What is The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)?
Introduction
Throughout church history, there have always been movements claiming to restore something the church has lost—fresh power, greater anointing, deeper revelation. Yet not every “move of God” that sounds spiritual is centered on the true gospel. Some lead believers away from grace and into performance, control, and confusion.
One of the most influential of these recent movements is often called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). It emphasizes modern apostles and prophets, dominion over the earth, and continual new revelation. It carries an appearance of revival and zeal but underneath, it often replaces the finished work of Christ with the striving of man.
This article explores where this movement came from, what it teaches, the effects it has on believers, and how the gospel of grace provides the clarity and rest our hearts need.
Where It Came From
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) didn’t appear overnight—it developed gradually out of several overlapping renewal and restoration movements within 20th-century Christianity.
Its roots trace back to early Pentecostalism in the early 1900s, which emphasized the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the continuing operation of spiritual gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and healing. Later, the Charismatic Renewal of the 1960s and 1970s carried these same emphases into mainline Protestant and even Catholic circles, reminding the broader church that the Holy Spirit is still active and empowering believers today.
A key influence came from the Latter Rain revival of the late 1940s, which introduced ideas about the restoration of apostles and prophets, personal prophecy, and “impartation” through the laying on of hands. Many in that movement sincerely desired a deeper experience of the Spirit and a more vibrant, Spirit-led church. However, some strands developed into what became known as the “Manifest Sons of God” teaching—the belief that a perfected company of end-time believers would attain a unique level of spiritual authority and manifest God’s glory on earth before Christ’s return.
Though the Latter Rain movement was largely rejected by classical Pentecostal denominations, many of its ideas quietly resurfaced in later decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, these restorationist themes reemerged through teachings that God was rebuilding the church’s foundation and reestablishing all five ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. This genuine desire to see every believer equipped and the church functioning in biblical order resonated with many.
By the 1990s, influential figures such as C. Peter Wagner began organizing these concepts under the label “New Apostolic Reformation.” He framed it as a new era of church government led by modern-day apostles and prophets.
From there, the focus gradually shifted from equipping the Body of Christ to governance and authority—the idea that God is appointing apostles and prophets with unique spiritual jurisdiction to oversee churches, cities, and even nations. Many of these networks operate relationally rather than denominationally, spreading through conferences, online teachings, and worship movements. This has given the NAR a dynamic and modern feel—but often without the theological accountability that grounded earlier charismatic renewal movements.
From a continuationist standpoint, the issue is not the gifts themselves but the claims of authority and revelationthat sometimes accompany them. Scripture teaches that prophecy and spiritual gifts should build up the body under Christ’s headship, not establish new governing offices or extra-biblical hierarchies. Likewise, the church is called to represent God’s kingdom, but the kingdom is fully realized only when Christ Himself returns—not through human apostles establishing dominion.
Many continuationist theologians therefore see the NAR as a well-intentioned but unbalanced outgrowth of charismatic renewal—rooted in a sincere hunger for revival and restoration, yet often blending biblical truth with old Latter Rain errors. The Spirit truly does empower believers for ministry today, but discernment is essential to keep that empowerment centered on Christ’s finished work and the authority of Scripture, rather than on modern apostolic claims.
What It Teaches
While expressions vary, most NAR circles share several key doctrines and emphases:
1. Restored Apostles and Prophets
NAR teaching claims that God is raising up a new generation of apostles and prophets who carry divine authority to lead the global church. Followers are often told to “align” under these leaders for spiritual protection and to receive fresh revelation.
But the New Testament presents apostles and prophets as the foundation of the church—“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).
The foundation of Christ’s work and apostolic teaching is already laid. While God still raises up people with apostolic or prophetic gifting—missionaries, pioneers, and those with discernment—Scripture gives no indication that new offices of global authority are being reinstated.
The gifts remain but the hierarchy does not. The goal is always to serve and equip, not to rule.
2. Extra-Biblical Revelation
NAR circles often emphasize fresh revelation—“new words,” “divine encounters,” or “blueprints” said to come directly from God.
The Spirit still speaks personally—comforting, convicting, and guiding believers—but His voice always harmonizes with the truth He already revealed in Scripture. Jesus said the Spirit would “teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).
His role is to illuminate what God has already spoken, not to create new doctrine. Paul warned, “Learn in us not to think beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6).
True prophetic words today are always to be tested (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21), submitted to Scripture, and used to edify—not to control or dictate.
3. Dominion and “Kingdom Now” Thinking
Many within the NAR teach that Christians must take dominion over every sphere of society—government, business, media, education, arts, and family—before Christ returns. This idea suggests that once the church gains control, the world will be transformed and God’s kingdom will be established on earth.
It’s right for believers to engage culture, steward influence, and fulfill the great commission—but always as witnesses of Christ’s grace, not as rulers enforcing His reign.
Jesus said clearly, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). The kingdom of God grows as hearts are transformed by grace, not as believers seize influence or power. Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14), influencing culture through truth and love, but not establishing a theocracy.
Dominion theology subtly shifts focus from the gospel to earthly victory, from the cross to conquest. Yet the kingdom advances through humility, service, and the preaching of Christ crucified—not through control.
4. Spiritual Warfare and Territorial Spirits
This movement also places heavy emphasis on “strategic-level spiritual warfare,” teaching that certain demons rule over cities or nations and must be identified, named, and cast down through special prayers and prophetic decrees.
The Bible does teach that believers wrestle “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers” (Ephesians 6:12). However, Scripture gives no formula for confronting territorial spirits by name or engaging them through rituals.
Our victory is not in our warfare methods—it’s in Christ’s triumph:
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)
Spiritual warfare is real, but it begins with standing firm in truth, faith, and righteousness (Ephesians 6:13–18). The believer’s authority flows from resting in Christ’s finished victory, not performing new strategies to achieve it.
5. Signs, Wonders, and the Pursuit of Power
God still performs miracles. He still heals, delivers, and speaks. But in many NAR settings, signs and wonders become the proof of anointing, the measurement of faith, and the focus of gatherings.
Jesus performed miracles out of compassion and to confirm His message—not to entertain or exalt Himself. “These signs will follow those who believe…” (Mark 16:17). The signs follow the believers, they are not the goal.
When power becomes the pursuit, the cross becomes secondary. The true evidence of the Spirit’s work is not constant manifestations but transformed lives and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
The gifts of the Spirit are beautiful when rooted in love, humility, and truth—but they are never meant to replace the gospel. The gifts confirm the gospel and point people to Jesus, not to man.
The Impact on People
1. Striving Instead of Rest
The pressure to constantly “war,” “decree,” or “take dominion” can wear people down. When revival doesn’t come or prophecies fail, many assume it’s their fault—they didn’t pray enough, fast enough, or believe enough. Many feel as though they can never give enough of their time, talent and treasure. The cycle of burnout is real, and people end up fatigued and burdened rather than liberated and at peace.
This leads to shame, striving, and spiritual exhaustion. But Jesus offers something radically different:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
The gospel invites us to rest in what Jesus has done, not prove ourselves through spiritual intensity.
2. Leadership Abuse and Manipulation
When certain individuals claim divine authority as apostles or prophets, accountability often disappears. People can be manipulated, silenced, or shamed in the name of obedience. People will often hear, “Touch not the Lord’s anointed” used by leaders and so real victims and people on the receiving end of real issues feel that it is unsafe to speak up because they will be cursed or punished by God.
Jesus rejected this kind of leadership:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25–26)
True spiritual authority looks like service, not domination. It equips believers to grow in their own walk with God, not depend on a leader to hear from Him for them.
3. Confusion About the Gospel
Perhaps the most serious damage occurs when believers equate maturity with supernatural experiences instead of faith in Christ. Many are taught that to truly walk with God, they must hear audible words, perform miracles, or receive new revelation.
But Scripture says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Our standing with God isn’t based on manifestations but on Jesus’ righteousness. The Spirit’s gifts confirm the gospel—they are not the gospel themselves.
4. Disillusionment and Wounded Faith
When prophetic words don’t come to pass or healing doesn’t happen, believers are often left hurt and confused. Some walk away from church entirely, disillusioned by false promises. Others live in fear of missing God’s next move.
But the good news is that Jesus doesn’t measure us by outcomes. His love is constant, His Word unchanging, and His presence not dependent on performance.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
The Gospel Truth
The gospel restores clarity and freedom where spiritual confusion reigns. It reminds us that everything we need for life and godliness has already been given to us in Christ (2 Peter 1:3).
1. Jesus Alone Is the Head of the Church
Christ—not any modern apostle or prophet—is the head of His body.
“And He is the head of the body, the church, he is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead so that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)
Every believer has direct access to God through Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word.
2. The Holy Spirit Still Moves—Always in Harmony with Scripture
The gifts of the Spirit are alive and active today. He still heals, speaks, encourages, and empowers believers. But everything He does aligns perfectly with the written Word and the character of Christ.
The Spirit’s voice will never contradict Scripture; He always glorifies Jesus.
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14)
We don’t reject the gifts—we simply refuse to twist them into tools of control or self-exaltation.
3. The Kingdom Grows Through the Gospel, Not Through Control
The kingdom of God expands as hearts are changed by grace, not as Christians seize power. We are called to influence the world through love, humility, and truth—not dominion or coercion.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
The gospel always points us back to the cross, where victory came through surrender.
4. Our Victory Is in the Finished Work of Christ
Spiritual warfare is real, but our authority is rooted in what Jesus already accomplished. We overcome not by special techniques, but by faith in His victory.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)
We fight from victory, not for victory. The enemy is defeated; our call is to stand firm in truth and rest in Christ’s triumph.
5. The Greatest Sign Is a Transformed Life
God still performs miracles—but the greatest miracle is the new birth.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, the most visible fruit is love, joy, peace, and humility—not spectacle or superiority.
A Call to Discernment and Rest
The Spirit-filled life is not about chasing the next manifestation but walking daily in intimacy with Jesus. True revival begins in the heart—when we return to the simplicity of grace and the authority of Scripture.
Movements will come and go, but the gospel remains unchanged:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
The Holy Spirit still empowers, leads, and speaks—but always to exalt Christ, build His church, and reveal the Father’s heart.
The real reformation we need is not new apostles—it’s a renewed focus on Jesus. The original apostles had one message: Christ crucified, risen, and reigning. That message still heals, still saves, and still sets captives free.
“The gospel doesn’t need to be reformed by new apostles—it needs to be re-centered in every generation on the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.”
How to Recognize NAR Influence—and Return to Rest in Christ
The NAR rarely identifies itself by name. You won’t often see churches call themselves “NAR.” Instead, its influence shows up through language, emphasis, and culture. If you’ve been in a group or church where these patterns are common, it may carry NAR ideas—even if people don’t realize it.
1. Leadership Claims of Special Authority
If leaders are introduced as “apostles” or “prophets” whose words are considered unquestionable—or if challenging them is seen as “rebellion against God”—that’s a red flag. True biblical leadership serves and equips; it doesn’t demand allegiance or control (1 Peter 5:2–3).
2. Constant Talk of New Revelation
If the focus shifts from Scripture to “fresh downloads,” “blueprints,” or “mysteries only our apostle can reveal,” you’re drifting from the sufficiency of God’s Word. The Spirit illuminates truth already given; He doesn’t replace it.
3. Pressure to Perform Spiritually
If you’re led to believe or think that your value to God depends on how hard you war, decree, or achieve results in ministry, the gospel of grace has been overshadowed. Jesus invites rest, not exhaustion.
4. Dominion or “Mountain-Taking” Language
If your church’s mission feels more about conquering society than preaching Christ crucified, the emphasis may have shifted from the kingdom of grace to the kingdom of man.
5. Emotion Over Scripture
If services are driven mainly by emotional highs, prophetic drama, or manifestations—and the Word is secondary—the foundation is shaky. The Holy Spirit always magnifies Jesus, not the spectacle.
How to Step Out and Be Free
If you recognize these patterns, you don’t need to fear or run from the Holy Spirit. The goal isn’t to reject His power—it’s to return to His purpose.
Come Back to the Simplicity of the Gospel
Read passages like Ephesians 1–2, Colossians 1–2, and Romans 8. Let the truth of what Christ already finished bring rest to your soul.Test Everything by Scripture
Ask: Does this teaching make Jesus central—or man? The Bereans were commended because they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).Find a Christ-Centered, Biblically Grounded Community
Look for a continuationist church that loves the Word, values accountability, and teaches grace. Healthy leaders point you to Jesus, not themselves.Let Grace Heal the Pressure to Perform
The Holy Spirit still gives gifts, but they flow from relationship, not striving. You are loved and accepted because of the cross, not because of how powerful you feel.Pray for Discernment and Peace
Ask the Lord to gently untangle any confusion and bring clarity. The Spirit’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy (James 3:17).
The same Holy Spirit who truly moves in power also leads us back to peace, humility, and rest in Jesus. It is all about the finished work of Christ.
Sources for Further Study
(Paraphrased and summarized from)
A New Apostolic Reformation: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement (Lexham Press), Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett
GotQuestions.org, “What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?”
Modern Reformation, “The Framing of a Movement” Evan Pietsch and Vivian Pietsch
Premier Christianity, “What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?”
The Holy Bible
