Helping Someone Exit the NAR Movement

People often ask me for advice to help a friend or family member see the errors of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement.Unfortunately, I don't have a silver bullet. But I do have five strategies I find helpful.Give Them the Big PictureEducate your loved one on the big picture of NAR teachings. Most people who have embraced some NAR teachings don't yet see how the various teachings fit together in a larger framework. In fact, there is a very good chance they don't even know what the NAR movement is--let alone that they are part of it!But when they do see the big picture--including the dominionist goals of the movement and the extreme "Manifest Sons of God" teaching --they are often surprised. You can help them see the big picture by giving them my article "New Apostolic Reformation: Influence and Teachings."Focus on One or Two NAR TeachingsChoose one or two specific NAR teachings and show how they are not supported by Scripture. It is impossible to try to refute every NAR teaching at once. But pick just a couple and hammer those hard. Ask where those teachings can be found in the Bible. When they point to a specific verse, show how that verse is being used out of context and explain its proper interpretation. If you succeed in convincing your friend that just one NAR teaching is not supported by Scripture then that will likely undermine other NAR teachings.Point Out Manipulative BehaviorPoint out behavior in your friend's church that is controlling. For example, it is often the case that anyone who criticizes NAR teachings or leaders is said to be under the influence of an evil spirit, such as the "spirit of Jezebel" or "a religious spirit." This tactic--of demonizing the movement's critics--is used to stifle criticism and keep NAR followers from thinking critically about NAR teachings. If you draw attention to it, your friend may become more aware of the ways her church leaders are seeking to exert undue control over her life and thoughts.Incidentally, I use this same strategy when Mormons come to my door. I like to ask them this question, "Why does your leadership forbid you from reading materials that are critical of Mormon teachings?" I then say, "What would you think if you heard that another religious group was not allowed to read materials that were critical of their beliefs? Wouldn't you think this looked like an attempt to keep information away from them that might cause them to question their beliefs?"The last time I posed these questions to a young Mormon missionary, he admitted that the ban on anti-Mormon literature did appear suspicious. He didn't leave Mormonism instantly. But hopefully a seed of doubt was planted.Don't Stop Challenging ThemDon't give up. Just because your friend doesn't seem to be listening doesn't mean she isn't. Often it can take some time for a person to admit she has been deceived.Pray For ThemDon't forget to pray for God to open your friend's eyes to deception. False teachings are one of Satan's most effective strategies for tripping up Christians in their walk with God. You are engaged in a spiritual battle, and prayer is one of your most powerful resources (Ephesians 6:10-20).These are my tips. What strategies have you found effective to help someone leave the NAR movement?-- Holly Pivec