The Effect of the NAR on Believers
Recently, I replied to a concerned Christian on social media who wanted to know what effect the teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation have on believers who fall into them.
Below is my response to the question. Hopefully this is helpful to anyone who is asking similar questions about the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) that we see having a large influence in the visible church right now. At the end of the post, I will include a link to a resource with more specific information about the NAR for those of you who would like more of a deep dive into the movement along with its origins, beliefs, and leaders.
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In my experience, I was drawn in by the idea that these NAR leaders had keys that I needed in order to be closer to God. As a young believer all I wanted was that closeness they boast about. But, it’s an illusion. The keys they offer are like a carrot on a stick that keeps you going on the NAR track- hoping for your breakthrough.
Eventually, I woke up to how tired and unfulfilled that I was.
In the midst of being entrenched in NAR (Bethel brand) I was taught to listen for God’s voice inside myself & I imagined my own inner monologue was God’s voice. I also needed emotionally charged worship services in order to feel close to God.
I was taught lies about Christ’s nature, the nature of man, the way that God speaks to believers today, and issues to do with church governance as well.
Hanging around NAR groups is setting yourself up to be on a never-ending hamster wheel, looking to attain in yourself the image of Christ that cannot be attained. In NAR circles, the ultimate goal is to look like Jesus- perfect communion with God, power from heaven to heal all, wisdom to answer every problem, prophetic insight into every situation.
When you’re in this, you think it’s God’s destiny for you to attain these attributes. You’re not taught that Jesus is a unique Son of God with unique, divine attributes. You’re taught that he is a prototype for you to become. The idea is that we can tap into a spiritually resurrected, sinless nature now & become like Jesus.
In my opinion, hanging in the NAR churches only leads down one of two paths: You end up either exhausted from trying so hard that you leave the movement or you remain in it & turn into a narcissist who has no accountability to anyone but the god you’ve created in your own mind.
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The following link will take you to The Messed Up Church website. This website was one of the first resources that I personally found on my journey to understand the movement I had been a part of.
I was heavily influenced by the NAR and Word of Faith movements for 15 years. I’m thankful for discerning Christians who are taking the time to shine light on error and remind us of the importance of sound doctrine.
