C. Peter Wagner
The New Apostolic Reformation (or NAR) is a movement within the Charismatic movement that emphasizes the restoration of the biblical offices of apostles and prophets, and seeks to influence key aspects of society by putting Christians into positions of influence.  The term was coined by Fuller Theological Seminary professor of church growth C. Peter Wagner in 1994 to describe a worldwide movement of church planting with a focus on supernatural signs and wonders.  Other key figures in the movement are Bill Johnson from Bethel Church in Redding, California, Mike Bickle from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Mo., and Rick Joyner of Morning Star Ministries in Jackson, Miss.  Also a part of the movement are:

  • Jesus Culture, a youth outreach and music ministry from Bethel Church
  • European Coalition of Apostolic Leaders
  • The Call, a ministry that conducts massive prayer meetings
  • God TV, the NAR’s own TV network
  • TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), who regularly feature NAR ministers
  • Charisma Media, owners of Charisma Magazine and Charisma House book publishers
  • Joseph Prince, a megachurch pastor in Singapore
  • Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of The Purpose Driven Life (The extent of Warren’s involvement isn’t clear, but he did earn a doctorate from Fuller while Wagner was teaching there, and has similar views on church reformation.)

The movement has come under criticism for failed prophecies and grandiose claims from its leadership.  Additionally some have accused them of wanting to establish a theocracy, which Wagner and others within the movement deny.

The NAR sites seven mountains of society that they are focused on:

  1. Religion
  2. Family
  3. Education
  4. Government
  5. Media
  6. Arts & Entertainment
  7. Business

By placing kingdom-minded people in these sectors, the church will theoretically be able to bring about the blessings of the Kingdom of God on Earth.  This is referred to as dominionism by modern theologians, a concept rejected by traditional Christianity but that is growing in popularity in charismatic churches worldwide.

 

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