A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement

by R. Douglas Geivett, Holly Pivec

This critique provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the widespread but little-known New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. As the authors state in the "We write this book with two major goals in mind. First, to give people an idea of the sheer size and reach of the NAR movement. And second, to systematize its key teachings and practices and evaluate them on the basis of Scripture and careful reasoning . . In our judgment, the NAR perspective crosses these boundaries [that is, certain broad parameters, revealed in Scripture and practiced in the historical orthodox church], and it does so in part because of flawed theology rooted in a flawed understanding of Scripture. We wish to warn readers about a possible Some critics have linked the NAR movement with mainstream Pentecostalism and charismatics. We do not do this. In fact, it is our contention that the NAR movement deviates from classical Pentecostal and charismatic teachings. This movement has emerged out of independent charismatic churches and, thus, has gained a foothold in many of those churches in varying degrees."

Genres: Theology, Christian, Cults, Faith

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Doug 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.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who has been involved in these type of churches for over 30 years I must say that the variety of beliefs is too huge within this so called community to draw together such strong conclusions. Also the book does not address the different church networks, which is key for this subject. There are certainly problems in the "Apostolic movement", but this book does not represent the great variety of ways these Church networks are working. This lack of getting into the grassroots is a great weakness. I would suggest studying a diverse set of these networks and then you can present a better understanding of the whole.

[David Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: The full version of this abridged review may be found on the Pious Eye site.

In my reviews, I generally try to avoid hyperbolic statements like, “every Christian should read this book.” In the case of R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec’s A New Apostolic Reformation? (hereafter, ANAR?), that statement could be merited. Some dangerous and heretical claims are gaining traction in the Christian community, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic (hereafter, P-C) circles, and ANAR? provides detailed description of the movement promoting these claims (what it teaches, who leads it, what organizations promote it) and offers sound biblical responses to them, maintaining throughout a charitable and moderate tone.

The books’s general approach is straightforward. After relating key historical and biographical information about the movement, Geivett and Pivec (hereafter G&P) set forth its most problematic teachings and the justifications NAR’s leaders offer for those teachings, contrast NAR teachings with the views of more traditional or mainstream P-C believers (using the Assemblies of God denomination as their example), and offer Bible-based criticisms of the NAR teachings.

The text may be divided into four section. The first of sections (1-29; chaps. 1-3), provides an overview of the NAR movement’s history, names some of its prominent leaders and affiliated organizations, and relates some of its history. This sections answers the question, “What is NAR and why should I care?” or, alternatively, “Why should I bother reading this book?” NAR, “also sometimes called the apostolic-prophetic movement” (1), claims, in common with various earlier groups (such as “the Irvingites of the 1830s...the Apostolic Church of the early 1900s....the African Independent Churches movement, which began around 1900....[and] the post-World War II Latter Rain movement” [3-4; paragraph break removed]) to “restore the offices of apostle and prophet” (3). (Throughout the text, Douglas and Pivec emphasize that NAR holds to the present-day restoration of “offices,” meaning authoritative and “formal” governing offices, of apostle and prophet. They contrast this with P-C belief in the ongoing existence of apostolic and prophetic “ministry functions” not tied to formal offices. Persons who reject P-C claims altogether, of course, typically see even the “ministry functions” as no longer extant in their original form.) Today’s NAR began, this section relates, with a resurgence of Latter-Rain-movement-like belief in present-day prophets and apostles in the 1980s, a resurgence in which the so-called “Kansas City Prophets” (Bob Jones, Paul Cain, and John Paul Jackson) played a leading role, helped along by then-pastor of the Kansas City Fellowship, Mike Bickle, who would later found the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and who has become quite influential. Some noteworthy NAR leaders the section identifies include Bickle (as noted), C. Peter Wagner (whose status as a “church growth expert” probably makes him the NAR leader best known by those of us outside NAR), Bill Johnson, Lou Engle, Bill Hamon, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, and Jack Deere. Some noteworthy NAR organization include (as noted) IHOP, The Call, Bethel Church (in Redding, California; pastored by Bill Johnson), Harvest International Ministry, Generals International, and Destiny Image Publishers. An additional publisher, though not officially NAR, that has helped promote NAR is Charisma House, one learns in this section. One also learns that, in addition to gaining credibility by association with various non-NAR leaders and organization dedicated to “socially conservative” action in the realms of politics, society, and culture (persons and organization of the “Christian Right”), NAR has gained credibility by having its books endorsed by leaders considered “mainstream,” such as Jack Hayford (who has also spoken an NAR conferences), and published by mainstream publishers, such as Thomas Nelson and Bethany House. Readers of this section will be left with no doubt that NAR, unlike any “fringe” movements that preceded it, is large and influential and, if it be in error (as G&P show that it is), very dangerous to Christ’s church. (The final appendix, “Prominent NAR Networks” [212-17], adds to the persons and organizations identified in this section.)

G&P’s demonstration of NAR’s dangerous divergence from orthodox Christian doctrine begins in earnest in the second section (30-95; chaps. 4-9), which deals with NAR’s teachings concerning restoration of the office of apostle. Central to this section is detailed discussion of just what the Bible teaches about “apostles” and how this teaching contradicts NAR’s claims; logical critique of the internal coherence of NAR’s claims also plays a role. The New Testament, G&P show, uses “apostle” in more than one sense. Holders of the authoritative office of apostle, which is what most of us think of when we hear the word “apostle,” are what Scripture calls “apostles of Christ.” These are apostles “of the formal kind—including the Twelve, Paul, probably James, and all the other apostles to whom Christ appeared following his resurrection” (77). Apostles of this sort served a foundational role in the church and do not exist today, this section demonstrates, contrary to NAR’s claims. A second sort of “apostles,” persons whom Scripture calls “apostles of the churches,” do not hold formal governing offices or authority; rather, they are apostles “of the functional kind” (78). That is, they are persons gifted to serve certain ministry functions, such as those of church planters and missionaries. In the P-C context, “apostles” of this type may be expected to perform “signs and wonders” (work miracles as part of their outreach to previously unreached populations); outside the P-C context, no “signs and wonders” are expected (except such as might result from from the faithful prayer of any true believer seeking to do God’s will). Such “apostles of the churches,” who carry none of the special authority NAR grants to those it labels “apostles,” are the only sorts of apostles whose ongoing existence can be supported from Scripture, G&P show. (The section notes how some scholars provide more detailed breakdowns of types of “apostles,” but the basic two-type division is the most evident and important. Essentially a title for “persons sent,” the characteristic distinguishing types of apostles is by whom they are sent, either by Christ through direct in-person appointment, or by Christ’s human representatives in the churches.) The section also includes correction of NAR’s erroneous use of Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Corinthians 12:28 to support belief in present-day “apostles of Christ.”

An important part of this section concerns the danger NAR’s belief in a present-day apostolic office poses to Scripture’s authority. (The same dangers arise from NAR’s belief in a present-day prophetic office, the subject of the book’s next section.) It is here that NAR’s professed views fail to cohere with the real implications of those views. The official NAR position is that “present-day apostles cannot add new revelation to the canon of Scripture”; however, they “can receive new revelation that supplements Scripture so long as it doesn’t contradict it” (49). (I note that one only need supplement what is not itself sufficient. Any claim to present-day revelation, even if it does not assert the far-reaching authority of NAR revelation, implicitly denies that Scripture is sufficient in itself, that the believer who studies Scripture is thereby “throughly furnished unto all good works” [2 Timothy 3:17]. Since G&P adopt a moderate stance that allows for at least some present-day revelation, they do not make this argument.) One way NAR leaders have attempted to show their apostles’ revelations do not usurp Scripture is to identify their authority as limited to a certain sphere (a church or network of churches, say). Such leaders as C. Peter Wagner, however, fail to stick to this idea, claiming that there are at least some present-day apostles whose revelations apply to the whole church. “The existence of such [what Wagner calls] broadband apostles undermines Wagner’s claim that apostles cannot write new Scripture...,” G&P write. “In claiming to give new revelation that is binding on all Christians, are they not claiming, in effect, that their revelation should be treated on a par with Scripture, even if their words aren’t physically appended to a Bible?” (84) (The second of three appendices, “Todd Bentley’s Commissioning and Apostolic Decrees” (209-211), adds to this section’s refutation of NAR.)

In the next section (96-149; chaps. 10-14), G&P analyze and refute NAR’s teaching about present-day “prophets.” This section opposes NAR’s claim that there exists a present-day church office of “prophet of God” while leaving open the possibility that more standard P-C belief in non-office-holding “prophetically gifted individuals” might be valid (128). The authors are careful to avoid the cessationist-continuationist debate, writing, “Can people today have the gift of prophecy? Cessationists say no, if the gift includes continued provision of revelation, either for the church or individuals....But continuationist say yes, that people today can be prophetically gifted...receiving new revelation from God. And they don’t believe that...[this] threatens the authority of Scripture” (Ibid.). While they grant this question is “fascinating,” G&P note, “we will not attempt to answer it in this book because it is beyond the immediate scope of our topic” (Ibid.). Though they indeed do “not attempt to answer” the question, they do (perhaps inadvertently) reveal some bias in favor of the continuationist view, stating that “While there is a scriptural basis for an ongoing gift of prophecy, there is no basis for a present-day office of prophet that governs the church or prophets who prophesy to nations or give new truths” (137; 138 has similar wording), rather than using more neutral wording like, “While those who believe in an ongoing gift of prophecy can plausibly claim scriptural support, those who believe in a present-day office of prophet...cannot.” (One can guess from my prior parenthetical on the sufficiency of Scripture that I fall into the cessationist camp here. Even if the “new revelation” one claims to receive only provides practical guidance to some individual in a specific life situation, it still seems to me that by providing such “revelation” one is saying that Scripture by itself is not sufficient to “throughly furnish” that individual for “all good works.” I would allow reference to current-day pronouncement as “prophetic” whenever they accurately set forth the meaning of already-written Scripture or rightly apply Scripture to contemporary circumstances, but the “gift of prophecy” here would obviously be quite different from any “new revelation” variety.)

Complete avoidance of the cessationist-continuationist debate is an interesting strategy. I’m inclined to judge it a wise approach given that P-C believers are currently most at risk of “conversion” to NAR, so that it is most important that ANAR?’s warnings make it onto their reading lists. In addition to a Scripture-rich refutation of NAR’s erroneous viewpoint, this section also notes numerous inconsistencies in the NAR perspective. For instance, though NAR prophets are granted authority to give “thus saith the Lord” prophetic directives “to individuals regarding their personal lives,” NAR leaders invariably grant “that NAR prophets can err” (136). This inconsistency continues in NAR leaders’ appeal to Wayne Grudem’s P-C position on New Testament as opposed to Old Testament prophets. Grudem, the text notes, “agrees [with NAR leaders] that New Testament prophets are not expected to be one hundred percent accurate in their prophecies.” Unlike NAR leaders, however, who “teach that New Testament prophets have the same level of authority as Old Testament prophets and that they hold a formal governing office,” Grudem “maintains that New Testament prophets need not be one hundred percent accurate since they do not have the same level of authority as the Old Testament prophets and do not hold a formal governing office in the church” (139). NAR leaders, then, grant their “prophets” Old Testament prophetic authority without Old Testament prophetic accuracy. Making a persuasive case that NAR can’t have it both ways, G&P proceed to show how NAR “prophets” fail biblical tests for true prophets (138-47) and show why some alternative tests suggested by NAR leaders should not be used (148-9). (The first appendix, “The Great Chain of Prophets” (205-208) adds to the case against NAR’s view of prophets.)

The final section (150-202; chaps. 15-19), shows that NAR strategies and practices, such as “confronting territorial spirits directly” (167) , and related teachings, such as that “the end-time church will perform miracles unprecedented in terms of their grandeur and frequency” (194), have “no biblical basis” (167). One noteworthy statement in the section points out, specifically in the context of Bickle’s interpretation of Luke 18:7-8 as mandating “24/7 prayer rooms,” how “NAR hermeneutics” typically “neglects context and ignores alternative, more plausible meanings” (199). What was evident in Hamon’s subjective test of prophetic utterance (the “inner witness” test) proves broadly typical of NAR’s approach to belief and practice: subjective individual judgment is given free reign; testing by reason in light of carefully studied Scripture (faith-based critical analysis) and testing against the Spirit-guided judgment of fellow believers over the course of time (respect for historical orthodoxy) are rejected in favor of trust in individual judgment treated as divinely authoritative (since it is the judgment of an individual who claims to be an “apostle” or “prophet”). This persuasive section merits close study.

One especially remarkable aspect of NAR discussed in this section is NAR’s emphasis on a “unity” that deemphasizes doctrinal correctness in favor of broad permissiveness, provided one “submits” to so-called apostles and prophets in service of strategic objectives meant to forward “God’s” kingdom. As with other aspects of NAR, this one does not stand up to G&P’s critical analysis in light of Scripture. This particular aspect of NAR also raises in my mind at least one question that G&P do not discuss, but which (for me) would alone be sufficient to make me reject NAR. That question is: If God were indeed going to appoint apostles and prophets with the same authority to rule and speak on his behalf as the Old Testament prophets of God and New Testament apostles of Christ, wouldn’t the God who inspired Scripture use that opportunity to correct doctrinal errors among his children and bring all true believers into agreement on the correct interpretation of the entirety of his Book, to unity in knowledge and faith? Setting aside what one deems “secondary” or “non-essential” doctrines in order to pursue common “primary” or “essential” objectives is a pragmatic strategy made necessary by human fallenness and fallibility; it is certainly not the mark of persons speaking for the perfect and unerring God who must value very highly everything he chose to set down in Scripture. Persons appointed and directed by, and receiving fresh revelation from, God surely would not adopt the pragmatic permissiveness of profit-driven businessmen and power-driven politicians as NAR’s leaders have done. Clearly, it is this-wordly drive, not divine direction, that motivates NAR’s leadership. G&P do not go so far as to say this, of course, preferring to work from the assumption “that leading NAR figures are believers and genuine disciples of Jesus, and that their intention is to do the will of God in their lives and in the world” (xiv). Bible-believing readers will, I predict, find this assumption very difficult to credit once they’ve seen the sorts of claims “leading NAR figures” are making.

Overall, then, ANAR? is excellent and worthwhile, even essential, reading. I can’t claim to agree with or endorse everything in the book, however. For instance, since I believe that Scripture teaches particular atonement (Christ died for the sins of specific individuals who will be saved, not for all individuals regardless of whether they will ultimately be saved or not), I cannot endorse the authors’ reference to Christ’s “death for the sins of all humanity” (57-8). Nor am I (yet) persuaded that the involvement of New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leaders in the “Christian Right” activity in which many of us Bible-believers are also involved (and which we think NAR leaders did not originate but are trying to hijack) makes locutions like “reclaiming the culture for Christ” and “fighting the culture war” dangerous “triumphalism” that “comes perilously close to spreading” NAR’s heretical doctrines (171). I’m not even sure I wish to grant advocates of NAR exclusive use of the term “dominionism” (150), since belief that the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26, 28) calls those who would obey God to “take dominion” in a comprehensive way that entails much more than “evangelism and world missions” (150) is not limited (nor do I believe it originates with) advocates of NAR.

These points are peripheral rather than central to ANAR?’s refutation of NAR, however. Besides, my idiosyncrasies are such that were I to insist on perfect agreement with my beliefs before recommending a text, I would never be able to recommend any book unless I had written it myself (and had done so recently enough to have not changed my mind about anything). My disagreement with these few peripherals aside, ANAR? is an outstanding book; it is well researched and cogently argued, with an orderly, easy-to-follow presentation (with summaries at the end of each chapter, concise recapitulation of key points at appropriate intervals, and so on). I commend it to you.

[Craig Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there are sections of Christianity that believe the office of apostle died out with the original apostles of first century Christianity, there is a growing movement that believes this office has been re-instituted and will lead a world-wide take over of the world by Christians. This movement is called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). While its historical roots are relatively short its influence has spread around the world.

Spending the better part of ten years in research, Holly Pevic, managing editor of Biola Magizine, has become an expert in her own right on the NAR movement. R. Douglas Geivett, author and professor at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, has also spent much time researching the NAR movement. Both Holly and Douglas have organized their material on the NAR into the new book A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement published with Weaver Book Company. This book is a more academic look at the NAR movement while the companion book, God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, is a condensed version written for a lay audience.

Overview of NAR Movement

A New Apostolic Reformation? serves two basic purposes. First, the authors give an overview of the NAR movement beginning at its earliest roots in the Later Rain Movement after World War II and then critique the movement based on Scripture. Second, the authors lay out for the reader the size of the NAR movement which reaches to almost every corner of the globe.

The NAR movement is based on two central beliefs: first, that the New Testament office of apostle has been restored to the church and, second, that it is a reformation within Christianity through which God will eventually convert all of the world and to which all of the Church must submit to and join. It is through this movement that Christ will take over the world (1). This movement is considered to be an army for Christ that will bring about what is called the “Great End-Time Transfer of Wealth” which will take all of the wealth from the world and give it to this divine army for redistribution to the righteous all over the world (2).

In their overview of the NAR movement, the authors systematically work their way through the entirety of their leaders, leadership structure, outreach extensions such as politics and media, main Scriptural support for their beliefs, and key doctrines that define their movement. The NAR movement has strong political influence, internet presence, and spreads its message through powerful Christian t.v. networks like the Trinity Broadcasting Network and their own GOD TV as led by Rory and Wendy Alec (21).

The tiered leadership structure of the NAR movement begins with the prophets who receive special revelation from God, who then pass it onto the prophets, and then to the church leaders. The Scriptural foundation for the NAR’s belief in present day apostles rests on Ephesians 2:20, 4:11 and I Corinthians 12:28. All three of these verses mention apostles and prophets as two of several offices God gave the church for the growth of the church. Essentially, NAR followers believe that while Christianity, as almost a united whole, has believed the offices of apostle (like that of Paul) and prophet (like Jeremiah) have been gone since the passing of the first century, they have been wrong on this understanding and God has re-established them for today.

The main leaders of the NAR movement are Bob Jones, Paul Cain, C. Peter Wagner, Bill Johnson, and Cindy Jacobs. Some of their major ministry outlets include the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and Harvest International Ministry (HIM). They have extensive influence through print and internet publications such as Charisma magazine and they even have their own Bible translation, The Passion Translation, which apostle Brian Simmons claims he was commissioned by God personally to produce (8).

Overview of Authors Response

The response of the authors to the teachings of the NAR movement is broken down into three basic categories: the apostles, the prophets, and their view of spiritual warfare. Through several chapters the authors carefully walk through the main tenants of the NAR beliefs and compare them to Scripture.

First, regarding present day apostles, the authors are careful to point out that while there was more than one kind of apostle in the NT, there was only one group of apostles that were sent by Christ Himself. It is this group that has most certainly died out. What NAR apostles have to claim is that Christ is once again sending new apostles and is appearing to them. However, they do not make this claim for themselves, nor can they. They cannot meet the Biblical criteria (85). The authors do a good job of presenting the classic case for why the office of apostle has died out and will never be brought back.

Second, regarding the present day prophets, NAR leaders believe that God is still revealing His secret will and plans (Amos 3:7) to present day prophets to proclaim to all of the church. They have the same authority as OT prophets (102-03). A distinct role of OT prophets was their prophetic role towards nations. This is something lacking with NT prophets (126-27). While some may rule out the present day gift of prophecy, the authors do not. They believe the gift is still given today (128-29) but the office (as in the OT) does not exist, nor does the word they speak apply to the universal church (129).

Finally, when it comes to the NAR’s view of spiritual warfare they hold to a dominionism theology. This is the means through which God, through the church, as revealed to the apostles and prophets, will advance His kingdom (150). The essence of “strategic-level spiritual warfare is the act of confronting evil spirits that are believed to rule specific geographical regions, cultural groups, and societal institutions.” (151) For the kingdom of God to advance they must be “neutralized or cast out.” (152) The essence of the authors response to this teaching is that Scripture does not tell us there are specific spirits that claim certain areas, nor that we are called to name them and drive them out.

Conclusion

A New Apostolic Reformation? provides a fascinating and eye-opening look at a worldwide movement that is everywhere. I have personally run into a number of people throughout my life that I now know are part of this movement. There is no doubt that most Christians know someone who is involved in this group but do not realize it. This book will open your eyes to it and give you some basic help for coming along side of these followers and leading them to the truth.

I recommend this book to any who might know people involved in the NAR movement, to any who are involved in it and have some suspicions that things are not right, and to those who want to be more informed about the movement.

I received this book for free from Weaver Book Company through Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Amanda Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, it was a little dry, but overall, I found this to be wonderfully helpful in understanding the NAR movement and why they do what they do and believe what they believe. It is crazy to me how the movement gains so many members when it is very clearly based on so many false teachings and false prophecies. If my pastor from the pulpit started stating that people 'rightly aligned with Christ and His apostles' will start to grow younger or do greater miracles than Jesus,' I can't fathom the discomfort I would feel! I really enjoy books by these authors. They are passionate about the truth and exposing error without being too preachy or angry. I'm looking forward to anything else they may put out in the future. I hope they make a second edition of this book as it seems to me so much of it is outdated even though it was only written in 2014!

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THIS CONTROVERSIAL MOVEMENT

Coauthor (with R. Douglas Geivett) Holly Pivec wrote in the Preface to this 2014 book, “We wrote this book with two major goals in mind: first, to give people an idea of the sheer size and reach of NAR; and, to systematize NAR’s key teachings and practices and evaluate them on the basis of Scripture and careful reasoning… Some critics have linked NAR with mainstream Pentecostalism and charismatics. We do not do this. In fact, it’s our contention that NAR deviates from classical Pentecostal and charismatic teachings. This movement has emerged out of independent charismatic churches and thus has gained a foothold in many of those churches to varying degrees. But we do not argue for cessationism… Whether the miraculous gifts are ongoing or not has no bearing on the arguments of our book.” (Pg. xiv)

They explain in the first chapter, “The movement is called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). It’s ‘apostolic’ because its leaders claim they’re restoring the lost office of apostle to the church---an office endowed with astonishing authority, miraculous powers, and divine strategies for establishing God’s kingdom on earth. It’s a ‘reformation’ because proponents say the movement will completely change the way church is done, and its effects will be as great—or ever greater than---the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation.” (Pg. 1) They continue, “With the biblical government of the church in place again, the apostles and prophets can raise up God’s end-time army… The NAR will also cash in on the ‘Great End-Time Transfer of Wealth,’ a divinely orchestrated redistribution of the world’s wealth from the wicked to the righteous. The result of these awe-inspiring activities will be a global revival. More than a billion souls will be saved---more than at any other time in world history.” (Pg. 2)

They explain, “During these early years of the movement, Wagner coined the name ‘New Apostolic Reformation.’ This name took hold and is now used widely as a general term for the movement examined in this book… Wagner and many other NAR leaders freely admit that they key teachings are similar to those that defined the Latter Rain movement and had largely been repudiated. They think that the problem with the Latter Rain movement was not its key teachings, but rather denominational leaders who rejected those teachings out of a desire to protect the status quo; that is… the leaders’ doctrine of democratic church government.” (Pg. 6-7)

They observe, “In addition to NAR churches that are governed directly by apostles and prophets, a substantial number of churches in the Pentecostal denominations (such as the Assemblies of God, the Foursquare Church, and the International Pentecostal Holiness Church) and independent charismatic churches… have in fact embraced those teachings.” (Pg. 11)

They wonder, “If apostles sit at the top of church government, then how are they kept from abusing their authority? To whom are they accountable? [NAR leader C. Peter] Wagner allows that the issue of apostolic accountability is tricky… Wagner’s hope is that overseeing apostles will voluntarily develop accountability relationships with other overseeing apostles. But this remains experimental.” (Pg. 40)

They explain, “NAR leaders frequently look to the authority and functions of the Twelve as examples of the authority and functions of present-day apostles… The major exception made ty NAR leaders is that present-day apostles don’t have the authority to write Scripture, as did the Twelve. But it does appear that NAR leaders allow for new revelation that is treated on a par with Scripture---despite denials to the contrary… One major Wagner uses to support the present-day office of apostle is a pragmatic one. He notes that churches led by apostles are the fastest-growing churches in nearly every region of the world. Since growth in these churches is accelerating, they must have the ‘blessing of God’ on them.” (Pg. 50)

They summarize, “we disagree with the NAR position that an office of apostle---a formally recognized position in church government---exists today. First, the fact that NAR churches are growing quickly is not necessarily a sign of God’s approval of them. All church growth isn’t necessarily healthy growth… Second, there’s no indication from Scripture that today’s ‘apostles’ hold formal, governmental offices… Finally, Ephesians 2:20 also does not prescribe ongoing offices as NAR leaders often claim. This verse says nothing about governing offices. Furthermore, it is speaking about the time period at the beginning of the church, when it was founded by first-century apostles and prophets. So it cannot properly be used to teach that there is an ongoing office of apostle. Indeed, there is no attempt to replace the Twelve after their deaths… Evidence of a hiatus in the stream of apostles of Christ is evidence that there are no longer apostles of Christ.” (Pg. 79-80)

They assert, “mere claims to have performed physical healings do nothing to support claims of extraordinary authority. Alleged miracles must be spectacular and they must be verifiable. The miraculous signs that were performed by the Twelve and Paul were not easy to miss. Their aw-inspiring works included raising the dead and healing the paralyzed… No one was expected to settle for merely taking the apostles of Christ at their word.” (Pg. 88)

They point out, “This teaching---that genuine prophets can err---is promoted by many NAR leaders… Despite their high office, prophets may still make mistakes… Though NAR prophets can err, NAR leaders teach that they will do so less and less as the days go by. A common NAR teaching is that the accuracy of prophets will increase.” (Pg. 114) Later, they add, “In support of this teaching, NAR teachers sometimes point to respected theologian Wayne Grudem, who agrees that New Testament prophets are not expected to be one hundred accurate in their prophecies. But this is an egregious misunderstanding of Grudem. Grudem maintains that New Testament prophets … need not be one hundred percent accurate since they do not have the same level of authority as the Old Testament prophets and do not hold a formal governing office in the church.” (Pg. 139)

They say, “NAR leaders do not seek just any kind of unity. They seek a specific type of unity under the leadership of present-day apostles. Peter Wagner calls it ‘apostolic unity.’ Apostolic unity occurs when the Christians in a given city unite under the leadership of apostles to transform their city… Apostolic unity is based on the premise that apostles---not pastors---are the true ‘spiritual gatekeepers’ in a city. For cities to see transformation, Christians living in those cities must submit to the leadership of the local territorial apostles…” (Pg. 173-174) Later, they add, “Apostolic unity, however, doesn’t necessarily require unified doctrine Manyu NAR leaders will work with others who may clash with their views on Calvinism versus Arminianism or the timing of the rapture… In short, Wagner says NAR leaders have a ‘lighter view of doctrine’ than has been held by more traditional evangelicals…” (Pg. 177)

They note, “Some influential NAR leaders teach that their followers will grow in miraculous gifting until they can overcome sickness and death and execute God’s judgments described in the book of Revelation. Here again we encounter teachings that cannot be found in Scripture.” (Pg. 200)

They conclude, “This extremist view of contemporary apostles and prophets is best seen in the details of NAR teachings… the New Apostolic Reformation clearly demarcates a new development within today’s religious milieu… Discernment is needed if believers are toe understand the actual dynamics of the New Apostolic Reformation and identify where it departs from traditional teachings.” (Pg. 203)

This book will be of great interest to those seeking critiques of the NAR.

[Julian Seibel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Buch verfolgt das Ziel, die neuapostolische Bewegung anhand der Bibel zu analysieren. Die Autoren setzen sich fair und ausgewogen mit dieser Lehre auseinander und zeigen liebevoll auf, in welchen Punkten sie sich irren. Ein spezifisches Buch, das nicht für jeden geeignet ist. Möchte man aber wissen, was die neuapostolische Bewegung lehrt und was die Bibel dazu sagt, kann ich das Buch hierzu empfehlen.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must read for thinking believers today. The false teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is influencing believers who have little or no biblical foundation and can be seen in otherwise conservative, bible believing churches. I began to read the book because of the influence of NAR in our church. With the knowledge from this well researched book, we were able to confront the false teaching, and hopefully keep it from poisoning the members of our congregation.

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review coming soon to www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog

[Rhonnie Cough · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO interesting. Good resources!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, published in 2014, is a fairly gracious critique of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The authors' more recent book, "Counterfeit Kingdom," from 2022, is much more trenchant and openly critical of the NAR. In "A New Apostolic Reformation?" the authors try to remain respectful as they examine the NAR from a biblical perspective and share their concerns. In "Counterfeit Kingdom" they take the gloves off and are ready to call out NAR leaders as false teachers.

I have to confess my prior bias in favor of the NAR. My own life was powerfully impacted by the third wave charismatic revival and its leaders who eventually became known as the NAR. I personally have had various supernatural encounters and experiences, which I believe to be from God, as I've attended NAR conferences, teachings, and churches over the years.

However, over time I've also developed concerns about some things I've seen and heard in NAR settings, and about theological directions the NAR has taken over the last couple decades. Hence the reason I bought these 2 books by Geivett & Pivec, to learn more about the movement and also to see their critique of it.

As someone who is pretty well-acquainted with the movement, I have to admit that the authors represent it fairly accurately, as far as they seem able to understand it. I confess, though, that as I've read their accounts of NAR teachings and then their criticisms of them, at times I've found myself siding with the NAR rather than the authors. The authors say they aren't cessationists, and that they don't intend to reject the charismatic movement entirely, just the extremes they see in the NAR. Yet at times their critique seems based on a certain amount of skepticism about God's supernatural activity today in general. And at times the authors' standard seems to be that anything which seems weird, strange, or unusual must not be from God. Yet all one has to do is read the books of Ezekiel or Revelation (or even the book of Acts) to realize that sometimes God works in ways that might seem odd or strange to us. However, on other points I do find myself agreeing with the authors' concerns.

I feel this is a helpful book for anyone who wants to understand the NAR better and who may have concerns about it. I would just encourage the reader to carefully examine both sides, and resist the temptation to assume that anything that seems weird or strange can't possibly be from God.

[Lou Florio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceedingly important book during these times. NAR friendly theology and churches have spread to become a major influence upon a large section of Christianity - particularly charismatic, Baptist, and Evangelical congregations. Yet when you look under the surface at core beliefs and practices of explicit NAR communities, you find beliefs outside Christian orthodoxy, unbiblical practices, a powerful and sometimes abusive leadership, and the scandal of prosperity Gospel as well as too frequent sexual deviance or impropriety and crime. As a recent example in the news, Robert Morris was a mega church pastor, often identified as Evangelical, but he denied orthodox teachings including those of the incarnation in his sermons due to his personal revelations as an “Apostle.” He also was just convicted of sexual abuse of a child. A number of such leaders (as in other denominations) have used their power to control others and abuse them. In NAR congregations, the Apostles and Prophets have lots of power. As another example, General Michael Flynn (Ret.) is a mover and shaker in the MAGA world, but he’s reportedly a NAR adherent. He’s argued for one religion in the US, his version of Christianity. So when DOGE and others attack Lutheran Social Services, an organization that helps one in fifty Americans, he does what NAR always does. He demonizes the nonprofit and accuses it of money laundering. He calls it Lutheran and Christian in quotes to insinuate it is not. So when Paula White, a NAR pastor, is named head of the President’s task force to protect against the defamation of Christians, one must also ask, “What type of Christians?” She has a checkered history so that even many Evangelicals complained when she received that post. Ultimately, NAR wants to integrate itself into culture to prepare for if not instigate Christ’s return. Their dominionist theology argues for a Seven Mountain Mandate, seven aspects of society that believers seek to dominate: family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. I suspect it is no coincidence that many if not most of Present Trump’s spiritual advisors and supporters are NAR. According to Matthew D. Taylor, Senior Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, about twenty people he knows to be identified as NAR or NAR-affiliated people surrounded the president during a picture opportunity for pastoral supporters on Inauguration Day - the vast majority in the room. The theology is often heretical in the eyes of orthodox Christianity, so I don’t think they are truly Evangelical but rather something else adopting that name. News media and others don’t know the difference for the most part, so they freely call them Evangelicals. Coming out of the Rain Movement of the 1940, there have been horrible excesses such as with cult leader Bob Jones. Yet I first heard of them in the 1980s in the Army. NAR friendly theological arguments helped prop up dictatorship in Guatemala. I also heard of it in police training as the theology was adopted into Nazi-like Aryian groups’ faith practices and worldview. It’s a dangerous, heretical theology that has infected those outside the movement and is impacting our politics and society. Reading this book will be helpful for your understanding and discernment. It’s not all encompassing, but it’s a good primer using scripture and first hand writings of NAR leadership to refute its authority. I found it scriptural, level headed and practical. There are more articles and blog posts out there to explore now that they are front and center within the MAGA movement, but I don’t think they really are MAGA at heart. They are using it for their goals.

[Tammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you agree with the premise, you’ll feel grateful you’re not one of the accused.

I don’t get it. I really value and appreciate many who have recommended this book and the one that follows but at the end of the day, it’s just their opinion. We cannot claim to know all things about the Bible. There are areas that we will not know until Jesus returns. This book feels like they’ve made some assumptions about certain scriptures, their position is solid, and therefore anyone who disagrees with them is heretical.

I feel this quotation represents the lack of scholarship that I find of those who accuse people of being in NAR. “What does this mean for Christians today? It means that we are presently living during a cessation of universally authoritative revelation. But what should Christians do as they await Christ’s return? We can look to the Israelites to see what they did during the approximately four hundred years after the Old Testament period while awaiting the next expected event in God’s prophetic calendar, the arrival of a new Elijah (Mal. 4: 4–6). The last words in the prophecy of Malachi are instructive.”


i’ll give them props. To define a movement that has never been quite defined by those involved in the movement is a bold move. As I’ve told many who call out this movement, this is a dangerous, slippery slope for people within the believing community to spend so much time and energy calling out someone they don’t agree with. I think I could respect this book more, if that was what was stated. But this book is presented as if this is true, and without any potential wiggle room to be wrong. That’s a bold statement. I will not agree with and in no way even give them credit for trying to hold an untenable position that they have taken.

[Scott Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fair Treatment

I was given this book by a friend who wanted me to evaluate the NAR. I hadn't heard of the movement before, but after beginning the book, I realized that I have encountered parts of this movement through people like C. Peter Wagner, George Otis and IHOP. I now have a greater appreciation for the significance and impact of the movement, even if it is a fringe element. The book is a fair treatment, completely lacking in pejorative language or unfair criticisms. The topics are well aid out, and supported. What becomes clear, at least to me, is the extent this is an attempt by some to call themselves apostles and prophets to seize control of the church. The authors don't say this explicitly. They are too kind. But reading between the lines, it looks like the NAR is a power play by a few to gain influence and control. It's disconcerting the amount of influence the NAR has within the evangelical tradition.

[Samuel Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is great for explaining and differentiating between cessationists, traditional Pentecostal and charismatic views and what the authors have found to be specific to the NAR movement. In modern conversation typically online, there's a tendency to broadbrush anyone who believes in the continuation of apostles and prophets as NAR. The authors themselves thankfully do not do this and in fact give a solid biblical view of apostles and prophets continuing. That's where this book shines! however it spends a lot of time saying in the first 3 chapters or so naming names and groups as a part of the movement. The biblical/theological meat and potatoes is in chapter 4 onward. That's where you'll learn the most but they still tend to make assumptions here and there. A critical reader will chew the meat and spit out the bones.

[Dr. Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent “Exposing” of NAR False Teachings

The authors have taken great time and clear exposition to reveal the false teachings and claims of NAR leaders. As a person who attended Wagner’s very first meeting (disguised as a discussion on post-denominationalism) I was shocked at the original teachings being put forth and how easily many pastors sought the laying on of hands by the end of the conference so they might become global apostles and prophets. This book exposes the false teachings I saw then and continue to see today. As a teacher in Nepal I am aware of the trekking groups coming into Nepal to go up Mt Everest and call out the demons on the mountains. I believe it is their heresy that has actually kept the Nepali people from seeing the true Gospel.
I encouraged careful reading of this book. Well done and well researched.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for what it is. It would be wise to know what it is and it’s purpose before you read though. It could seem like a dry and critical book about a movement that may or may not exist. But, think of this as a treatise to expose aberrant teaching to an unsuspecting, emotionally charged, and numerous group of people, and this book becomes the most important text about NAR. Geivett and Pivec have so carefully and thoughtfully researched and presented their findings that the existence of NAR becomes undeniable. They give the history, they quote numerous resources, they use large quotes to show context, and they are clear and concise. But the most important thing is that it is evident on every page that their heart longs to help others and therefore always avoids attacking the person and instead tackles the teaching. This book reads like a text book, yes, but they have to separate the facts from the feelings because the very people they are trying to reach are taught to value feelings above all. If, like me, you know people who are being swept up by the movement and want to know more, I cannot recommend this book enough! Again, it’s a textbook, but it’s exactly what is needed to combat these dangerous teachings.

[Matthew Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are newer teachings on the apostolic and prophetic gift really an extension of Pentecostal beliefs?

This well-researched book exposes later developments on the apostolic and prophetic ministries of the church today. The authors do a good job of identifying different positions on the offices governing the church. For Pentecostals and Charismatics who believe that apostles and prophets are for today, this books will clarify most of the confusion surrounding the continuing of those gifts for our end-time assemblies.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The claims and beliefs of the New Apostolic Reformation movement are examined in this book. The strength of this work is that the authors make it very clear that the New Apostolic Reformation beliefs differ greatly from other continualists such as Pentecostals and charismatics. The authors place the discussed beliefs on a spectrum where cessationalists are on one end, with continualists are in the middle and the NAR are on the other extreme. While this way of looking at the issues could be misleading or taken to wrong conclusions it is a helpful way to view it.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A careful, biblical critique of the NAR with plenty of citations to support what it reports are NAR claims. Their discussion of the fivefold ministry, where so-called apostles and prophets are singled out as having special ruling authority and importance for the church is concerning. It is also consistent to one other book I've read that is receptive of the fivefold ministry idea within the church, "Culture of Honor." After reading "A New Apostolic Reformation," I have a renewed appreciation for how fallen, sinful human emotions can lead Christians astray.

[W. Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough, biblical and scholarly critique of the NAR movement. A much needed resource for every thoughtful believers and churches to be able to biblically respond to the onslaught of NAR teachings penetrating churches and organisations today. The authors present their arguments fairly with firm but gentle tone. Some chapters can be a little dry but this is due to the authors' commendable attempt to cover as much biblical ground as possible on the issue.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lucid overview of the movement which focuses on the basic tenets and not just the sensationalism. Nothing revolutionary here, but a very clear critique that is easy to read. This is how theology should be done.

[Mark Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little prophecy of my own. 'Thus says common sense.' This mutual admiration society must needs fall apart, these Apostles/clowns will attack each other in the press, it will be entertaining.

[Josh Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well researched and responsible response to a worldwide, yet overlooked, movement in the global Christian sphere. The subtitle could be fittingly change to "A Biblical Response to a Wayward Movement."

[Claudia Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This answers a lot of questions

Really informative and answers many questions. I definitely agree that the New Testament does not support NAR. Read your New Covenant folks.

[Dhatemwa Cohen Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gives a fair judgement and information regarding NAR.
Nice copy

[Stuart Demmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and direct introduction to NAR and the very real dangers it poses to the Church.

[MR J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

This book, and the other book, Counterfeit Kingdom, are both excellent books to read and point out how to stop the signs that a church heading down the N.A.R path.

[David]

Vary informative why do they hide?

[Elizabeth ‘Andy’ Terrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read that is thoroughly researched and systematic in its approach. I appreciated the authors’ straightforwardness in their approach and material (what they didn’t have time to cover, what assumptions they were coming from, etc.). I will definitely reference it in any future engagement of NAR or related beliefs.