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Thread: Leadership Statement on the 'New Apostolic Reformation' (NAR) and 'Christian Nationalis

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    Leadership Statement on the 'New Apostolic Reformation' (NAR) and 'Christian Nationalis


    Collective Leadership Statement on the 'New Apostolic Reformation' (NAR) and 'Christian Nationalism'
    By Michael Brown Published on October 20, 2022
    A Collective Leadership Statement on the 'New Apostolic Reformation' (NAR) and 'Christian Nationalism' - The Stream


    In light of the controversy surrounding the terms "New Apostolic Reformation" (NAR) and "Christian Nationalism," a group of Christian leaders is issuing this statement to give our own perspective on these issues and terms. We invite other likeminded leaders to add their names to this statement. (For signing details, see the end of this article.) Here's the statement:

    WE AFFIRM the importance of Ephesians 4:11 ministries for the Church today and believe that such ministry functions have existed throughout Church history, even if not described in these exact terms.

    WE AFFIRM that contemporary apostolic and prophetic ministries are important for the well-being and mission of the Church, just as evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching ministries are important.

    By "apostolic," we are referring to visionary leaders who are missional, fathering, and pioneering, such as church planters, networkers, or movement leaders, often marked by their focus on gospel expansion beyond one local region. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term apostolic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic.

    By "prophetic," we are referring to Church leaders who understand and declare the mind of God for specific times and seasons, helping the Lord's people respond biblically. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term prophetic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic.


    WE REJECT the belief that contemporary apostles carry the same authority as did the original Twelve Apostles.

    WE REJECT the belief that contemporary prophets have the exact same function or carry the exact same authority as did Old Testament prophets. (For more details on prophetic ministry, see here.)

    WE REJECT the belief that every church must be submitted to apostles and prophets to be in right order before the Lord.

    WE FURTHER OPPOSE the possible abuse of ecclesial titles that manifests itself in self-proclaimed apostles and prophets claiming territorial authority over pastors in a community, city, or nation.

    WE REJECT the belief that "new revelation" is essential for the life and growth of the Church or that contemporary apostles or prophets are the only ones privy to such "new revelation."

    WE AFFIRM the full sufficiency of Scripture for the health and mission of the Church.

    WE AFFIRM that the spirit of true apostles and prophets should exemplify the attitude and lifestyle of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-12), coming alongside other church and workplace leaders to serve them, not replace them.

    In short, WE DENY any affiliation with what is presently characterized as "NAR" in many circles of both Christian and secular press. We also believe that reports of an alleged conspiratorial, worldwide, dangerous "NAR" movement are highly exaggerated and misleading.

    As for "Christian nationalism," WE RECOGNIZE that for some, this simply refers to a healthy form of Christian patriotism, of loving God and loving one's country. In that sense, the term is benign.

    WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that some media outlets put the worst construction on our words, take us out of context, falsely associate us with dangerous, fringe groups, and unfairly malign us. For those who genuinely want to separate fact from fiction, we make these clarifying statements.

    WE RECOGNIZE that America has a rich Christian heritage, despite its many historic failings, and that to the extent we have honored that heritage, the nation has been blessed. And we applaud those who encourage other Americans to pattern their lives after Christian principles that have helped bring God's favor to our nation through the generations.

    In addition, WE BELIEVE that nationalism is a biblical concept in the sense of nations having defined borders and identities, as mentioned by Paul in Acts 17 and by Moses in Deuteronomy 32. God sets national borders and governments and authority spheres for a purpose.

    WE ALSO BELIEVE in the positive value of respecting national borders and national authority, in contrast with an international one-world government.

    At the same time, WE REJECT as unbiblical the belief that America is a uniquely chosen nation, similar to Old Testament Israel being the chosen nation of God. (Although God has used the USA in various ways to bless the world with humanitarian aid and military support, and although the Church of America has sent out missionaries worldwide, in the New Testament, Jesus, as the King of kings and Lord of lords has a special assignment for every nation, tribe, kindred and tongue represented on the earth.)

    WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that there is a dangerous and unhealthy form of "Christian nationalism," one that speaks of a potential Christian uprising against the government or hints at the use of force to advance God's kingdom.

    WE CATEGORICALLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY DENY any affiliation with or connection to that form of Christian nationalism.

    Because WE BELIEVE that God made one human race expressed through different ethnicities and races, all of which deserve dignity and respect as His image bearers, WE REJECT all ideologies and movements claiming ethnic or racial superiority.

    WE DENOUNCE calls to violent, armed resistance in the name of Christian nationalism or as an alleged means of advancing the cause of the gospel.

    WE REJECT the triumphalist, top-down, take-over of society as part of a so-called "dominion mandate," also noting that we do not know of any major Christian movement that espouses such a top-down, take-over mentality.

    WE REJECT the merging of Christian identity and national identity, as if the Kingdom of God and our particular nation were one and the same.

    In contrast, WE BELIEVE the biblical way to influence society is by living the cruciform life in which believers lay down their lives in the service of others, resulting in human flourishing for the glory of God. This can include Christ-like engagement in every sphere of society.

    And WE DO BELIEVE that Christians have as much right as any other group to have their voices heard in the public square and to influence society, functioning as the salt of the earth and light of the world, and we encourage such activities as good citizens of our various nations and as part of our sacred calling.

    WE BELIEVE that Christians should seek to make a positive impact on every aspect of society, including education and media, along with politics, and that by acting on gospel principles, whole nations can be changed.

    WE BELIEVE that Christians should be politically informed, should exercise their right to vote, should hold elected officials accountable, and when called by God, should run for political offices themselves.


    BUT WE SEE IT AS SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS IF/WHEN...

    We wrap the gospel in the American flag (or any national or state flag).

    We equate our country with the Kingdom of God.

    We confuse patriotism with spirituality.

    We compromise our ethics to keep our party (or leader) in power.

    Our church/denomination/ministry becomes an appendage of a political party.

    We put more trust in earthly methods than in spiritual methods.

    We marry the cause of Christ to the cause of a political party (or leader) as if they were one and the same.

    We become as vulgar and rude as the candidates we follow.

    We look to the White House or any branch of government in any nation more than to God.

    We make a human being into a political savior.

    We equate loyalty to God (which should be unconditional) with loyalty to a party or political leader (which should be conditional).

    Our prayers and our prophecies become politically partisan.



    FINALLY, WE CONCLUDE BY CONTRASTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH EXTREME NATIONALISM:

    The Kingdom of God prioritizes the advancement of the gospel. Extreme nationalism prioritizes the advancement of its ideology even at the expense of the gospel.

    The Kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Extreme nationalism produces loyalty to one's nation above all else.

    The Kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Extreme nationalism raises the national flag above all else.

    The Kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Extreme nationalism promotes the interests of one's nation above the Kingdom.

    The Kingdom of God views the world through a biblical lens. Extreme nationalism views the world solely through a geopolitical lens.

    The Kingdom of God is dependent upon neither an earthly kingdom nor an earthly ruler but upon Jesus as the King of kings. (Revelation 19:16) Extreme nationalism is dependent upon both the ideology of an earthly nation and its ruler.

    Followers of The Kingdom of God are passionate about a Christ-centered global awakening. Adherents of extreme nationalism are focused primarily on a political/ideological awakening.

    Christ-followers are primarily identified with the Kingdom of God. Extreme nationalists derive their primary identity from their nation.

    Christ-followers derive their primary value from being children of their heavenly Father. (Romans 8:14-17) Extreme nationalists derive their primary value from being citizens of their country.

    May the Church put God's Kingdom and His righteousness first so that He can trust true believers, who genuinely represent His heart, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.


    To add your signature to the statement as a Christian leader, go here.














    This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind, having the understanding darkened...
    (Ephesians 4:17-18)

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...
    (Psalm 1)

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    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    I feel caught in the middle.

    Dr. Brown and others are concerned about sections of the conservative church the way they support Trump and politics especially with the prophecies that failed.

    But I have been disappointed with some of Dr. Browns comments painting many conservative believers with a broad brush regarding christians and politics.
    Dr. Brown doesn't address with the same fervor the many powerful left liberal leaning believers who influence politics and who are far more dangerous



    Pentecostal leaders condemn Christian nationalism, NAR theology

    Mattera, who heads up the US Coalition of Apostolic Leaders, worked alongside the Rev. Michael Brown, president of AskDrBrown Ministries, an evangelistic radio ministry, and the FIRE School of Ministry near Charlotte, N.C., a Christian leadership training center.


    "I have been getting very concerned that -- as 2024 looms -- if Donald Trump runs for president again, those unhealthy prophetic voices might get louder again," Mattera said. "The secular and evangelical press are starting to lump people like me and Michael together with all these extreme elements.


    "I told Michael I am not going to be a sitting duck. I am not going to let other people define us, so we need a statement."

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    Certainly glad to see they have it all figured out. Reminds me of Todd Bentley days.

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    Senior Member Colonel's Avatar
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    I thought that that article, in and of itself, was very good.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Colonel View Post
    I thought that that article, in and of itself, was very good.
    The NAR statement seems to be biblically intact and sound enough to ward off heresy hunters.
    If you put God First, you have Him at Last.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Colonel View Post
    I thought that that article, in and of itself, was very good.
    NAR...nothing new about it. Manifest Sons of God. Been there, done that.


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    Senior Member Smitty's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by curly sue View Post
    NAR...nothing new about it. Manifest Sons of God. Been there, done that.

    Curly Sue, I was never involved with NAR and was limited to their structural belief system because of the vast pros and cons I read about it.

    Is it deception and were you deceived by NAR?

    If yes, are you glad to be out of it?
    If you put God First, you have Him at Last.

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    Senior Member Colonel's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by curly sue View Post
    NAR...nothing new about it. Manifest Sons of God. Been there, done that.

    I thought that it was some kind of template for church growth that C. Peter Wagner came up with in the 1990s.

    C. Peter Wagner - Wikipedia

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    So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cardinal TT View Post
    I feel caught in the middle.

    Dr. Brown and others are concerned about sections of the conservative church the way they support Trump and politics especially with the prophecies that failed.

    But I have been disappointed with some of Dr. Browns comments painting many conservative believers with a broad brush regarding christians and politics.
    Dr. Brown doesn't address with the same fervor the many powerful left liberal leaning believers who influence politics and who are far more dangerous



    Pentecostal leaders condemn Christian nationalism, NAR theology
    Yeah, reading through the legal document, I imagine he is getting in front of the 2024 presidential cycle. Never Trump!

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    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by John View Post
    Yeah, reading through the legal document, I imagine he is getting in front of the 2024 presidential cycle. Never Trump!
    Sadly he does come across as a never Trumper.

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