The New Apostolic Reformation

What is the NAR?

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is essentially a dominionist oligarchy movement, but with special emphasis on strict hierarchical control over every aspect of believers' lives. It claims that the "offices" of Apostle and Prophet are as active and authoritative as they were in the first century, and those who hold the offices are not to be questioned or defied. Their goal is to impose a Christian theocracy on the whole world. This will be a summary and commentary on an article at Berean Research.

As with any other cult, the NAR has engaged in spiritual abuse, and it twists and marginalizes the Bible. As opposed to passages like Gal. 1:6-9 and 1 John 4:1, it puts dreams and visions above all. It goes by many names to hide itself, such as Dominionism, Third Wave, Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, Joel's Army, Manifest Sons of God, Charismatic Renewal, and Charismania, and is connected with the Kansas City Prophets and Word of Faith movement. The emphasis is always on experiences and feelings, mixed with mysticism and sometimes demonic manifestations indistinguishable from religions such as Hinduism (insane laughter, spiritual drunkenness, animalistic behavior, paralysis, etc.).

The Berean Research article gives a list of six common traits and terms of these NAR groups:

1. Apostles: Self-appointed men equal in authority to the originals will rule the church and the world, and they cannot be questioned.
2. Kingdom: Rather than the Gospel of the cross, they preach that of the kingdom coming to earth, encompassing government, media, entertainment, education, business, family, and religion. They talk of "city building", prayer walks against demonic strongholds, and being focused on missions instead of Christ.
3. Destiny, Presence, Glory: They seek manifestations of "anointing" and miracles, for the purpose of achieving our dream destinies and changing the world.
4. Revival: Highly-organized and -hyped gatherings are marketed and produced like rock concerts.
5. Unity: This is the greater goal over doctrinal purity or fidelity to the scriptures, aka "peace at any price" or ecumenism.
6. Bible: Though they claim to honor the Bible, they believe it's insufficient and can be overruled by their leaders.

Who is running the NAR?

A fairly long list of influencers in the NAR realm is given in the source article. Many more, who aren't necessarily (and sometimes, perhaps unwittingly) associated with them have spread at least some of their teachings (e.g. Chuck Missler, as a series in this video playlist).

What can we do?

First, if you or someone you know wants to leave the NAR, please see the above link about spiritual abuse, or this link from the source article to stories of escapees, and other helpful links there. Pray for them, and for God to thwart the efforts of these subversives.