The Dangers of the New Apostolic Reformation

By Dave Jenkins

What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a loosely organized but highly influential movement that emerged within parts of the Charismatic and Pentecostal world. While not a formal denomination, the NAR is defined by distinctive beliefs and practices—especially the claim that God has restored apostles and prophets to govern the global Church.

The term New Apostolic Reformation was coined by church growth leader C. Peter Wagner in the late 1990s. He described it as a new way of doing church, led by apostles and prophets with supernatural authority. Wagner wrote:

“The second apostolic age began in the year 2001. It is a movement, not a rigid structure.”
—C. Peter Wagner, The New Apostolic Churches, p. 18

Though not every NAR-influenced church uses the label, the movement includes high-profile leaders like Bill Johnson (Bethel Redding), Mike Bickle (IHOP KC), and those involved in the Seven Mountain Mandate, “word of the Lord” prophecy culture, and extreme “spiritual warfare” practices.

What Does the NAR Teach?

• Restoration of Apostles and Prophets: Modern apostles and prophets are said to receive new revelation and exercise authority over churches, regions, or nations.
• Ongoing Revelation and Prophetic Words: NAR leaders often claim direct, extra-biblical messages from God that go unchecked but are treated as binding.
• Dominionism and the Seven Mountain Mandate: Believers are taught to “take back” seven spheres of society—government, media, business, education, family, religion, and the arts—to usher in God’s kingdom.
• Signs, Wonders, and Supernaturalism: An intense focus on miracles, angelic encounters, “glory clouds,” and manifestations as evidence of revival.
• Spiritual Mapping and Territorial Warfare: Practices aimed at identifying and overcoming supposed demonic strongholds in cities and nations.

Why Is the NAR So Dangerous?

1. It Undermines the Sufficiency and Finality of Scripture

By elevating modern prophets and apostles who claim fresh revelation, the NAR bypasses Scripture’s authority. The Word of God in the NAR is no longer the final and sufficient guide for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

“God told me…” becomes a substitute for “It is written.”

2. It Confuses the Nature of Apostolic Authority

The original apostles were uniquely commissioned by Christ, eyewitnesses of His resurrection, and laid the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). That office is not transferable. NAR “apostles” distort this role, creating an unbiblical leadership structure that demands submission without accountability.

3. It Promotes a Worldly Vision of the Kingdom

The Seven Mountain Mandate confuses the difference between discipling nations (Matthew 28:19) and dominating nations through political and cultural control. This dominionist vision replaces gospel proclamation with power-seeking influence.

4. It Breeds False Prophecy and Spiritual Abuse

The NAR is riddled with false predictions, unbiblical visions, and manipulative claims—often unchecked. Leaders often excuse failed prophecies by saying, “We are still learning to hear God accurately,” yet they still expect followers to accept their authority without question.

Deuteronomy 18:22: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken.”

Matthew 24:24 also warns that false prophets will arise and perform great signs to lead many astray.

5. It Distracts from the True Gospel

The gospel is not about reclaiming cultural spheres, ascending spiritual ladders, or chasing manifestations. It is about Christ crucified, sinners reconciled to God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The NAR replaces gospel centrality with experiential mysticism.

What Should Christians Do?

• Test everything by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Do not follow self-proclaimed apostles or prophets who claim new revelation apart from Scripture.
• Watch for subtle NAR influence in worship music, conferences, books, or social media influencers.
• Call believers back to the sufficiency of Scripture and the supremacy of Christ.

The Biblical Pattern

The Church does not need restored apostles. It needs faithful shepherds, elders, and teachers who rightly handle God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). The Holy Spirit is at work—not through a new apostolic age, but through the ordinary means of grace: the faithful preaching of Scripture, the sacraments, prayer, and the fellowship of believers. These means are sufficient for building Christ’s Church.

Jesus is building His Church—not through apostolic networks or dominionist dreams, but by the power of the gospel, one heart at a time.

For Further Study

• The Word Matters by Dave Jenkins
• Counterfeit Kingdom – Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett
• God’s Super-Apostles – Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett
• Justin Peters Ministries 
• Defining Deception – Costi Hinn and Anthony Wood
• American Gospel Documentary