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'Christian' cults, biblical discernment, Biblical truth, Charismatic movement, Christian doctrine, Christianity, false doctrine, false prophets, mysticism, NAR, New Apostolic Reformation, new spirituality, signs and wonders, Word of Faith heresy
A helpful summary article on the heretical NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) charismatic movement, from Amy Spreeman at the Berean Examiner:
The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church
Is your church shifting into becoming NAR apostate? It could be, and your leaders might not even be aware.
The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a counterfeit, unbiblical movement that has been gaining worldwide momentum. Its anointed celebrity leaders, meanwhile, are scurrying to distance themselves from the “NAR” label (invented by NAR founder C. Peter Wagner), especially now that discernment reporters have been shining the light of Scripture and the sheep have begun to take notice.
How does a Christian recognize the red flags if their leaders deny being associated or affiliated with the more recognizable founders and celebrity leaders? There are 6 distinct traits that characterize NAR’s core teachings, even if leaders or churches deny they have anything to do with the NAR brand.
Read the rest of the article here.
There are other excellent articles linked at the bottom of the page, as well as a Fighting For The Faith podcast episode in which Chris Rosebrough and Amy Spreeman discuss the NAR, its teachings and its influences.
For many years the NAR movement has taught false doctrine and recycled old heresies (kenosis, word of faith), and has widely influenced many churches in virtually all denominations. NAR leaders and its adherents operate their churches in cult-like fashion, claiming new and exclusive revelation directly from God. This revelation invariably contradicts Scripture, and the movement has redefined virtually all of the Biblical terminology Christians are familiar with. LIke Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, NAR folk can seem like they are Christian until you dog a bit deeper and ask for them to define their term.
Be watchful…even apostate churches like Hillsong and C3 that may not seem to be part of the NAR movement have direct ties (and friendships) to the NAR leaders, and promote them through their conferences and book promotions!
The Narrowing Path 
I can’t seem to access this article from your link …. think the problem might be with you?
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Thanks Eileen! I think the link is fixed now, but if not please let me know.
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Thanks so much for sharing. I have too many friends who’ve been lost to this insidious counterfeit movement. God bless you!
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Hi Amy,
I truly thank God for your tireless work to warn the flock and direct people to the glorious truth of the Word of God. I am so encouraged to see you standing firm and continuing in the ministry of discernment, to which you have clearly been called. It’s an extra special treat to have you working with Pirate Christian Radio and Fighting for the Faith, a program I commend to anyone wishing to learn the skills of biblical discernment and to receive sound Bible teaching.
No doubt you have shed many tears over the fruit of this false and pernicious teaching, and its impact on individuals, families and churches. Please be encouraged that your work for the Lord is not in vain.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you!
In Christ’s service, Sherryn
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I’m kinda confused . Started going to a c3 in my town – but contrary to all stereotypes, it’s more of a minichurch than mega. 40-50 people. Yeah there’s the push to give money but it’s bearable. Everyone there seems genuine and keen to grow in Jesus. And that seems to be the motivation for the Pastors there. Bit when I read up on Pringle I get the yips. I think it’s not always black and white. The Bible does say God hates mixture. But I think weeellll, I’m not perfect either so why should I expect the church to be perfect. God has really touched me there. And I haven’t heard any irritating dime store psychology or quasi new age stuff. Though one of the pastors did briefly gush about rick warren (lower case intentional). What a wolf in a sheep’s wetsuit.
Kinda don’t know what to think today.
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Hi Tim,
My sincerest apologies for taking so long to reply to your comment. For what it’s worth, after 6 years of investigating the charismatic NAR cult, I can only say that it is a poisoned well that no one should drink from. You are absolutely right about God hating a mixture…the Old Testament bears witness to this in virtually every book. Read the prophets and you will be left in no doubt.
C3 is a particular tricky organization, as some of the local pastors can seem less extreme. But they are definitely a core part of the NAR, and don’t make it to pastor unless they are on board with Phil Pringle and his ‘vision’. I have listened to many sermons from Pringle and his friends (people like the disgraced Kong Hee of City Harvest Church, Steven Furtick, Bill Johnson of the Bethel Church cult in Redding, CA), and these guys are not of God. They are modern gnostics, who teach many false doctrines. So whatever ‘touched’ you at this church may be one of two things…the deceiving spirits in that church, or it could have been God having mercy on you DESPITE the context. Either way, please consider doing more research on the NAR movement and make your decision based on doctrine first, before experience. The Word of God has been given to us by the grace of God and he has made it clear that doctrine matters. His Word is eternal, and is to be loved and obeyed. That means having nothing to do with those who teach falsely.
I am thankful that you are even on this site, reading up on C3. That surely is the work of the Holy Spirit prompting you to seek further discernment about this matter. Praise God!!
If you search NAR on my site you will find some more articles. You may also find some of these resources helpful:
https://bereanresearch.org/
(search NAR, and particular I commend to you the many, many personal testimonies)
https://c3churchwatch.com/
(The people who run this site are Christians who have come out of the C3/NAR movement. They have documented the scandals and false teaching of C3 and its friends for many years.)
I am not sure of your background, but another helpful exercise is to listen to a bunch of really good preachers and you will be able to discern the difference. If you check out the sermon tab on this blog, you will find some wonderful sermons for your encouragement.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can be of service in anyway. I appreciate your comments, and love hearing from the brethren! May the Lord bless you greatly in your effort to discern his glorious truth.
In Christ’s Service,
Sherryn
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