How to Spot A NAR Church
People often ask me, "How can you tell if a church or organization or individual is part of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement?"
Here are six clues that might tip you off.
Buzzwords: Look for the use of specific words, such as "apostle," "prophet," and "fivefold ministry." Not all churches that use these words are necessarily part of the NAR movement. But if they refer to people who are alive today as "apostles" or "prophets," then there is a very good chance they promote NAR teachings.
Strategic-Level Spiritual Warfare: Look for NAR spiritual warfare practices—sometimes referred to as "strategic-level spiritual warfare"—such as "prayerwalking," "spiritual mapping," and "warfare prayer" or "warfare worship."
Dominionism: Look for a focus on "reforming society" and "bringing the Kingdom of heaven to earth." These goals reflect the NAR dominionist belief that it is the present-day task of the church, under the leadership of apostles and prophets, to rid the earth of evil and set up God's earthly kingdom.
The "Now" Factor: Look for greater emphasis being placed on present-day prophecies (also known as "rhema words" or "now words") than on the written Word of God.
Statements of Belief: Look in the church or organization's statements of belief. For example, see the list of "Core Values" held by Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, California. Note that these values include apostles, prophets, reforming society by bringing the Kingdom of heaven to earth, and the "seven mountains of culture." But be careful. Not all churches that promote NAR teachings include them in their official statements of belief. [Notice that since I published this post, Harvest Rock Church apparently has removed their page listing their "Core Values."]
Teaching Materials: Look at the resources they sell or recommend or use in their small group studies. For example, if you go to the Web store of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, you will find books written by NAR leaders such as Bill Hamon, Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Pierce, Rick Joyner, and Bill Johnson. Also, be aware that anything published by Destiny Image Publishers promotes the NAR movement along with many of the titles published by Charisma House.
Can you think of other clues?
