The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a movement that emerged in the late 1980s to early 1990s. Founded by Peter C. Wagner, a former professor of Urban Church Development at Fuller Theological Seminary, the movement was inspired by Wagner's observations of various church movements. These included the African Independent Church Movement, which began in the 1990s; the Chinese House Church Movement, starting in 1976; the U.S. Independent Charismatic Movement of the 1970s; and the Latin American Grassroots Church Movement.1
Through these observations, Wagner believed that God was working to restore the original ministry of apostleship in the Church. In 1994, he introduced the term "New Apostolic Reformation" to describe this movement. Many consider the year 2001 to signify the beginning of a second apostolic age.
The term "apostle" carries three meanings in the Bible. The first meaning pertains to the broader concept of the apostolic ministry, which encompasses the apostolic mandate given to all Christians. The term "apostle" is mentioned in this general sense in the New Testament only once, specifically in John 13:16. In this passage, Jesus declares, “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger (apostolos) greater than the one who sent him.” In this context, every Christian can be seen as an apostle, as we are all messengers and ambassadors of Christ, sent out into the world with the gospel message, collectively participating in the apostolic mission of the church.2
The New Testament mentions the term "apostles of the churches" four times. These apostles were messengers sent by specific local congregations on particular missions. For instance, Epaphroditus is referred to as the apostle of the Philippians (Philippians 2:25), and certain brothers are recognized as representatives of the churches (2 Corinthians 8:23). However, some mainline church denominations have opted to use the term "missionary" instead of "apostle" to avoid any potential confusion.
Lastly, the term "apostle" designates a unique office held by individuals who were personally chosen and called by Christ Himself. Apostles were eyewitnesses of the historical Jesus, having observed either his three-year public ministry or his resurrection. This criterion was employed in appointing a successor to Judas Iscariot, as outlined in Acts 1:21-22. The Apostle Paul was required to validate his apostleship by proving that he encountered Jesus after the resurrection and that Christ had personally chosen and called him (1 Corinthians 15:3-10). Furthermore, the apostolic office was inspired by the Spirit of Truth to write Scripture.
No one has had the privilege of seeing or being chosen by Christ in a physical sense, and the promised Holy Spirit has inspired no one in the sense of inspiring the early Church apostles; thus, no one can rightfully claim the title of apostle in this traditional understanding. Nevertheless, the proponents of the New Apostolic Reformation contend that this unique office has been restored within the church during the 20th and 21st centuries. Consequently, modern apostles assert that they possess a revelatory authority akin to that of the original apostles of Jesus, allowing them to challenge and correct certain portions of the Bible as they see fit.
Moreover, they claim access to esoteric powers, believing they have insights, mysteries, and revelations that are not available to anyone outside of the modern apostles and prophets. The ambiguity surrounding the term "apostle" has led some to misconstrue modern apostles as mere missionaries, without recognizing that their meaning is far more profound than what is typically understood in mainline churches. Mainline churches must remain vigilant, as it is troubling that some evangelical churches may be succumbing to these deceptions.
The Evangelical Theological Seminaries, which serve as research institutes on church-related issues, particularly Christian doctrines, should uphold this mandate and continue to be a resource for the church in addressing emerging challenges that contend with the fundamental tenets of the faith.
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