What Is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)?

Type of Doctrine: Debated

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers . . .”

-Ephesians 4:11 ESV

Why Does It Matter?

New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a phrase that is tossed around in theological circles today. What is it? This article will explore the definition, the complexity in defining it, the concerning beliefs from NAR, and some concluding observations.

Regarding theological triage, this topic is debated. While there are many who are concerned with the unique teachings of NAR, some subscribe to all of the primary doctrines of the Christian faith. For those who don’t subscribe to the primary doctrines, this topic may rise to a primary issue. However, for others, it is likely a secondary issue. (But that does not diminish the concern for those who subscribe to and spread the concerning Word of Faith and Prosperity "gospel" beliefs.)

What Is It?

The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a loosely defined global movement holding the belief that the Ephesians 4:11 gifts function in a hierarchy, with the apostle having the most authority and influence. (In some cases, churches are led by an apostle rather than elders.) Many in this movement have also leaned towards the Word of Faith and Prosperity "gospel".

The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a loosely defined global movement holding the belief that the Ephesians 4:11 gifts function in a hierarchy, with the apostle having the most authority and influence.

Strange as it may seem, there is no central statement of beliefs. Why? Because it is not an organized movement. As a result, there has been widespread confusion about what NAR adherents actually believe. Most agree that C. Peter Wagner labeled the movement (including C. Peter Wagner claiming this himself!).[1]

Sadly, some people have been erroneously associated with the NAR movement. That is especially true among those who believe in the ongoing apostolic gift. It's exceptionally important to make a distinction between those who believe that the apostolic gifting, or office, has continued from those who accept the wider package of NAR beliefs. Sam Storms notes,

"The first thing to remember is that there is a world of difference between affirming that the gift/office of apostle is still valid in our day, on the one hand, and endorsing NAR, on the other . . . Many refuse to keep these two things separate and thereby conclude that anyone who uses the language of apostle or apostolic must be part of NAR. I urge you not to fall prey to this misconception."[2]

The NAR movement sees church structure aligning under the authority and oversight of an apostle, as opposed to local church elders. Again Storms notes,

"[N]owhere in the NT do we find any form of local church governance other than that of a plurality of Elders. Nor is there the slightest hint in Scripture that God ever intended the prescribed model of local church governance to at some time subsequent to the closing of the biblical canon be changed or transformed into one in which apostles usurp the role of the Elder."[3] 

Moreover, throughout church history, churches have not typically been led or organized under an apostle. Instead, they have typically been organized under pastors/elders, a presbytery, bishops, or a pope (depending upon the view of church governance). Thus, churches were not organized under a hierarchy with an apostle at the top in Scripture or in church history.

Furthermore, some point out that NAR proponents also believe in Word of Faith doctrine (where one's words create and produce reality) and in the Prosperity "gospel".[4] But others have cautioned that not all NAR adherents do. For example, Joseph Mattera has pointed out that from his perspective this is one of the myths concerning this movement. He claims that not every apostolic leader in NAR believes the Prosperity "gospel" or exerts control over local churches (and their leaders).[5] So, there is disagreement on what NAR proponents actually believe. This confusion makes it exceptionally difficult to clearly define what NAR is and what NAR is not.

Many adherents of NAR also believe in Word of Faith doctrine and the Prosperity "gospel".

Some of this confusion, perhaps, can be traced to the diversity of it's origins. Even though C. Peter Wagner has coined the term New Apostolic Reformation recently, as John Maiden has explained, the roots for the NAR movement likely began in the early 1900s. "Towards the end of the 1990s, NAR as we might recognise (sic) it was taking shape. The Toronto Blessing of 1996, seen as a global revival moment by many, was an important catalyst for various apostolic networks."[6] Many apostolic networks means there has been significant diversity (especially since the movement is not centrally organized). There is not a clear-cut view on what is considered NAR.

However, there are some distinctive features that the apostolic networks share. As these networks took shape, they tended to affirm the "need for present-day apostles and prophets as well as the five-fold ministry"; they also viewed the leadership gifts in a hierarchy with the apostle being above prophets (and evangelists, pastors, and teachers being below apostles and prophets).[7]

How has NAR advanced despite being decentralized and unorganized? Generally, "its influence emerges through the teachings, conferences, writings, and activities of those who identify or are identified by others as part of this movement."[8] And, it's influence has been significant.

Some in the movement claim that the Great Commission can now be fulfilled since this apostolic structure has been restored. "[A]ccording to the New Apostolic Reformation, God began to restore prophets and apostles over the last thirty to forty years. Only now, as the church is properly guided by the appropriate spiritual leaders, can it fulfill its commission. This commission is seen as more than spiritual, as it includes cultural and political control."[9]

In sum, the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a loosely defined global movement holding the belief that the Ephesians 4:11 gifts function in a hierarchy, with the apostle having the most authority and influence. There is significant disagreement about what NAR is and who is a part of it. Many in this movement have also leaned towards the Word of Faith and Prosperity "gospel".

Some Concluding Observations

• Not everyone who believes in the continuation of the apostolic gift/office can be considered NAR.

• Not everyone who believes in the continuation of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit can be considered NAR.

• We should be reluctant to adopt a form of leadership which is foreign to the New Testament and church history.

• Many in the NAR movement have put forth bizarre, false prophecies and have even manipulated followers. We should be deeply anchored in Scripture and be able to evaluate them through a biblical lens.

• We need to gain greater clarity and greater consensus on what NAR actually is. This way we can not only define NAR with clarity, but we can accurately identify people as being associated with the NAR movement.

• NAR adherents must wrestle with this question: How can accountability and safeguards be put in place for apostolic leaders who have supreme power, influence, and authority?

• The Word of Faith doctrines and Prosperity "gospel" are unbiblical and must be rejected.

End Notes

[1] "A Leading Figure In The New Apostolic Reformation," Fresh Air, NPR, Oct. 3, 2011, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2011/10/03/140946482/apostolic-leader-weighs-religions-role-in-politics.

[2] Sam Storms, "NAR: What is the New Apostolic Reformation?," Sam Storms: Enjoying God, June 3, 2024, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/nar:-what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Joseph Mattera, "10 Divisive Myths About the New Apostolic Reformation," Charisma, Mar. 2, 2025, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://mycharisma.com/spiritled-living/10-divisive-myths-about-the-new-apostolic-reformation/.

[6] John Maiden, "What is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)?," Premier Christianity, Nov. 6, 2023, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://www.premierchristianity.com/what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation-nar/16665.article.

[7] Matt Slick, "What is the New Apostolic Reformation?," CARM, Apr. 15, 2022, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://carm.org/what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation.

[8] "What is the New Apostolic Reformation?," Bible Hub, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_the_new_apostolic_reformation.htm.

[9] "What is the New Apostolic Reformation?," GotQuestions, accessed Feb. 11, 2026, https://www.gotquestions.org/New-Apostolic-Reformation.html.

Here are a few more resources for a deeper examination of this movement:

• John Weaver, The New Apostolic Reformation: History of a Modern Charismatic Movement (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2016).

• C. Peter Wagner, Churchquake! How the New Apostolic Reformation is Shaking Up the Church as We Know it (Ventura: Regal Books, 1996)

• R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec, A New Apostolic Reformation? A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement (Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014).