A Christian right faction is reportedly gearing up to wield substantial influence in the upcoming 2024 election. Unveiled in the latest book by Canadian scholar André Gagné, the New Apostolic Reformation, a pro-Trump religious movement labeled as “anti-democratic,” seeks to restore the five-fold ministry and implement an apostolic system of governance, challenging democratic structures within churches.
Titled “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” Gagné’s book unveils the NAR’s little-known practices and beliefs, adding a layer of context to this enigmatic movement. Described as “highly experimental” by researcher Bruce Wilson, the NAR operates through influential megachurch ministries such as Bill Johnson’s Bethel Church, Mike Bikel’s IHOP, and Rick Joyner’s Morningstar, serving as dynamic hubs of innovation.
Wilson has exposed well-funded programs designed to obscure and confuse discussions around dominionist Christianity, emphasizing the NAR’s covert nature. Frederick Clarkson, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, highlights the movement’s ever-evolving nature and internal tensions among factions, characterizing them as “wily” due to their vigilance against societal scrutiny.
Salon’s Paul Rosenberg reports on the NAR’s mission to unite churches under “apostles,” engaging in “spiritual warfare” against demonic forces. Their ambitious goal is to conquer the “seven mountains of culture,” establishing dominion over the world. Gagné identifies a defining characteristic in the movement—the “amount of spiritual authority delegated by the Holy Spirit to individuals,” extending even to non-charismatic church leaders.
As the 2024 election looms, the NAR’s calculated maneuvers and hidden agenda come into sharper focus, raising concerns about their potential impact on the political landscape.
