Andre Gagne

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a significant, though sometimes controversial, Christian movement that emerged from Pentecostal and evangelical traditions. It is characterized by its leaders, who often adopt titles like 'apostle' and 'prophet,' and a theological focus on spiritual warfare aimed at establishing Christian authority across all societal sectors. The movement's prominence grew significantly with the work of C. Peter Wagner, who is credited with coining the term and developing its associated networks. The NAR advocates for a form of Christian dominionism, seeking to implement divine will on Earth, which has led to increased political engagement, particularly in the United States.

Scholars note that the NAR's theological underpinnings include elements of restorationism and dominionism, drawing from earlier movements like the Latter Rain movement and the Shepherding movement. The movement's emphasis on spiritual warfare, including concepts like territorial spirits, has influenced broader evangelical circles. The NAR has been described as inherently political and has been linked to Christian nationalism. Its influence has been observed to increase with political shifts, and its adherents have been involved in significant political narratives and activities.

The New Apostolic Reformation, a term often associated with C. Peter Wagner, is a movement rooted in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. Its development draws from earlier spiritual currents, including the Latter Rain movement of the 1940s and the Charismatic Christianity of the 1960s-1980s, as well as the authoritarian structures of the Shepherding movement. Wagner, a professor of Church Growth, initially focused on spiritual gifts and 'Signs, Wonders and Church Growth' courses. As his views evolved, influenced by figures like John Wimber, his focus shifted towards spiritual warfare and the concept of territorial spirits, which posits that specific demons control geographical regions. This emphasis profoundly impacted broader evangelical theology regarding spiritual warfare.

A core theological tenet of the NAR is dominionism, articulated by Wagner as a divine mandate to reclaim dominion over creation lost by Adam. This belief system, termed 'Dominion Theology,' aims to establish God's kingdom and will on Earth. The movement advocates for spiritual warfare as a means to achieve this societal transformation, moving beyond mere church reformation to actively gain political influence. This approach, often described as 'inherently political,' seeks to effect change across all aspects of society, potentially weakening or ending the separation of church and state and leading to what some critics view as a threat to democracy.

The NAR has experienced rapid growth, becoming a significant force within and on the periphery of American Christianity since the 1980s. Its influence extends globally, with notable growth in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The movement's engagement with political spheres, particularly in the United States, has been a defining characteristic, with leaders often aligning with or endorsing political figures. The NAR has been linked to promoting election-fraud narratives and has gained prominent positions within political administrations. Some groups within the broader Apostolic-Prophetic movement have distanced themselves from the NAR due to criticisms and controversies, including its association with events like the January 6th Capitol attack and election denialism.

“the most radical change in the way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation.”

“inherently political”

“subvert democracy”

“often...now the public face of Christian Nationalism.”

“the greatest threat to American democracy that most people have never heard of”