New apostolic reformation

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a movement within Christianity that emphasizes the restoration of the fivefold ministry, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as described in Ephesians 4:11-12. The movement gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in the United States.

Key beliefs and practices of the NAR:

  1. Restoration of the fivefold ministry: The NAR emphasizes the importance of restoring the fivefold ministry, which is seen as a key aspect of the early Christian church. This includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
  2. Apostolic authority: NAR leaders believe that apostles have a unique authority and role in the church, similar to the apostles in the New Testament. This authority is seen as necessary for the church to function properly.
  3. Prophetic ministry: The NAR places a strong emphasis on the prophetic ministry, which is seen as a key way for God to communicate with His people. This includes the use of prophecy, words of knowledge, and words of wisdom.
  4. Charismatic gifts: NAR leaders believe that the charismatic gifts, such as speaking in tongues, healing, and miracles, are still active today and are necessary for the church to function properly.
  5. Prayer and intercession: The NAR emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession, seeing these as key ways to bring about spiritual transformation and revival.
  6. Global mission: The NAR has a strong focus on global mission, with many leaders and churches involved in missions and evangelism around the world.

Some of the key figures associated with the NAR include:

  1. C. Peter Wagner: A prominent Pentecostal minister and theologian who is often credited with coining the term "New Apostolic Reformation."
  2. Bill Johnson: A pastor and author who is known for his teachings on the importance of apostolic authority and the restoration of the fivefold ministry.
  3. Todd Bentley: A Canadian pastor and evangelist who is known for his charismatic style and his emphasis on the importance of the prophetic ministry.
  4. Rick Joyner: A pastor and author who is known for his teachings on the importance of apostolic authority and the restoration of the fivefold ministry.

Some of the criticisms leveled against the NAR include:

  1. Lack of biblical basis: Some critics argue that the NAR's teachings are not based on a clear biblical foundation, and that they are often based on extra-biblical sources or personal experiences.
  2. Overemphasis on experience: The NAR's emphasis on experience and personal encounter with God has been criticized for being overly subjective and lacking in biblical accountability.
  3. Lack of accountability: The NAR's decentralized structure and lack of clear accountability mechanisms have been criticized for allowing for unchecked power and abuse.
  4. Confusion with other movements: The NAR's teachings and practices have been criticized for being confusingly similar to those of other Christian movements, such as the Word of Faith movement and the Third Wave movement.

Overall, the NAR is a complex and multifaceted movement that has both positive and negative aspects. While it has been influential in many parts of the world, it has also been criticized for its lack of biblical basis, overemphasis on experience, and lack of accountability.