Brandianne K
Jul 25, 2025
The Basics- Terminology & Founding
The term New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) was coined to explain something observable which was occurring primarily within Non-Denominational church circles beginning in the 1990s.
If you’ve taken even a cursory look at this topic, you already know that the late C. Peter Wagner was the observer who began to call the movement by the name New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). His Wikipedia page begins by explaining:
“Charles Peter Wagner (August 15, 1930 — October 21, 2016) was an American missionary, writer, teacher and founder of several Independent Charismatic Christian organizations. He is known for leading and building the New Apostolic Reformation, a network in the Apostolic-Prophetic Movement. In his earlier years, Wagner was known as a key leader of the Church Growth Movement and later for his writings on spiritual warfare.” (Wikipedia accessed July 24, 2025; website linked below.)
Although, I would disagree that Wagner founded the movement, he certainly observed and then helped to foster the movement toward what it is today.
I’ve heard it said that the New Apostolic Reformation has a nonsensical name- that there are no new Apostles and the movement isn’t aligned with Reformed theology.
The name is a little hard to understand, perhaps. Let’s dig into that!
You’ve likely heard of the Protestant Reformation- an awakening within the church in the 1500s in which a movement began in protest of the Catholic church, leading to the formation of Protestantism and classical Reformed theology.
The New Apostolic Reformation was named such based on the assertion that there is a new reformation in the church as people awaken to the importance of restoring the office of Apostle within church government.
Practically, this means that NAR churches can be identified as moving away from founding churches on theological agreements and instead base their church communities around so-called Apostolic leaders.
When looking at a traditional protestant church, we are able to say: “That church believes in these tenants of faith and in order to be a member you need to agree to those tenants.”
When looking at an NAR church, we say: “That church is under the leadership of this Apostle and in order to be a member you need to submit to that person’s leadership and authority.”
What Is An Apostle? (Biblically, Historically, and NAR-ly)
Biblically, Apostles are identified as the group of disciples who were taught by Jesus during His earthly ministry, saw Him after the resurrection, and established order within the early Christian church. These Apostles also had ministries which notably included supernatural miracle-working abilities.
I recommend taking a look at Acts chapter 1, where the Apostles of Christ discuss choosing a man to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve. The conversation includes job qualifications, not simply a casting of lots.
Historically, the word apostle (lower case A) has also been used to identify a missionary or church planter. The Lower Case A apostles have a kinship with the Capitol A Apostles in that they travel and establish faith communities, but they are not assumed to share the miracle working abilities of the Apostles or the knowledge of Christ in the flesh.
Within the context of the NAR, it is believed that the biblical category of Apostle is being restored to the church in anticipation of the return of Christ.
C. Peter Wagner referred to this restoration of Apostles in the End Times as the Second Apostolic Age.
Wagner taught that the offices of Apostle and Prophet being restored to the governmental structure of the Church is part of God’s equipping the Church to re-take dominion of the earth from Satan. Wagner used to say that the Second Apostolic Age began around 2001.
The purpose of the Second Apostolic Age, or the New Apostolic Reformation, in Wagner’s view was to bring a successful fulfillment of the Dominion Mandate. He taught that the NAR Apostles and Prophets were being positioned to exercise influence and authority in every sphere of society in order to take back dominion over the earth from Satan. All of this is talked about in his various books, including one aptly titled: Dominion.
Marks of An NAR Apostle
Photo by Ben Rosett on Unsplash
They Have Been Promoted By Another Leader.
NAR Apostles will almost always be in their role because a spiritual big-wig imparted a mantle, anointing, or calling to them and publicly promoted them as trustworthy spiritual leaders.
The blessing and stamp of approval from a well respected NAR Apostle or Prophet is generally good enough for followers to accept them as a legitimate NAR Apostle.
They’ve Had An Exceptionally Unusual Experience With Jesus.
NAR Apostles will often have testimonies about meeting Christ in dreams, visions, or trances.
Some will say that NAR Apostles need to have these experiences as part of their resume, while others don’t seem to mind if their relationship to Christ is a little less extraordinary.
They Have Insight Into the End Time Plans of God.
NAR Apostles are often said to be the key to tapping into the destiny of a place. They are said to be the ones who can bring effective spiritual warfare to a region and have been given strategies to unlock revival within their sphere of influence.
Leaders who fall in line with the teachings of C. Peter Wagner will insist that submission to the vision and leadership of a modern day Apostle is crucial. They teach that the NAR Apostle is uniquely equipped to usher in the return of Christ.
In the foreword to Bill Hamon’s book “Apostles, Prophets, and The Coming Moves Of God: God’s End Time Plans For His Church and Planet Earth” C. Peter Wagner writes:
“This book is dedicated to the great company of Prophets and Apostles that God is bringing forth in these last days. May it be enlightening and enabling to all those who are called and chosen to co-labor with Christ in fulfilling the coming moves of God. It is for all those who are committed to making ready a people, preparing the way by restoring all things. This will enable Christ Jesus to be released from heaven to return for His Church and establish His kingdom over all the earth.”
Hyper-Spiritual & Hyper-Influential.
This person will have larger than life spiritual gifts, or the appearance thereof. They may be considered a miracle worker, a prophet, or an otherwise highly spiritual person.
They will showcase a special favor with God, which seemingly makes them trustworthy above all others. Their followers will learn to trust the word of the NAR Apostle above family members, above spouses, and ultimately above their own personal judgement and interpretation of scripture.
This hyper-influence can be carried with humility or arrogance, depending on the leader.
Devout Followers.
The NAR Apostle will develop a devout following. If they don’t have a following, they will be actively developing one. They believe that their voice is important for the body of Christ, so being heard will be very important to them.
They Have Been Promoted By Another Leader.
NAR Apostles will almost always be in their role because a spiritual big-wig imparted a mantle, anointing, or calling to them and publicly promoted them as trustworthy spiritual leaders.
The blessing and stamp of approval from a well respected NAR Apostle or Prophet is generally good enough for followers to accept them as a legitimate NAR Apostle.
They’ve Had An Exceptionally Unusual Experience With Jesus.
NAR Apostles will often have testimonies about meeting Christ in dreams, visions, or trances.
Some will say that NAR Apostles need to have these experiences as part of their resume, while others don’t seem to mind if their relationship to Christ is a little less extraordinary.
They Have Insight Into the End Time Plans of God.
NAR Apostles are often said to be the key to tapping into the destiny of a place. They are said to be the ones who can bring effective spiritual warfare to a region and have been given strategies to unlock revival within their sphere of influence.
Leaders who fall in line with the teachings of C. Peter Wagner will insist that submission to the vision and leadership of a modern day Apostle is crucial. They teach that the NAR Apostle is uniquely equipped to usher in the return of Christ.
In the foreword to Bill Hamon’s book “Apostles, Prophets, and The Coming Moves Of God: God’s End Time Plans For His Church and Planet Earth” C. Peter Wagner writes:
“This book is dedicated to the great company of Prophets and Apostles that God is bringing forth in these last days. May it be enlightening and enabling to all those who are called and chosen to co-labor with Christ in fulfilling the coming moves of God. It is for all those who are committed to making ready a people, preparing the way by restoring all things. This will enable Christ Jesus to be released from heaven to return for His Church and establish His kingdom over all the earth.”
Hyper-Spiritual & Hyper-Influential.
This person will have larger than life spiritual gifts, or the appearance thereof. They may be considered a miracle worker, a prophet, or an otherwise highly spiritual person.
They will showcase a special favor with God, which seemingly makes them trustworthy above all others. Their followers will learn to trust the word of the NAR Apostle above family members, above spouses, and ultimately above their own personal judgement and interpretation of scripture.
This hyper-influence can be carried with humility or arrogance, depending on the leader.
Devout Followers.
The NAR Apostle will develop a devout following. If they don’t have a following, they will be actively developing one. They believe that their voice is important for the body of Christ, so being heard will be very important to them.
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