On the other side of being a part of a New Apostolic Reformation influenced church environment, I see the error so clearly now and how it is a very real movement. People may like to think that it doesn’t exist, but it definitively does, and the teachings and doctrines within the movement caused much confusion for me. Often times the beliefs are subtly communicated and there are varying degrees of NAR influence within a church, so this can make it difficult to discern right away. It has taken much unraveling and studying for me, but once you see it, you see it.

This post is not exhaustive and it doesn’t exactly reflect my personal experience. I write this after studying the movement as a whole with the intention of shedding light on false doctrine. False doctrine is extremely harmful to those who knowingly or unknowingly teach it as well as to those who follow it. My hope is that this helps paint a generalized picture of what is taught and believed within the movement so others are aware.

The doctrines create a group of spiritual elite who receive special knowledge and visions from God. They believe that the office of apostle and prophet are being restored in the church to the level of people having legal jurisdiction spiritually over actual physical territories. Many revelations and words from said apostles and prophets are placed at the same level and authority as scripture itself.

The apostles or prophet are the ones who receive the vision or knowledge and the vision is set out to be accomplished at all costs. It is commonly taught that these people have special anointings, mantles, and special giftings. This mentality often creates a hierarchy of Christians where some are elite and others are not. This divides the Body of Christ into “us and them” which does not reflect unity and humility we see displayed in the New Testament.

It is taught that believers need to get aligned to the right apostle or spiritual covering in order for them to be spiritually protected and fruitful. Being out of alignment with an apostle may be taught as a reason for spiritual failure, division, rebellion or lack of blessing. Some even say that God assigns specific apostles to specific locations and that people must discern and submit to the right one in order to fulfill their calling. There is also often a lot of focus on the demonic and on spiritual warfare.

People are encouraged to honor the apostle and trust their prophetic words and visions even if they don’t understand them. “Honoring leadership” can also become code for never disagreeing with leadership. Anyone who confronts issues, abuse, or manipulation may be seen as divisive or even demonic. As a result, leaders become insulated and critics are treated as rebellious or they are labeled as having demons.

There is certainly a trail of confused and wounded people who have found themselves caught up in NAR influenced churches. That’s why I’m speaking up. These environments are primed for authoritative and spiritual abuses and it’s not okay. For those who may be in it or have found themselves on the other side of it, know that there is hope and that there are real and authentic continuationist churches who are doing great things for Jesus and His kingdom. Thankfully, there are also many continuationist ministers who are speaking up about the error involved. If you’re interested in hearing more I can share sources.

It is so important that we understand the gospel and the New Covenant because it safeguards us against false doctrines that seek to draw us unto men. Believers have been given everything we need through the finished work of Christ. We can rest in Him, knowing that we lack nothing. We don’t need a special apostle in order to get closer to God or fulfill our calling. We are complete in Christ. There are many messages out there, but there is only one gospel.