce was his successor.
“Apostles” and “Prophets” and others intrenched in the NAR cult:
-
- Peter Wagner
- Chuck Pierce
- Bob Jones
- Paul Cain
- Cindy Jacobs,
- Mike Bickle (International House of Prayer –IHOP)
- Rick Joyner
- Bill Johnson (Bethel Church, Redding CA)
- Todd Bentley
- Lou Engle
- Brian & Bobbie Houston (Hillsong Church)
- Becky Fischer
- Brian Simmons
- Steve Shultz (The Elijah List)
- Rod Parsley
GUEST FEATURE 2
A GLOSSARY OF NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION TERMINOLOGY
By Rick Becker 29 April 2020
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is one of the fastest growing and insidious movements in the visible church. One of the ways to identify leaders and their followers (NARites) in this movement, is by paying attention to the terminology or buzzwords they use. Some of the words in this list are biblical, but the meaning and application are far removed from what scripture actually teaches (biblical terminology to gives credence to their aberrant doctrines) Certain words used in the NAR appear to be sci-fi or computer buzzwords, and their applications originate in the minds of the false apostles and prophets that drive this movement. The words listed are not exclusive to the NAR, but occur in some Charismatic, Word of Faith and other movements. You can listen to a podcast on these NAR Buzzwords with myself and Daniel Long here on the Messed Up Church podcast.
Access the NAR glossary of terms, 84 entries, here, and links to additional resources and exposés…
~~~~~
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
*9 Things You Should Know About the Bethel Church Movement
**
Bethel Church – Redding (California)
***
Click Here to Return to the New Apostolic Reformation Table of Contents Page
pnissila 
Thank you Phyllis for a timely warning about this insidious movement. We all know the true origin of it and how it fits into Jesus’ warnings of deception in the end times, the false prophets. In 2 Timothy 3 Paul talks of wicked impostors who go from bad to worse, their minds corrupt and their faith spurious.
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You’re welcome.
This particular deviation from the Gospel of Jesus Christ even flies in the face of common sense, let alone the ultimate test of truth: the Word of God.
I mean, for example, when did Jesus gather His disciples into a “Holy Spirit fire tunnel” to laugh uncontrollably and jerk and collapse on the floor as if shoved down (people need to watch the videos embedded in the features–and there are even worse examples of this mayhem(, impaled on the floor, so to speak, by some unseen force unable to resume normal behavior and movement for a period of time?
As many note who watch with a Berean eye, this resembles more the experience of people subject to a “visitation” by a demonic spirit, not the Holy Spirit.
And notice: the absence of older, experienced believers who could never endure that kind of physical abuse, for lack of a better term (let alone some of the spurious NAR “doctrines”), and who, with their classic hymns are often relegated to the less popular service times, while prime time services now feature the rock concert type music (where, sometimes babies cry due to the decibel levels and people have to wear ear plugs).
Sometimes common sense also serves to re-align us with God’s Word.
But more insidious to me is the asymetry/de-centralized nature of this movement. It is a mashup of about every cult-like, if not out and out cult, that surfaced in the latter part of the last century, which is noted in the features above, as well. “The better to confuse as well as seduce you by,” I can hear some wolf in the mystical woods say as he changes the tune to Anything Goes because God can do anything (CORRECTION: but He does not go against His Word). Oh, and the new tune features all of the trappings of rock concerts.
WE NEED TO STAY IN THE WORD OF GOD.
One more time.
But all the time.
Especially in such a time as this.
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