The New Apostolic Reformation: A Counterfeit Apostolic Authority
- The Pilgrim's Post
- Feb 23
- 5 min read
A Growing Threat to the Church
The Christian church has long stood on the firm foundation of God’s Word, the teaching of the apostles, and the historic faith passed down through generations. However, in our day, many movements have risen that challenge this foundation, distorting the gospel and leading many into error. One of the most deceptive and rapidly growing of these is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
Unlike older heresies that clearly separate themselves from biblical Christianity, the NAR operates within evangelical churches, using Christian language, quoting Scripture, and masquerading as a movement of the Holy Spirit. It is found in mainstream worship music, church conferences, and revival movements. Yet, beneath its surface lies a dangerous error: the rejection of Scripture as the final authority, replaced by modern so-called apostles and prophets.
This is not a small movement confined to a handful of fringe groups. It has spread through megachurches, Christian media, and global networks that teach a distorted view of apostleship, prophecy, and the role of the church. It is crucial that we examine this movement carefully, measuring it against God’s infallible Word so that we may discern truth from deception.
Let us take a deep look at the history, doctrine, influence, and dangers of the New Apostolic Reformation and what Scripture says in response.
What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?
The New Apostolic Reformation is a movement that claims that God is restoring the offices of apostles and prophets to the church today. This means they believe:
The apostles and prophets of today have the same authority as those in the early church.
The Bible is not sufficient—God is still giving new revelations.
The church’s mission is not just to spread the gospel but to take over political and social structures.
The movement gained traction in the 1990s, primarily through the work of C. Peter Wagner, who coined the term “New Apostolic Reformation.” Wagner taught that churches should be led by modern apostles who would receive direct revelations from God. These apostles would supposedly restore the church to its full power, bringing miracles, revival, and cultural transformation.
NAR churches do not openly call themselves “NAR”—this makes it more difficult to identify them. However, they are marked by certain key beliefs and practices, which we will examine below.
Key Doctrinal Errors of the NAR
1. The Heresy of Modern Apostles
The NAR teaches that God has appointed new apostles today who hold governing authority over the church, just as Peter, Paul, and John did. These apostles claim to receive fresh revelations from God and exercise spiritual authority over entire regions.
What Does Scripture Say?
The office of apostle was unique to the first century. Apostles had to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21-22). No one today meets this requirement.
The church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). A foundation is laid once—it is not continually rebuilt.
Paul warned that false apostles would arise, disguising themselves as messengers of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
2. The Heresy of Extra-Biblical Revelation
NAR leaders claim that God is speaking new words today through modern prophets and that these words are as authoritative as Scripture. Many in the movement claim to receive direct visions, dreams, and revelations that guide the church in ways beyond what Scripture teaches.
What Does Scripture Say?
The Bible is complete and sufficient. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares that Scripture is able to make the believer complete and equipped for every good work.
Revelation is closed. The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19).
True prophecy never contradicts Scripture. The Bereans were commended for testing everything against the written Word (Acts 17:11).
3. The Heresy of Dominion Theology
Many in the NAR teach that the church’s mission is not simply to preach the gospel and make disciples but to take over society and establish God’s kingdom on earth before Christ returns. This belief is often called the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” which claims that Christians must gain control over the seven key spheres of influence:
Government
Education
Business
Media
Arts and Entertainment
Family
Religion
This is not biblical postmillennialism, which teaches the gradual triumph of the gospel through ordinary means of grace. Instead, it blurs the line between Christ’s kingdom and earthly political power, as if the church’s role is to conquer rather than to proclaim Christ’s rule through the gospel.
What Does Scripture Say?
Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
The Great Commission is to preach the gospel, not seize political power (Matthew 28:19-20).
Christ will bring His kingdom in its fullness at His return—not through human effort (Revelation 11:15).
How the NAR Is Influencing the Modern Church
The NAR movement has infiltrated mainstream evangelicalism through:
Worship Music – Songs from Bethel, Hillsong, and Jesus Culture often carry NAR theology, influencing countless churches.
Prophetic Conferences – Events featuring “apostles” and “prophets” who claim to release new anointings and miracles.
“Revival” Movements – Groups like IHOPKC (International House of Prayer) and The Send emphasize experiences over doctrine.
Social Media Influence – NAR teachings spread rapidly through viral videos and online platforms.
Because these churches do not openly identify as NAR, many Christians unknowingly absorb their distorted theology through music, books, and conferences.
The Biblical Response to the NAR
How should believers respond to this growing movement?
1. Hold Fast to the Sufficient Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – The Bible is enough for faith and godliness.
Jude 3 – The faith has been once for all delivered—it is not evolving.
2. Reject False Apostles and Prophets
Galatians 1:8 – Even if an angel preaches a different gospel, let him be accursed.
2 Peter 2:1-3 – False teachers will arise, leading many astray.
3. Test Everything Against Scripture
Acts 17:11 – Be like the Bereans and examine every teaching in light of the Bible.
1 John 4:1 – Do not believe every spirit, but test them to see if they are from God.
Final Encouragement: Stand Firm in the Truth
The NAR offers a false spirituality, false authority, and false hope. It deceives with promises of power and revival while leading people away from the sufficiency of God’s Word and the true gospel.
We don’t need new apostles. We have Christ.We don’t need fresh revelation. We have Scripture.We don’t need dominion theology. We await Christ’s return.
Stand firm, dear brothers and sisters. Cling to the truth, hold fast to the Word, and proclaim Christ alone.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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