The New Apostolic Reformation – Part Two: What is the NAR?

What is the NAR?

  • This group, presided over by C. Peter Wagner, (history here: http://www.icaleaders.com/about-ical/history-of-ica/) believes that we have entered a second Apostolic age. The first age was with the original apostles and lasted into the second century.Now, according to their own pronouncements we have entered a second age where God is doing a new work in the world through an end-time army out to vanquish evil. 
  • NAR affiliates believe in the office of apostle and prophet (not just the gifts) and teach that their apostles today have the same apostolic authority as the original apostles. They also teach that there are different types of apostles, such as horizontal, vertical and marketplace (http://www.icaleaders.com/about-ical/). Their prophets also exhort people not just from Scripture, but from their new revelations. Furthermore, they expect that you submit to their apostolic and prophetic authority. 
  • According to the language of the NAR, this is a reformation like the world has never seen. However, because it is a movement (not an official organization or denomination), it can be difficult to fully get a grasp of what all it teaches, but that does not mean that its influence is not gaining momentum all over the world.

What is the Mission of the NAR?

  • The goal of the NAR is to face off the enemy (opposition), and they plan to do this by ridding the earth of the evil (territorial spirits) in societal institutions and through strategic spiritual warfare which include: Prayer walking (because praying on the physical site of a territorial’s spirit’s domain is more effective), identificational repentance (corporate repentance so the territorial spirit does not have an access point), and spiritual mapping (studying a particular city in order to understand and stop the infiltration of a spirit in a specific region). 
  • Most believe that God’s Kingdom should and will exist perfectly “on earth as it is in Heaven.” Furthermore, there will be no rapture, Christ will simply return to reign here on earth.
    – NAR theology is much influenced by the Kingdom Now and the Latter Rain theologies:
    For more on Kingdom Now:    http://www.gotquestions.org/kingdom-now.html
    For more on Latter Rain:          http://www.theopedia.com/Latter_Rain_movement
  • “According to this revelation, the way to take dominion is by taking control of the seven most influential societal institutions – called ‘mountains’ – which are identified as government, media, family, business, education, church and the arts” (New Apostolic Reformation, p. 161).

Why is this Movement Dangerous?

  • Perhaps the most concerning aspect of this movement is the New NAR translation of Scripture which is being produced, in installments, by “apostle” Brian Simmons (associated with Stairway Ministries – see the Sid Roth interview listed at end of article). Aside from being horribly unqualified for this sort of undertaking, this new Passion Translation rewords verses in the language of the NAR. For instance, Galatians 6:6 now speaks to a “transference of anointing” and that we should expect an impartation from our teachers. However, no other translations of Scripture come close to that sort of language. In his interview with Roth, Simmons explains that he believes he’s been given new divine understanding of Scripture and this Passion Translation is more equipped than other versions for the reader to hear the heart of God. This is similar to Joseph Smith reinterpreting the King James Version for his followers or the J.W.’s and their New World Translation. (Entire paragraph: God’s Super Apostles by Geivett and Pivec, pg. 67-68).

 

  • It affects the integrity and reputation of the church. We are Scripturally exhorted to be churches of truth, with theological integrity (sound doctrine) in love and community:
    (Rom. 16:17-18, 2 Cor. 11:4-6,  1:6-10,  1 Thess. 5:19-22,  2 Thess. 2:15,  1 Tim. 1:3,19; 4:1-2,6,11,16,  2 Tim. 2:25-26; 4:2-5  Titus 1:13-14; 2:1, 15,  Matt. 7:15-23; 24:24,  1 John 4:1-6, 2 John 1:6-11, Jude 1:3-4)
  • NAR leaders use the logical fallacy (misleading use) of Equivocation. For instance, NAR leaders say that Jesus is eternally God. According to orthodox Christianity this is an essential doctrine teaching that God is without beginning or end, and that he is without succession. However, NAR leaders like Bill Hamon and Bill Johnson say that of course Jesus is eternally God, but they mean only that from the beginning Jesus was God (in other words he was not created or did not ascend to that position), but they teach that in the incarnation Jesus laid his divinity aside (that Jesus stopped being God), and that there can be others like him. This is a failure to understand essential Christian doctrine. This is a different Jesus than found in Scripture:-  Examples of this:
    a. “He performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship
    to God . . . . not as God. If He performed miracles because He was God, then they would be unattainable for us” (Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth, 29).
    b. Bringing Heaven to Earth (Watch first five minutes)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_85bCON5YhU

    c. “Jesus was not to be one-of-a-kind but the firstborn among many just like Him” (Bill Hamon, Prophetic Scriptures Yet to be Fulfilled, 39 as quoted in Geivet, pg.189).

Furthermore, listen to teachers like Dan Mohler and Todd White explain that God is sovereign (orthodox teaching of this term means that all things are under God’s rule and control), however, they go on to say that God is not in control of all things. They use the words that Christians agree on, but then change the meaning.
a. Todd White:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzQndDD8WG4
b.Dan Mohler:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9XuZKweX-0
(These clip shows Mohler and White confusing the immutable attribute of God’s sovereignty
with the issue of Divine determinism and the views of compatibilism and incompatibilism.
Not familiar with these terms? You can start here: http://www.theopedia.com/Compatibilism
For further study of the attributes of God, including Sovereignty, start here:
(http://www.gotquestions.org/attributes-God.html)

  • The NAR has a global influence, especially in Central and South America, Asia and the Caribbean. I have seen first-hand the abundance of “apostles” who are trying to gain control and power in the Caribbean, and how local pastors, with sound teaching are left battling for the minds of their congregations.
  • Because of the independent, congregational tradition of the Assemblies of God, and its theological position on the continuance of spiritual gifts, these churches are particularly susceptible to NAR influence.
  • There is also a great opportunity for those involved in this movement and taking these teachings to heart (especially in the Revival Alliance) to become disillusioned with their faith. It begins with the questioning of why God is not using them in the ways they are being told are happening in others. They think they just need more faith. Eventually, they begin to not only questions the signs and wonders, but God himself…and that is when people walk away.


Names to Know in the NAR
?

Revival Alliance
– Bill and Beni Johnson (Bethel Church in Redding, California)
– John and Carol Arnott (Catch the Fire Ministries)
– Randy and DeAnne Clark (Global Awakining)
– Che and Sue Ahn (HRock church in Pasadena, California)
– Rolland and Heidi Baker (Iris Ministries in Redding, California)

In our surrounding cities of Everett, WA:
– Wagner Leadership Institute (Seattle campus) – Led by NAR apostle Dan Hammer (Chancellor)
http://www.wagnerleadership.org
– Dan Hammer  (Sonrise Christian Center) Check out http://isonrise.org
– Victory Foursquare Church (Marysville)
http://www.victory4square.com/Victory_Foursquare_Church/Home.html

Some International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (ICAL) Membership as of 2013
(It has since been made private)
– J. Lee Grady (Charisma Magazine)
– Ted Haggard (Former president of the National Association of Evangelicals)
– Jane Hansen Hoyt (Aglow International)
– Chris Hayward (Cleansing Streams Ministries)
– Cal Pierce (Healing Rooms Ministries)
– David Shibley (Global Advance)
– Ed Silvoso (Harvest Evangelism)
– Brian Simmons (Stairway Ministries)
– Stephen Strang (Charisma Media)
– Bill Hamon (Christian International Ministries)
– Joseph Mattera (Mattera Ministries International)
– John McNamara (ParkwayChurch, Canberra, Austrailia)
– Mark Pfeifer (Open Door Ministries)
– C. Peter Wagner (Global Spheres)
*It should be noted that these types of coalitions exists across Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.

Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE) – A Council of Prophets formed in 1999
(Full Membership is no longer public record)
– Elizabeth Alves (Affliated with Aglow International)
– Mike Bickle International House of Prayer)
– Wesley and Stacey Campbell (Revival Now Ministries)
– Paul Keith Davis (White Dove Ministries)
– Lou Engle (The Call)
– Bill Hamon (Christian International)
– Cindy & Mike Jacobs (Generals International)
– Jim Laffoon (King’s Park International Church, Durham, North Carolina)
– Bart Pierce (Rock City Church, Baltimore, Maryland)

Not officially a part of the Alliance, but names that operate within NAR circles
(This information 
is from my own research):
– Todd White (www.lifestylechristianity.com)
– Dan Mohler (www.neckministries.com)
– Patricia King (XP (Extreme Prophetic) Ministries)
Sources:
Geivett and Pivec. A New Apostolic Reformation? A Biblical Responseto a Worldwide Movement. Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014.
Geivett and Pivec. God’s Super-Apostles – Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement. Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014.
About the NAR – www.spiritoferror.org
International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders   —  http://www.icaleaders.com/about-ical/
Transfer of wealth/spirit of poverty    –   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f7FqBgZeVlI
Territorial Spirit – Japan   –   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3yIgZPTqUIc
Seven Mountain Mandate  –
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGRtP-eFnNpBJA1fpTsP8HzHOPrMr96pt&v=NKpeIXN_Tsk
Spiritual Warfare
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGRtP-eFnNpBJA1fpTsP8HzHOPrMr96pt&v=DxxbagSM6KI
General overview
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGRtP-eFnNpBJA1fpTsP8HzHOPrMr96pt&v=f0KbH9H9vLk
Radical Change in the Church
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGRtP-
eFnNpBJA1fpTsP8HzHOPrMr96pt&params=OAFIAVgG&v=PHWyOz_SZCk&mode=NORMAL

Interview with Brain Simmons on the Sid Roth
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14da8cd26dcffab8?projector=1
Biggest Change in Church History  —  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PHWyOz_SZCk
Dominion teaching  –  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7WboWrp-Cwo

 

 

 

 

10 comments on “The New Apostolic Reformation – Part Two: What is the NAR?

  1. Thx for making this blog. I have been in NAR church webcaster about 8 years without realky digging deep into it as i felt in 2009 i should start to listen church which practize Eph 4:11-14 pattern church model. Enough i believe that God can use pastoral model churches as prophetic person it is not for me after failed 7 + years in pastoral churches.
    But as theologician it is interesting to read NAR critics…

  2. Hello Sara,
    You should change the info here. John and Carol Arnott are associated with “Catch” The Fire ministries, not “Spread” The Fire. You can look it up and verify. I’ve been to a CTF church in NC and learned of John and Carol through the church website.

  3. I would like to know where you got your information om Dan Mohler. Just want to KNOW for myself. I have listen to him and I hear a lot of truth. Said that to say this, I want the truth! Also have been praying for truth, not to prove someone right or wrong, just to know God’s truth. Thanks

    • Hi Sandra,
      Sorry, that I didn’t see this until now. Most of the material on Mohler is from listening to his talks at churches. The comparison/rebuttal material is from a lot of different theology sources. I would recommend starting with Wayne Grudem’s systematic theology book. It’s big but very easy to understand!

    • Hi Mark,

      I’m sorry to hear about your son, and I wish I had a clear-cut process to give you. I can only share what I’ve learned from my conversations with friends inside this movement. First, make sure you’re never attacking the people who lead it, only questioning what they are teaching. Also, read their materials first hand, and then have Scripture ready to point him to the truth. Above all pray! Pray that God will give you wisdom to know when to push, when to ask questions and when to listen. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your son into truth as only he can do. If you haven’t Greg Koukl’s book Tactics, I would recommend it. It’s mostly geared for talking to non Christians, but it’s helpful for all religious conversations in my opinion.

  4. HI Sarah, I have listened to Todd White for some time now and found Dan Mohler through him. AS someone who walks in Torah as Yeshua did and who wants to walk in power as Yeshua did, I am inspired by these men. Do would do well to throw away all systematic theology that was born of the Latin Church and study the Torah that Yeshua and the Apostles and Prophets quoted repeatedly. The Prophets foretold of this time when knowledge would increase and the love of many would grow cold! My “problem” is that this availability to study Hebrew and Greek (esp. Hebrew) freed me from all the residual doctrines of the Latin Church and her daughters. There are so many extra-biblical theological terms NOT found in the Bible that form the structure of much Anti-Semitic Christianity. Space does not permit me to address these points, but much false doctrine has come from putting the translation above the Word and from the Latin Church’s denial of its Hebrew roots. Thank-you for not being nasty toward those you think are in error (most of the church carries some errors) as some who would burn their brothers and sisters at the stake. I have found that though I may disagree with others in the Body of Christ, it is not my job to convince them to be the same body part as me, only to stand for Emet (truth) who is Yeshua, the Word made flesh. Blessings!

  5. I simply say that rather than “expose heresy” about any movement, perhaps our time would be better spent preaching the kingdom of God and spreading the gospel. I struggle with any self-appointed critic–The Truth is in the Word and we all have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth–

    • Sandra, you mention that we should not expose false teaching, but rather just preach the kingdom. You seem to think that pointing out incorrect teaching is critical, even thought much of the NT, encourages believers to be not only aware of incorrect doctrine, but to oppose it. This is almost the entire message of Paul’s letters to Timothy. It is not from any joy or desire to be a critic that I have poured hours into reading the books and listening to the messages of these church leaders and teachers, it is because the truth matters. Jesus was full of grace AND TRUTH (John 1:14). If we are, as you say, to preach the kingdom, then we must do so accurately according to a biblical understanding of the revelation that God has given us. It is my love of God, his word and the church as well as a the command to make disciples that I devote time to these issues.

Leave a Reply to Scott T Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *