The New Apostolic Reformation: Why Christians Should Exercise Caution

 

Introduction

In recent years, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has emerged as a significant force within certain Christian circles, advocating for a radical restructuring of church leadership and societal influence. While its proponents claim to be restoring biblical apostolic authority, critics argue that the movement deviates from orthodox Christian doctrine, incorporating elements of New Age spirituality, Gnostic mysticism, and dominionist theology. This article examines the origins, key figures, theological concerns, and broader implications of the NAR.

Origins and Key Figures

The term "New Apostolic Reformation" was coined by C. Peter Wagner, who described it as "the most radical change in the way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation". (1) The movement seeks to establish modern-day apostles and prophets who wield spiritual authority over churches and society. Among its prominent leaders are Bill Johnson, Todd White, and Paula White-Cain, each contributing to the movement’s theological framework and political influence.

Paula White-Cain, a well-known televangelist, gained national attention as a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump, offering prayers at his inauguration and campaign events. (2) Her involvement with Trump exemplifies the NAR’s political aspirations, which critics argue blur the lines between church and state. (3)

Theological Concerns

One of the most controversial aspects of the NAR is its approach to Scripture. Bill Johnson, leader of Bethel Church, has been associated with the Passion Translation, a paraphrase of the Bible criticized for its lack of scholarly rigor and theological bias. (4, 5) Unlike traditional translations, which rely on established biblical manuscripts, the Passion Translation introduces interpretative liberties that align with NAR teachings, raising concerns about doctrinal accuracy.

Additionally, Todd White, a faith healer and evangelist, has recently been the subject of scrutiny following an open letter shared by apologist Mike Winger. (6) The letter, reportedly written by former staff, board members, and leadership within White's ministry, alleges years of deception, manipulation, and misconduct. (7) Some of the most serious accusations include fabricating stories, exaggerating testimonies, and engaging in spiritual abuse. (8) Additionally, there are claims of domestic violence and financial misconduct, which have led many to question his integrity as a leader. Beyond questionable translations and personal misconduct, the NAR promotes a model of authority that effectively displaces Scripture with modern apostolic pronouncements. Leaders within the movement—often self-designated as apostles or prophets—are believed to speak with divine authority, essentially rendering their teachings immune to correction, even by Scripture itself. This epistemological inversion undermines the Berean model of testing all things against the Word (Acts 17:11) and creates a closed system where critique is seen as spiritual rebellion. In practice, this elevates charismatic leaders to a status that rivals or even eclipses the authority of the biblical canon, fostering theological innovation without accountability.

Blending Christianity with Occultic and Mystic Practices

The NAR has been criticized for incorporating elements of New Age spirituality, Gnostic mysticism, and occultic practices into its theology. Practices such as grave soaking, where individuals attempt to receive anointing from deceased Christian leaders, and prophetic declarations that resemble New Thought ideology, have raised alarms among theologians. (9) These practices often emphasize personal revelation and supernatural experiences over the authority of Scripture, leading to a theology that is experience-oriented and emotionally driven.

Other mystic practices include visualization techniques, where believers are encouraged to imagine spiritual realities as a means of manifesting them, and angelic visitations, which are often described in ways that align more closely with occultic traditions than biblical accounts. Critics argue that these practices blur the line between Christian spirituality and esoteric mysticism, creating a hybrid theology that is neither fully Christian nor fully occultic.

Political Goals and Dominionist Theology

The NAR is deeply intertwined with dominionist theology, which asserts that Christians are called to take control of all aspects of society, including government, education, media, and business. This belief is often encapsulated in the Seven Mountain Mandate, which identifies seven spheres of influence that Christians must dominate to bring about God's kingdom on earth. (10, 11, 12) These seven "mountains" are:

1. Family – Shaping values and beliefs through family structures.

2. Religion – Influencing spiritual beliefs and practices.

3. Education – Controlling the teaching of knowledge and worldview.

4. Media – Shaping public opinion through news and communication.

5. Arts & Entertainment – Impacting culture through music, film, and creativity.

6. Business – Controlling economic systems and financial influence.

7. Government – Establishing Christian leadership in political structures.

The movement is founded on the conviction that Christians are called to reclaim these spheres of influence from secular control as part of fulfilling biblical prophecy. This belief has not only shaped significant political involvement in the United States—where figures like Paula White-Cain have championed policies and leaders aligned with their theological vision—but has also extended globally. NAR-affiliated leaders have actively participated in political movements worldwide, advocating for laws and policies that reflect their dominionist ideals. Critics warn that this blending of politics and religion fosters Christian nationalism and prioritizes religious ideology over democratic principles, alienating those who do not share the NAR's views—including other Christians.

Conclusion

The New Apostolic Reformation presents a theological and political challenge to mainstream Christianity. While its leaders claim to be restoring biblical authority, their teachings often diverge from historic Christian doctrine, incorporating elements of dominionism, mysticism, and political activism. The recent allegations against Todd White further highlight concerns about spiritual manipulation and ethical misconduct within the movement. As the NAR continues to gain influence, it is imperative for Christians to exercise discernment, ensuring that their faith remains rooted in sound biblical teaching rather than ideological trends.