When you leave a cult, it is very different what you see from the inside looking out in contrast to being outside looking in. When the eyes, ears and hearts of people are conditioned to be ‘open’ to see the ‘new thing’ God is doing, the latest books, songs and buzzwords become all the rage. In this case – buzzwords. They use to be, ‘dominion’, ‘take dominion’ or ‘taking the kingdom for God’.

What is noticeable with the duplicitous tactics of the NAR are their constant word games in order to remain undetected by churches. For instance, when they say ‘gospel’, they don’t mean the Christian gospel – they mean a gospel that proves the existence of God through signs, wonders and influence.

It is our hope, in this article, to point out another two instances where the NAR play word games to hide the controversial edges of their movement. The first word is ‘apostle’ itself. The second word is ‘dominion’ and phrases surrounding this NAR dominion mandate. Once you hear the new words they ascribe to apostles and dominion, there is no ‘unhearing’ it.

FROM APOSTLE TO APOSTOLIC LEADER TO …?

Back in 1999, John Paul Kelly and C. Peter Wagner formed the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA). In 2006, a controversial documentary by the name of ‘Jesus Camp’ hit cinemas, tv and computer screens. In over a year, this documentary was being watched by millions around the world. The documentary lightly mentioned key ministries that promoted extreme ‘Christian fanaticism’ and C. Peter Wagner’s theology being espoused by Becky Fisher and Lou Engle. Wagner’s pastor also made an appearance in this film.

This film raised conversations among many about the New Apostolic Reformation and the idea of apostles. However, it is our belief that the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA) changed its name to International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (ICAL) to downplay the controversial group and its role across the globe. The role of an ‘Apostle’ across the NAR was watered down (so to speak). Nevertheless, NARpostles, NAR  organizations, NAR churches and NAR networks were still safely covered by the adjective of ‘apostle’.

In many ways, this word game did them a favour. Suggesting something was or is apostolic would help entice many people to obtain apostolic privileges, prestige and protection. The downside is that people can still rightly mark them out for being NAR because of their ‘apostolic’ description. When biblically challenged as to why they call themselves or their organizations/networks ‘apostolic’, expect semantics. 

Since the American media started reporting on the NAR in 2011 when Rick Perry participated in ‘The Response’ prayer rally, many other titles of ‘apostle’ are now used. This is not to say they weren’t used before. That is to say that many more words and titles are used to hide the office of NARpostle from the general public while NARpostles. This is not an exhaustive list of the titles you may hear applied to a NARpostle:

• General
• Pioneer
• Revivalist
• Revolutionary (supposedly like the 12)
• Firestarter
• Covering (“Who’s you’re covering?”)
• Mam/Papa
• Father/Father
• Bishop
• Change Agent
• Moulder
• Strategist
• [Social] Architect
• Visionary
• Worldchanger

Here is a graphic we made that you may help:

FROM ‘TAKING DOMINION’ TO ‘INFLUENCE’

Right Wing Watch (RWW) has done a good job documenting this:

“Ever since the New Apostolic Reformation had its political coming out party at Rick Perry’s recent “The Response” prayer rally, there has been a lot of investigation and discussion of the movement and the brand of Dominion Theology that is promotes … so much so, in fact, that NAR-affiliated leaders have suddenly begun trying to downplay all their talk of taking dominion.

Os Hillman, the man behind the Reclaiming The Seven Mountain website, has recently suggested that activists should stop using the word “dominion” and instead use the word “influence” because “dominion” make the “secular media [think] that Christians want to rule the world.”” [Source] [Archived]

It’s important to note that Os Hillman is a NARpostle as is Johnny Enlow, who they also quote who encourages NARsociates to engage in ‘stealth’.

“The goal is not just to have Christians in high places, but rather to have Christians who are called to be in high places step into that role. And wearing a “Christian” label on our sleeve isn’t the point. We need to learn to be “as wise as serpents and harmless as doves” and realize that stealth authority and influence are much preferred over overt authority and influence. A low profile diffuses resistance from the opposition.” [Source] [Archive]

Below is the video and transcript of Lance Wallnau talking about downplaying the dominion language:

“Part of my problem is that people will take my message, link their own interpretation to it and go out and talk about taking down high places, coming against the Devil – I am very particular where I use that language because you don’t want to startle the horses out of the barn. If you’re talking to a secular audience, you don’t talk about having dominion over them, I mean, my gosh, that’s what their afraid of, that’s what the Left is saying the Right wants to do and the Right is saying the Left wants to do.

So the anxiety is based on misinformation. What I’ve said today is I want to find out who’s anointed with the right ideas and I want to serve them – to be a Joseph, you’re going to shape Pharaoh.

This whole idea of taking over, and that language of take over, it doesn’t actually help – it’s good for preaching to the choir, and it’s shorthand if we interpret it right, but it’s very bad for media.” [Source] [Archived]

You heard it from the NARpostles themselves. Unlike the Apostles of the bible, do you really think you can trust these NARpostles who operate in secret ?

“But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” Acts 26:25-26

Email all comments and questions to c3churchwatch@hotmail.com

Categories: New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Uncategorized