What is the New Apostolic Reformation and how has it influenced prophetic figures in American politics?
Executive summary
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a loose, transnational network of charismatic Christian leaders who assert that modern-day “apostles” and “prophets” are authorized to lead both church and society, and whose theology emphasizes spiritual warfare and dominion over cultural institutions [1] [2]. That theological framework has shaped a cohort of prophetic figures who have publicly endorsed political candidates, framed opponents as demonic adversaries, and mobilized voters and rituals that directly intersect with Republican politics—most visibly around Donald Trump and other conservative politicians [2] [3] [4].
1. Origins, core beliefs, and contested identity
NAR as a label was popularized in the 1990s by missiologist C. Peter Wagner to describe a resurgence of apostolic and prophetic roles within charismatic Christianity, but scholars stress it is not a single denomination with formal membership—it is a diffuse movement or “network” of ideas and leaders rather than an organized institution [1] [2] [5]. Central doctrines include the restoration of five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers), confidence in modern-day revelation, an emphasis on signs and wonders, and an insistence that spiritual warfare can be used to displace demonic “principalities” that block Christian influence over society [6] [5] [2].
2. Structure, scale, and how it operates
Rather than hierarchical bureaucracy, the NAR functions through charismatic leaders who adopt titles like “apostle” and “prophet,” self-declared networks, conferences, and a media ecosystem; scholars call its ideas “prophetic memes” because they spread through informal channels and social platforms rather than through membership rolls [1] [7] [8]. Estimates of adherents vary wildly—historians put U.S. followers in the millions but caution the figure is imprecise—underscoring both the movement’s reach and the difficulty of pinning down its boundaries [7].
3. Political theology: Seven Mountains, dominion, and spiritual warfare
A distinctive political strand within the NAR urges Christians to “take” seven spheres of society—government, family, education, media, arts/entertainment, business and religion—so that God’s kingdom can be established on earth, a program critics call dominionism; NAR leaders often describe political conflicts in apocalyptic or spiritual-warfare terms against demonic forces and “principalities” [2] [1] [5]. Survey data cited in reporting show a substantial share of American Christians now accept ideas that map onto NAR thinking—belief in modern-day apostles/prophets and the need for organized spiritual warfare—illustrating how the movement’s notions have entered broader religious public opinion [2].
4. How NAR shaped prophetic figures and their role in American politics
Prophetic leaders tied to NAR have issued public prophecies endorsing candidates, framed political opponents as demonic, and performed public prayers and rituals at high-profile political events—actions documented in reporting about NAR leaders praying with Donald Trump at the White House and mobilizing support for his candidacy and reelection [2] [4] [3]. Scholars and books on the subject argue that prophecy, conspiratorial framing (e.g., “Deep State” narratives), and claims of divine mandate have been central to NAR-aligned support for Trump and have reconfigured parts of the evangelical right by providing spiritual rationale for political loyalty [3] [9].
5. Tools of influence: media, networks, and localized organizing
NAR influence spreads via conferences, prayer networks, digital media platforms, and alliances with conservative institutions; local apostles and prophets form prayer networks and state-level coalitions that feed into electoral organizing, while national media channels and influencers amplify prophetic messages to voters [8] [10] [5]. Reporting points to a media ecosystem—podcasts, social platforms, and aligned outlets—that allows self-declared prophets to reach national audiences and to integrate religious ritual with political campaigning [8] [7].
6. Critiques, internal diversity, and political implications
Scholars and other Christian groups raise theological and democratic concerns: critics say NAR’s extra-biblical revelation, top-down apostolic governance, and dominion rhetoric can undermine democratic pluralism and foster an exclusionary, “us vs. them” politics; at the same time, some in the broader apostolic-prophetic world reject the NAR label or distance themselves from its most political expressions, showing internal diversity and contested agendas [11] [1] [12]. Journalistic investigations and academic studies stress the real-world consequences—from shaping voter behavior to informing prayers at national events—while also noting limits in mapping influence precisely because the movement lacks formal structures and because adherents don’t always self-identify as “NAR” [1] [2] [10].