New Apostolic Reformation

New Apostolic Reformation The New Apostolic Reformation is a contemporary Pentecostal-charismatic movement associated with apostolic and prophetic leadership models originating in the United States during the late 20th century, linked to global churches, ministries, and political networks. Key figures and institutions associated with the movement have influenced evangelical organizations, parachurch groups, media ministries, and international missions across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

Origins and History

Scholars trace roots to leaders such as Bill Hamon, C. Peter Wagner, and John Wimber, who emerged from Charismatic movement, Calvary Chapel, and Vineyard Movement networks in the 1970s–1990s, intersecting with ministries like Bethel Church (Redding, California), Catch the Fire, and Hillsong Church. Early conferences and publications connected to Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, International House of Prayer, and Brownsville Revival provided venues for networking among apostles and prophets linked to movements like Promise Keepers and Every Nation. Expansion followed through alliances with figures such as Paul Cain, Kim Clement, and Todd Bentley and institutions like Regent University and Oral Roberts University, spreading through mission agencies including Youth With A Mission and media outlets such as TBN and Charisma Magazine. Transnational growth saw collaborations with leaders in Nigeria, Brazil, South Korea, Philippines, and Argentina, involving pastors connected to Redeemed Christian Church of God, Iglesia Cristiana El Aposento Alto, and Ekklesia Project networks. Critics and historians situate the movement within broader shifts including the rise of Evangelicalism in the United States, the legacy of the Social Gospel, and post-1970s charismatic renewal phenomena.

Beliefs and Theology

The movement emphasizes a Fivefold ministry model derived from readings of Ephesians, promoting modern-day apostles and prophets alongside evangelists, pastors, and teachers as taught by leaders like C. Peter Wagner and Bill Johnson of Bethel Church (Redding, California). Theological commitments often include dominion theology associated with thinkers in the Calvinist and Dispensationalism conversations, prophetic gifting akin to claims by Kim Clement and Lance Wallnau, and deliverance ministries paralleling practices at Brownsville Revival and Toronto Blessing. Doctrinal positions intersect with healing theology popularized by Oral Roberts, miracle traditions promoted by Aimee Semple McPherson, and spiritual warfare frameworks reminiscent of Francis Frangipane and Dawson Church. Eschatological emphases reflect influences from Hal Lindsey, Jerry Falwell, and Joel Osteen, while sacramental and liturgical elements are often minimized in favor of charismatic worship modeled by Hillsong Church, Elevation Church, and NewSpring Church.

Organization and Leadership

The movement lacks a centralized institution, functioning through apostolic networks and informal alliances among ministries such as Bethel Church (Redding, California), International House of Prayer, Global Spheres, and Reformation Prayer Network. Leading personalities include Bill Johnson, C. Peter Wagner, Wayne Grudem-adjacent critics, and emerging apostles who operate within transdenominational federations like International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and associations modeled after Promise Keepers and Assemblies of God. Organizational modalities resemble umbrella structures used by Coalition for Christian Outreach and World Vision International in mission coordination, while funding and media dissemination utilize platforms associated with YouTube, Facebook, and evangelical publishers such as Hendrickson Publishers and Baker Publishing Group. Leadership training often occurs through schools and seminaries connected to Regent University, Liberty University, and charismatic training centers like School of Supernatural Ministry and IHOPKC.

Practices and Activities

Practices include prophetic declarations, apostolic commissioning ceremonies, deliverance sessions, and revival meetings similar to historical events such as the Azusa Street Revival and contemporary gatherings like Passion Conferences, Purpose Driven Church events, and K-LOVE sponsored concerts. Worship styles parallel productions by Hillsong Music, Bethel Music, and Elevation Worship, while healing ministries mirror activities seen in Oral Roberts University clinics and Healing Rooms ministries. Mission strategies emphasize church planting, social engagement, and political advocacy analogous to campaigns by Operation Blessing International and World Relief, with training programs offered by networks linked to Global Leadership Summit and Alpha Course adaptations. Media engagement involves partnerships with broadcasters like TBN, podcasters affiliated with The Christian Post, and book releases through evangelical presses.

Influence and Controversies

The movement has influenced contemporary evangelicalism, charismatic worship culture, church growth strategies, and political engagement among denominations such as Assemblies of God, Southern Baptist Convention, and independent non-denominational churches. Controversies include allegations of theological error, authoritarian leadership comparable to critiques of Jim Jones-style cult dynamics, prophetic failures reminiscent of public disputes over figures like Herbert W. Armstrong and Harold Camping, and political entanglements paralleling debates involving Moral Majority, Tea Party movement, and alliances with politicians in United States and beyond. Academic and journalistic critiques have appeared in venues discussing religious pluralism, secularism, and public policy, while defenders point to humanitarian efforts, church planting records, and revival reports. Legal and ethical questions have arisen in cases echoing controversies faced by Pat Robertson, Rolf Harris-adjacent scandals in celebrity ministries, and governance disputes seen in megachurch litigation. The movement continues to provoke discussion in theological seminaries, international missions forums, and media coverage involving commentators from Christianity Today, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Category:Christian movements Category:Charismatic Christianity