Stephanie Woodfield

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a Christian movement, often associated with the far-right, that integrates elements of Pentecostalism and evangelicalism. Its central aim is to achieve Christian dominion over all societal aspects, advocating for spiritual warfare to weaken or end the separation of church and state. Leaders within the movement frequently identify as apostles and prophets. C. Peter Wagner is credited with coining the term and establishing the movement's networks, describing it as a significant shift in Christian practice since the Protestant Reformation.

Initially a fringe element of the American Christian right, the NAR has gained prominence, particularly after 2016, with a focus on political influence. Scholars note its inherently political nature, with some characterizing it as a public face of Christian Nationalism and a threat to democracy. The movement's reach is global, with a growing presence in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and it has influenced broader Pentecostal and Charismatic circles.

The term "New Apostolic Reformation" is attributed to C. Peter Wagner, though he viewed himself as naming an existing phenomenon rather than founding it. The precise definition and distinctiveness of the NAR as a movement are subjects of academic discussion, with scholars also using terms like Independent Network Charismatic (INC) or Apostolic-Prophetic Movement. Some researchers distinguish between groups directly linked to Wagner's networks and the broader Independent Charismatic movement. Other related terms include Spiritual Mapping, Transformation, Revival, and Third Wave Evangelical movements, with "NAR" becoming established in academic discourse.

Rooted in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity, the NAR draws from earlier movements like the Latter Rain movement and the Shepherding movement. It emphasizes restorationism, dominionism, and an "end-times revival" focus, aiming for new Christian global influence. Early influences included John Wimber's focus on spiritual gifts. Wagner's theology evolved, shifting towards spiritual warfare and the concept of "territorial spirits"—demons believed to control specific regions. His Spiritual Warfare Network significantly impacted evangelical beliefs on this topic.

A core theological tenet is Dominion Theology, which posits a divine mandate to reclaim the dominion over creation forfeited by Adam. This theology underpins the NAR's objective of seeing "God's kingdom coming and His will being done here on earth as it is in heaven." Wagner's 2008 book "Dominion! How Kingdom Action Can Change the World" marked a trajectory toward gaining political influence through spiritual warfare to achieve societal transformation. This includes concepts like the Seven Mountain Mandate, aiming to establish Christian influence across various societal spheres.

C. Peter Wagner established networks like Global Harvest Ministries (now Global Spheres) to foster the growth of NAR apostolic networks. The movement is characterized by its "born networker" approach, expanding through connections between apostles, prophets, and their organizations. Following Wagner's retirement and death, these organizations have continued under new leadership. The NAR has rapidly grown in religious and political influence in the United States since the 1980s, with estimates of millions of adherents and significant engagement in political affairs, including the promotion of election-fraud narratives and support for political candidates.

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

“Our theological bedrock is what has been known as Dominion Theology. This means that our divine mandate is to do whatever is necessary, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to retake the dominion of God's creation which Adam forfeited to Satan in the Garden of Eden. It is nothing less than seeing God's kingdom coming and His will being done here on earth as it is in heaven.”