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God's Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement
God's Super-Apostles provides a concise entry-level overview of the key teachings and practices of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. This is a key resource in grasping the significance of this global, confusing, and controversial movement.
- GenresTheology
175 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
29 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
R. Douglas Geivett
42 books26 followersDoug is Professor of Philosophy in the Talbot Department of Philosophy at Biola University (La Mirada, CA). His interests include travel, foreign languages, kayaking, and motorcycling.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 6, 2015
Other than the 12 (or 13, if you include Paul in) apostles. Does the church have any more apostles? How then should christians response to some mega churches whose pastors are termed as apostles? It that permissible? Or even biblical?
For those who are in the reformed circles, prosperity gospel is a sure no-no these day. But what about “apostles” in this day and age? There seems to be lack of response towards the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). This is where this book fills an important gap.
First, the authors give a brief introduction of what NAR is and what their main teachings is about. Next, they present the scope of the NAR ministries, to highlight how big an issue NAR actually is.
Following which, Geivett and Pivec tackles specific doctrines within NAR which they find are simply unbiblical. These include the meaning and usage of apostles, prophets, spiritual warfare and miracles. Geivett and Pivec always begins by first explaining what NAR actually believes and backs up their findings with references to the various sources which they referred. Following which, Geivett and Pivec would then look into the bible to see what the bible actually teaches about such topics/doctrines.
Many a times Geivett and Pivec would show the readers that their faulty understanding has no biblical basis and if we are to take the Word of God seriously, we ought to reject their teachings.
All in all, this book is suitable really for all christians who might want to quick and good introduction to what is NAR, and whether it is truly biblical. For pastors or ministries leaders, this might be a good place to start, but they must supplement it with their more substantial book on it, “A New Apostolic Reformation? A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement”. That book will discuss about the topics in greater details than this book.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For those who are in the reformed circles, prosperity gospel is a sure no-no these day. But what about “apostles” in this day and age? There seems to be lack of response towards the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). This is where this book fills an important gap.
First, the authors give a brief introduction of what NAR is and what their main teachings is about. Next, they present the scope of the NAR ministries, to highlight how big an issue NAR actually is.
Following which, Geivett and Pivec tackles specific doctrines within NAR which they find are simply unbiblical. These include the meaning and usage of apostles, prophets, spiritual warfare and miracles. Geivett and Pivec always begins by first explaining what NAR actually believes and backs up their findings with references to the various sources which they referred. Following which, Geivett and Pivec would then look into the bible to see what the bible actually teaches about such topics/doctrines.
Many a times Geivett and Pivec would show the readers that their faulty understanding has no biblical basis and if we are to take the Word of God seriously, we ought to reject their teachings.
All in all, this book is suitable really for all christians who might want to quick and good introduction to what is NAR, and whether it is truly biblical. For pastors or ministries leaders, this might be a good place to start, but they must supplement it with their more substantial book on it, “A New Apostolic Reformation? A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement”. That book will discuss about the topics in greater details than this book.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2017
The descriptions of what leaders who could be considered part of the New Apostolic Reformation are generally helpful. Geivett and Pivec work very hard to be even-handed, charitable, and to avoid unfair generalizations about leaders who are considered part of this movement.
The comparison against biblical descriptions of apostles and prophets is adequate, but leaves a lot lacking. As a result, there arguments against this movements views were not as conclusive as I think the authors thought they were. A fuller exploration of biblical teaching regarding the church and its offices as a whole would have been more compelling.
That said, the authors do an excellent job of modeling gracious engagement, and there is also just not that much out there explaining what leaders in this very new (and in many places very popular) movement teach about themselves.
The comparison against biblical descriptions of apostles and prophets is adequate, but leaves a lot lacking. As a result, there arguments against this movements views were not as conclusive as I think the authors thought they were. A fuller exploration of biblical teaching regarding the church and its offices as a whole would have been more compelling.
That said, the authors do an excellent job of modeling gracious engagement, and there is also just not that much out there explaining what leaders in this very new (and in many places very popular) movement teach about themselves.
February 3, 2020
Easy to understand biblically founded.
November 25, 2022
This book was blessing to me. Last year I was attending church and we were having a guest speaker. I have been attending this Nazarene church for many years, and though I been struggling with preaching for years. I loved the Pastors and their families . I couldn't find anything about the preaching that seemed false. The messages were rhyming bulletin points. A friend sent me a link to her Pastors message in Virginia online that was non denomination. It helped me for a while. One message that pastor preached one scripture in John about making Straight Paths for God, and the rest of the message was about not forgetting about God while on vacation. I thought to myself it should be not to forget God on any day and not just vacation. I let it go because I know pastors have off days and his family was leaving for Florida vacation after the service. Years later he ended up resigning because other elders in the church started speaking up. The next pastor was okay, but I still felt like the Holy Spirit was missing. He had to resign because of private reasons. The current pastor I graduated high school with and was excited to have as a pastor. Years ago he was a good speaker. He is not the person we remember. I don't know what has happened in his life, but the shepherds heart he use to have seems to have been hardened by life. They were singing the song "Lean On Me" as a worship song to God. He got grouchy if people wanted to request prayer. He would tell everyone to raise their hands if they need prayer, and say "see everyone has problems." I didn't need him to pray for me, but I thought it was appalling. We prayed for this pastor and he seemed to be doing better. I kept praying and asking God to help me if it was me. I don't think I am perfect. A revival speaker sounded like a blessing to me. Our Pastor introduced the speaker to us by saying he and few others had been having small group reading this book and they liked it so much they contacted him to speak at church. Everything seemed fine until the speaker started talking about some woman questioning him about saying God would heal her son. She tried to reason with him it was not God's will. He told her there was no doubting to keep praying. By God's grace after 9 years this woman's son was healed. I am glad God healed her son. I was feeling angry because I know how much I prayed for my husband that died of Huntington's Disease. I did not get my way, but God is my best friend through the whole thing. God is my hero ! I have friends in that church battling things. My daughter inherited the gene at age 16 and I know about praying for the sick, and my caregiver friends who lost their kids from the juvenile form of the disease. Not one miracle! I know that God can heal people and nothing is impossible for him. We don't get to decide He always says yes. I left during their prayer time. I prayed all the way home. I got home and decided to search for this speakers name. The first page I came to were people on facebook from the same denomination calling him a false prophet. I already knew about the one he is associated with on the page , but thought Emergent church died out. He has his oun "Fire Ministries". Alisa Childers just so happened to be showing videos about NAR. One had Holly Pivec as the guest. I searched for more videos and found a few more with Holly and NAR. They all recommended this book, and it helped me a lot. I shared the website and the videos and book links. A few people stood up with me, but a few said it was not nice to allow these people to hold a little different view point. One of my friends decided to contact the speaker and talk to him. She kept going back and forth on whether it was a good thing. I decided to find a new church. They even invited the speaker to come back and speak this year. I know I made the right choice . It is abusive to tell sick people the reason God has not healed them because they don't have enough faith. It sounds like Job's friends. The miracle is God helping you to keep your faith when he doesn't heal. He is the hero that helps us to persevere. Please read these books and be educated to protect yourself, and your friends battling illness or other issues. If the shepherds are not going to do it then we need to speak up for what God cares about. They have a lot of knowledge and scriptures to show why it is not biblical. .
April 25, 2023
This is a shorter version of the book "A New Apostolic Reformation?" by the same authors. This shorter version is sufficient for a good overview of the teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation and how they compare to Scripture. But for a more in-depth study, the book "A New Apostolic Reformation?" is highly recommended. Similarly. also the book "Counterfeit Kingdom" by the same authors is very eye-opening in particular to the teachings and practices of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, and is a good book to share with others to warn them about this movement.
Here my earlier review on "A New Apostolic Reformation?" which similarly applies to the shorter version, "God's Super-Apostles":
Excellent in-depth study of what is being called the New Apostolic Reformation, including its history, present influence, as well as its beliefs and practices which are compared to the teaching of the Bible. A very insightful book that is extremely relevant today for Christians from all kinds of backgrounds. Highly recommended as a companion additional background to the equally excellent and eye-opening book "Counterfeit Kingdom" by the same authors.
Here my earlier review on "A New Apostolic Reformation?" which similarly applies to the shorter version, "God's Super-Apostles":
Excellent in-depth study of what is being called the New Apostolic Reformation, including its history, present influence, as well as its beliefs and practices which are compared to the teaching of the Bible. A very insightful book that is extremely relevant today for Christians from all kinds of backgrounds. Highly recommended as a companion additional background to the equally excellent and eye-opening book "Counterfeit Kingdom" by the same authors.
November 5, 2019
This book gave much needed information, an expose of what is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). But, I found myself thinking it was a bit too long, did repeat itself, and was at times written in a mocking tone. Having said that, a family member also read the book, and did not pick up on any of my concerns over tone.
Unlike her, I have friends in this movement; attending the churches but not necessarily aware of the abuse of authority and strange abiblical beliefs behind the scenes. I would like to see a book written that I could offer to those within the movement. This was a book written to those outside, who would like to better understand what is going on inside.
Yes, I would recommend it if you, like me, are an outsider to the movement.
Unlike her, I have friends in this movement; attending the churches but not necessarily aware of the abuse of authority and strange abiblical beliefs behind the scenes. I would like to see a book written that I could offer to those within the movement. This was a book written to those outside, who would like to better understand what is going on inside.
Yes, I would recommend it if you, like me, are an outsider to the movement.
May 22, 2022
Tough stuff to sit with. At times I wanted a greater unpacking of Scripture, but all that really means is that I have a lot of homework to do. The arguments in each chapter often used the same verbiage, though I generally took that to mean the authors were really trying to get their point across and drive it home. Caught between wanting to give this a five star review and a four. It's pretty raw right now. Toiling with it. Letting it sharpen me. And this is not a well thought-out review. This is me writing while my wheels are still turning. Don't take my word for anything. Read it for yourself.
July 2, 2022
3 1/2 stars in all honesty. I found a lot of what the authors said about NAR to be helpful, but I kept wanting more depth at many points. For instance, they frequently stated that Pentecostals and charismatics would practice or believe something that NAR churches practiced but that they would not go as far as NAR. They stated that charismatics and Pentecostals were still within the purview of orthodox Christianity, but I felt like the authors could have done a more thorough job of drawing these lines of division.
August 26, 2015
In their book God's Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec give a brief introduction to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), (Kindle location 153). They also make the disclaimer that they are not anti-charismatic; their objective is not to argue against the miraculous gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12--including the gifts of prophesying, healing, and speaking in tongues--being active in churches today (Kindle location 129).
Geivett and Pivec state that the main function of the NAR apostle is to govern the church. They list the major duties and characteristics of a NAR apostle, which includes receiving revelation directly from God and from prophets and performing signs and wonders (Kindle location 420). Yet, the authors argue that the governing office of apostle was temporary and the NAR leaders do not meet the biblical requirements of an apostle found in the New Testament (Kindle location 882).
The NAR apostles claim that they receive direct revelation from God, but this new revelation does not contradict Scripture; it is only supplemental (Kindle location 831). The authors contend that the contradiction test is too weak and propose their own criteria: new revelation (1) cannot be completely new, (2) should be anticipated by what is already revealed, and (3) should expand upon existing revelation (Kindle locations 841, 850). Since the "new truths taught by todays' apostles and prophets do not meet these criteria", then according to the authors, it is safe to ignore their claims (Kindle location 862). It's important to note that Geivett and Pivec do not give biblical references for their new revelation criteria. The Bible says that God spoke last to us by his Son Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-2). The canon of Scripture is closed and adding to the Bible is strictly prohibited, (Rev. 22:18). There is no new revelation, but there is "inward illumination of the Spirit of God...for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word," (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chap. 1, para. 6).
Concerning signs and wonders of a NAR apostle, Geivett and Pivec note that the performance of a miracles is not seen as a requirement by everyone in the NAR movement (Kindle location 802). Nevertheless, the authors point out that "the miraculous signs performed by the Twelve and Paul were not easy to miss...No one was expected to settle for taking the apostles of Christ merely at their word," (Kindle location 813). This argument is logical; God bore witness to the apostles of the New Testament with signs and wonders (Heb. 2:4); therefore, this same witness should be applied to the self-proclaimed "apostles" of today.
Unfortunately, to appease the charismatic reader, the authors state: "Notice, we're not arguing against gifts of healing (1 Cor. 12:9) that may be used to cure backaches or emotional pain. Healings of these types of conditions certainly would bless those who experience them, even though they may not be as dramatic as healings of paralysis or blindness. Nor are we arguing that miracles of other types do not occur. Our point is simply that a miracle must be astonishing--as were those of the original apostles--if we are to be convinced that a modern-day apostle is among us," (Kindle location 813). This disclaimer weakens their earlier argument because the definition of a "dramatic healing" is highly subjective. By not taking a definitive stand on healing, they leave the door open for false teachers to remain in the Christian church.
Geivett and Pivec also denounce NAR prophets because they go too far by speaking not only words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort Christians, but also prophecies that include the revelation of spiritual gifts and guidance for major life decisions (Kindle location 1252). Again, the authors are trying to allow for the operation of the spiritual gift of prophecy in the modern-day church. To do this, they walk a fine line by saying that spiritual gifts of healing and prophecy may still be valid in today's church on a small, individual scale; but these gifts cannot be used in a powerful, overbearing way by an oligarchy of "super-Christians." However, there's no biblical support for this distinction, nor are there biblical guidelines to discern when a Christian has crossed the line into heresy. The NAR movement is a cult of Christianity. Movements like this start with Christians who claim that they hear God's audible voice, get a special word or vision from God, go to heaven, see Jesus, etc. The Bible is either the Word of God to be obeyed or it will be manipulated by the mouth of man.
The authors' purpose of identifying the false teachings of the NAR movement is commendable. God's Super-Apostles contains good information for identifying those in the NAR movement, so I recommend it for the curious Christian. However, Geivett and Pivec only argue against the extreme position of this movement which makes their arguments subjective; and therefore, they will not deter anyone from joining the NAR movement, nor will they convince anyone to leave. The authors' moderate stance allows the pastors and prophets in today's charismatic or Pentecostal churches to become the NAR leaders of the future. If you let the camel's nose under the tent, eventually the whole camel will be inside.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Geivett and Pivec state that the main function of the NAR apostle is to govern the church. They list the major duties and characteristics of a NAR apostle, which includes receiving revelation directly from God and from prophets and performing signs and wonders (Kindle location 420). Yet, the authors argue that the governing office of apostle was temporary and the NAR leaders do not meet the biblical requirements of an apostle found in the New Testament (Kindle location 882).
The NAR apostles claim that they receive direct revelation from God, but this new revelation does not contradict Scripture; it is only supplemental (Kindle location 831). The authors contend that the contradiction test is too weak and propose their own criteria: new revelation (1) cannot be completely new, (2) should be anticipated by what is already revealed, and (3) should expand upon existing revelation (Kindle locations 841, 850). Since the "new truths taught by todays' apostles and prophets do not meet these criteria", then according to the authors, it is safe to ignore their claims (Kindle location 862). It's important to note that Geivett and Pivec do not give biblical references for their new revelation criteria. The Bible says that God spoke last to us by his Son Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-2). The canon of Scripture is closed and adding to the Bible is strictly prohibited, (Rev. 22:18). There is no new revelation, but there is "inward illumination of the Spirit of God...for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word," (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chap. 1, para. 6).
Concerning signs and wonders of a NAR apostle, Geivett and Pivec note that the performance of a miracles is not seen as a requirement by everyone in the NAR movement (Kindle location 802). Nevertheless, the authors point out that "the miraculous signs performed by the Twelve and Paul were not easy to miss...No one was expected to settle for taking the apostles of Christ merely at their word," (Kindle location 813). This argument is logical; God bore witness to the apostles of the New Testament with signs and wonders (Heb. 2:4); therefore, this same witness should be applied to the self-proclaimed "apostles" of today.
Unfortunately, to appease the charismatic reader, the authors state: "Notice, we're not arguing against gifts of healing (1 Cor. 12:9) that may be used to cure backaches or emotional pain. Healings of these types of conditions certainly would bless those who experience them, even though they may not be as dramatic as healings of paralysis or blindness. Nor are we arguing that miracles of other types do not occur. Our point is simply that a miracle must be astonishing--as were those of the original apostles--if we are to be convinced that a modern-day apostle is among us," (Kindle location 813). This disclaimer weakens their earlier argument because the definition of a "dramatic healing" is highly subjective. By not taking a definitive stand on healing, they leave the door open for false teachers to remain in the Christian church.
Geivett and Pivec also denounce NAR prophets because they go too far by speaking not only words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort Christians, but also prophecies that include the revelation of spiritual gifts and guidance for major life decisions (Kindle location 1252). Again, the authors are trying to allow for the operation of the spiritual gift of prophecy in the modern-day church. To do this, they walk a fine line by saying that spiritual gifts of healing and prophecy may still be valid in today's church on a small, individual scale; but these gifts cannot be used in a powerful, overbearing way by an oligarchy of "super-Christians." However, there's no biblical support for this distinction, nor are there biblical guidelines to discern when a Christian has crossed the line into heresy. The NAR movement is a cult of Christianity. Movements like this start with Christians who claim that they hear God's audible voice, get a special word or vision from God, go to heaven, see Jesus, etc. The Bible is either the Word of God to be obeyed or it will be manipulated by the mouth of man.
The authors' purpose of identifying the false teachings of the NAR movement is commendable. God's Super-Apostles contains good information for identifying those in the NAR movement, so I recommend it for the curious Christian. However, Geivett and Pivec only argue against the extreme position of this movement which makes their arguments subjective; and therefore, they will not deter anyone from joining the NAR movement, nor will they convince anyone to leave. The authors' moderate stance allows the pastors and prophets in today's charismatic or Pentecostal churches to become the NAR leaders of the future. If you let the camel's nose under the tent, eventually the whole camel will be inside.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2018
UNDERSTANDING NAR
The book explains NAR well. It doesn't answer for me the problem it poses for our nation, world or christianity. Is the threat to individuals only or to a city, state or nation. There are cults, always have ben but does the NAR deserve the attention it receives. It didn't answer that for me. It does explain how an individual may be effected.
The book explains NAR well. It doesn't answer for me the problem it poses for our nation, world or christianity. Is the threat to individuals only or to a city, state or nation. There are cults, always have ben but does the NAR deserve the attention it receives. It didn't answer that for me. It does explain how an individual may be effected.
April 30, 2022
Great book
This book answered a lot of my questions. Good basic Bible teaching and warning about a group of people who are not true prophets. I was blessed to see that the authors of this book agree that there is room for mistakes in prophecy
This book answered a lot of my questions. Good basic Bible teaching and warning about a group of people who are not true prophets. I was blessed to see that the authors of this book agree that there is room for mistakes in prophecy
September 13, 2018
A brief but informative introduction (warning) about the New Apostolic Reformation.
May 19, 2019
Very Informataive.
May 13, 2023
Me gustó mucho la forma en que el autor va desglosando las diferentes creencias del Movimiento Apostólico para finalmente mostrar lo que dice La Biblia... Lo recomiendo a todos.
October 10, 2023
Like their other book (A New Apostolic Reformation), but shorter and with worse cover art.
February 9, 2015
interesting exposure of false teaching input day
I learned about this book from a Christian radio station. I have not personally encountered this teaching, but I have friends who have been sucked in. The book is readable and presents a strong case for avoiding the New Apostolic Reformation churches or teaching.
I learned about this book from a Christian radio station. I have not personally encountered this teaching, but I have friends who have been sucked in. The book is readable and presents a strong case for avoiding the New Apostolic Reformation churches or teaching.
July 19, 2016
I'm not usually drawn to this kind of book; but in an attempt to understand the New Apostolic Reformation, I read it and took a lot of notes. They do a good job of showing that the NAR is not just about signs and wonders, but mostly about the excessive claims of authority that modern day "prophets and apostles" make.
June 28, 2015
Great book!!!
Im a Pastor of a Baptist Church in Puerto Rico. I think than the authors must translate this book in spanish beacause in Latin America this movements of apostles and prophets are very influence among people.
Buy it!
Im a Pastor of a Baptist Church in Puerto Rico. I think than the authors must translate this book in spanish beacause in Latin America this movements of apostles and prophets are very influence among people.
Buy it!
July 19, 2015
Great primer on the New Apostolic Reformation movement happening in the church today.
April 24, 2021
Absolutely essential reading to understanding the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation movement.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews