This was on a few favourites lists last year. It addresses the teachings of a movement called the New Apostolic Reformation, as evidenced most prominently through the Bethel Church in California. There was a lot of helpful content, it's clear through their research and biblical focus how their practices and doctrine stray from historic Christianity. The tone isn't gentle, so it wouldn't be one you'd recommend to someone influenced by these teachings, it's best for your own learning.

I'd highly recommend for families who've been cut off from their loved ones as a result of these teachings, as it provides a source of awareness about what's happening and some encouragement.

And also for believers who aren't sure what to make of the hype, whether its the worship music or you're wrestling with the infiltration of the prosperity gospel in our churches. This book helps give a biblical framework.

*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

4.5 stars

Tbh, it took me months to read this 272 page book because it was admittedly triggering for me considering my history with specific denominations that are very closely related to NAR. I've tried to write a coherent review consistent with what is normally on this account, but everything comes out way more intimate (angry?) than I'm comfortable sharing in this space. So no formal review, but here's what I'll say:

This book will call out a lot of organizations, churches, people, social media accounts, worship groups, etc in your life if you are in any way involved in Big Eva...but that just shows how pervasive NAR is becoming. It's everywhere. Beware.

This book isn't an emotional diatribe against NAR...it is a calm, thorough expose, using primary sources. What is there is the truth. People may not like seeing it on the page because it is inconvenient for them, but that doesn't make anything less true. I didn't even like seeing it on the page because it's so personally painful for me, but part of healing is meeting realities head on. This book helped me do that and I'm grateful.

So thankful for this book. I highly recommend, especially if you're in the Christian evangelical culture (or coming out of it, etc). This was thought-provoking, well-written, and absolutely necessary.

This is a book that you have to be ready to read. I was and I loved it. It spoke so much truth and reminded me of all that I have walked away from. I was do deep into this counterfeit kingdom and it made me so angry at God when he didn’t answer my prayers.

Thankfully God opened my eyes to the truth and pulled me out. People that are deep into this movement will be offended when they read this book, but I pray that anyone who picks it up will allow God to soften there hearts and hear the truth. I feel so much freedom now that I don’t believe all the lies I once did.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

What is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement? What are their beliefs and practices? Why are they so popular? What spurred their rise? Who are the people involved? Why should we be concerned about its spread? The term NAR might appear foreign to us. However, if you are familiar with Bethel Church, Bethel Music, the music group "Jesus Culture," or some of their hit songs like "One Thing Remains," "Reckless Love," "Where You Go I Go," and "Your Love Never Fails," you would realize that their reach goes further than meets the eye. In February 2022, the popular website BibleGateway pulled the Passion Bible translation because of its NAR influences. What is wrong with such a movement? For authors Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett, the problems become visible when they see individual lives disillusioned, fractured, and damaged because of NAR teachings. Using their research, their purpose in this book is not to demonize but to highlight the trends with regard to the NAR influence in the evangelical world now. More crucially, NAR teachings are twisting the way churches are doing ministry today. They point out several "dangers" pertaining to the rise of this movement. They tell stories of a theological slant toward healing and miraculous deeds. In the story of Olive Heiligenthal, we read how some leaders of Bethel Church started a prayer appeal for the resurrection of a dead 2-year-old girl. Focusing on the 2 Kings 13:21 verse about healing powers from merely touching the bones of the prophet Elisha's body, they assume the same could happen in a modern context. Some practice "grave sucking" while others write songs to spearhead this theological practice that believes in modern-day apostles and prophets who could heal just like the early believers. Apart from sharing in-depth information about Bethel Church and the popular "apostle" pastor Bill Johnson, as well as Kris Valloton, the authors also share their personal encounters with this movement. Pivec's first encounter with the NAR began in 2002 from an email about the movement. Upon further research, her inquisitiveness turns into intrigue, and her investigation subsequently turns to incredulity about how the movement had grown among many mainline churches. She even dated someone oblivious to NAR influences in his church. She writes firsthand her own encounters with the happenings within the Bethel Church ministries. From Sunday School "holy laughter" classes, prophecy "activation exercises," new age spiritualism, to occult practices, Pivec gives first-hand reports about these events and also provides us with some tips on the testing of these prophecy claims. Other scary claims revolve around abuse of power, control, threats, and counterfeit revivals. On the latter, they give us 13 signs of counterfeit revivals and more. They even include Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) as being involved in leading the NAR movement. Geivett first learned about the movement from his co-author. Subsequent interactions with various leaders during his speaking tours convince him that the movement merits greater scrutiny.

My Thoughts
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The most dangerous things are typically subtle and silent. They resemble the normal but seduce and subvert the unsuspecting person with false teachings. This book highlights some salient features of this movement. One report even said that the NAR now has a growing influence in the Republican political party? Some of the activities highlighted by the authors remind me of the early days of extreme pentecostalism that seeks supernatural acts as evidence of God's blessings. In that sense, the NAR movement is nothing new. My initial search of the various institutions (the IHOP, etc) accused of leading the NAR, turns up with the accused declaring flat denials of their involvement. Of course when under the limelight, no one would openly confess anything. Yet, it is entirely possible that one practices the teachings of NAR without actually understanding the dangers or the beliefs in the first place. Books like this highlight the differences between the NAR and orthodoxy.

I do have certain reservations about the way the book has been written. One of the key things is the frequent use of anecdotal evidence based on limited testimonies. There is no doubt that the authors are passionate about their study and research, but personally, I would need more than that to be convinced about how pervasive this movement is. Having said that, this book does provide a good reminder to keep up our guard against false teachings. Whether it is NAR or some extreme philosophies, we need to beware of any wolf masquerading in sheep's clothing. The Western Church is now experiencing a negative image. This has not bottomed out yet and critiques of any Christian movement would add more fuel to the fire. The warnings are legitimate but I feel that the discovery is still very much in its infancy. Those accused might issue quick denials. Some passionate ones might wonder what is wrong with teachings that they had personally benefitted from. This is a tricky path to walk in terms of speaking the Truth in Love.

Read this book with an open mind. Perhaps, because of the findings here, Christian leaders of all organizations will pay attention to the teachings they are providing or hearing, and do the necessary corrections. May they learn to nip any heresies in the bud. Discernment is always relevant and needed.

Holly Pivec is a blogger, author, and speaker, as well as a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom. She has a master’s degree in apologetics from Biola University, where she also served as university editor for nearly a decade. She has coauthored two books about the New Apostolic Reformation: A New Apostolic Reformation? and God’s Super-Apostles. She operates a popular blog which has followers from around the world, and has spoken and written for several audiences and outlets.

R. Douglas Geivett is a husband, father to two grown children, professor, author, and speaker. He has a PhD in philosophy from USC and teaches at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Douglas has written or edited several books and spoken on issues related to the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian apologetics, and the Christian life to audiences all over the world.
Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of B and H Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

It's sad when things exist in the church that shouldn't. That necessitate a book like this.

But since they do exist, I'm beyond glad this book exists, too.

It's an eye-opening, necessary hard look at the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement and how it has unfortunately infiltrated the church as we know it. Very helpful in articulating what the movement is, its fallacies both in critical thinking and in theology, and action steps for families and individuals to take next.

Could I mentally absorb everything in an initial read? No. (That's why I reread books, lol ... or why we watch movies on repeat. Right? The things we miss for one reason or another can only be noticed with a second or third pass.) This is a valuable resource--paired with our Bibles, of course--that I strongly urge others to read. Jesus, Paul, John (and others!) exhort Christians to test what is being preached, to confirm whether it is of God, and that is just as important now as it ever was.

We can (and often do) say anything we want on the internet--that doesn't make it true, and yet, we all too quickly think it so. (Just look at those things people copy/paste on Facebook. No, sharing XYZ thing or saying "amen" on a picture is not going to be the clincher of your salvation or prove you truly love God ... or reset your Facebook feed to see more than the same old 25 friends. And yet--how often do we do this with our faith? Come on, folks.)

A thought-provoking and convicting read. 5/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The cover of this book depicting the Pied Piper so aptly signifies what this book is all about—the lure of the New Apostolic Reformation (known as NAR for short) and its teaching and practices. This is a really important book that places a bright spotlight on some dangerous beliefs that may seem fringe, but are quickly infiltrating orthodox churches across the nation and globe.

Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett do a really thorough job of explaining what the NAR is, what the practices are, how to identify the movement, and why it is so dangerous. While these churches may affirm the same core doctrines that most orthodox Christians would, they have radically different beliefs (and corresponding practices) that skew the meaning and importance of some of these doctrines. They also have a dramatically different eschatological (end-times) belief that is problematic and drives many of their practices.

This book is SO important! It’s a tool to equip people with knowledge about a movement that’s growing rapidly and leading people astray by teaching that the “true church” is the church that is governed by modern-day apostles and prophets. These apostles and prophets serve as spiritual power brokers of sorts; under their authority, followers are able to receive divine favor and power—and this divine power is necessary to do the work that Christ has ordained for His disciples to do. But Pivec and Geivett make a compelling point:

“Real spiritual power is displayed by overcoming sin and displaying the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:16–24).”

May the Lord open the eyes of those who’ve been deceived by the teaching in this movement. There is so much freedom on the other side of needing to “bring heaven to earth” by learning to prophesy, heal the sick, and decree and declare. And it starts with an accurate understanding of Christ’s work for us and the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

This is a book that needs to be on every pastor, church leader, music director, parents and church members bookshelf. It addresses a movement that is far reaching and in some ways obvious, but it is also making its way into unsuspecting orthodox churches. Holly and Doug do a great job at walking the reader through various aspects of this movement, the real harms it causes, the way it brings division into the church, of which scripture warns us of, and why it’s not something we can or should ignore. This book is one of the most important books I’ve read this year and I say that having already bought my pastor and our music director a copy. I don’t make it a habit to buy books for anyone, but simply to recommend them, however, this one, is just that important. This book is not an attack on or even discussing the in-house discussion among continuationists and cessationists, as there are those on both sides of that discussion who agree that what is happening in this movement, NAR, is dangerous and unBiblical. This isn’t a book that needs to be at the bottom of anyone’s TBR pile on their nightstand; it needs to be read!

This thoroughly researched book about the dangers of the New Apostolic Reformation was both enlightening and disturbing. I was part of a church that divided when a core group of members became heavily involved in a NAR-based organization and tried to bring those practices into our (very conservative) church — it was heartbreaking and took years before we began to heal and rebuild. I appreciate the work of the authors to share the un-Biblical doctrine of NAR teachings and practices.

Around six years ago now, a friend sat down and began warning me that he was concerned the church I was involved in was part of the New Apostolic Revolution. I had never heard of the NAR, and as he explained some of the more extreme practices associated with the NAR, I was convinced that my church had nothing to do with it. However, I did recognise that there were some features of my church which were not healthy.
It was interesting to read this book six years on, now that I am part of a different church. I can see that some of my friend's concerns were justified, that while my church avoided the extremes of the NAR there were more subtle influences, and these are probably at play in a lot of other churches without people being aware of it.
This book is really helpful for gaining an understanding of the NAR and some of the dangers. I didn't agree with all of it - for example, I don't believe that 24/7 prayer or prayer walks are bad things or necessarily mean NAR influence - but it was certainly helpful for learning more.

Counterfeit Kingdom is a needed book explaining the unbiblical teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation movement (NAR; also know as the apostolic and prophetic movement). All believers need to be aware of and equipped to recognize the harmful teachings of NAR and churches such as Bethel (of Redding, CA), Jesus Culture and others both large and small that promote them. The book explains how NAR teaching and practices are immensely unbiblical and how many of them disturbingly mirror the New Age and occult.

As someone who was rescued out of this false teaching, I am always grateful for well-thought out books like this one. I encourage every single believer to read it because even those who are unaware of it often discover they have been influenced by these false teachings, especially through music from ministries promoting them. I also appreciate how the authors share about their heart behind writing this book (found in Chapter 2).

This book calls us not to just assume that a teacher, leader, author, etc. or a teaching or practice is good or beneficial because it seems to be fine. We should never assume someone speaks for God simply because they claim to be Christian. In Chapter 4, the book explains outlines how we can discern between true and false prophets. I found this chapter extremely helpful; the tools given in this chapter can help set many free by giving them tools to see the truth if they apply them.

The one frustration I had with the book is this: Sometimes NAR beliefs and practices are presented in the book as if they actually are the truth or correct interpretation—or so it seems for a moment, and then the explanation about what is wrong with them included after. I did a double take a few times because of this. I worry this lack of clarity could confuse the reader at times, especially if they have little to no exposure to NAR beliefs thus far in their life.

The book also has a great section to help parents educate their their children on God’s Word versus false teaching to help them recognize NAR teachings if they say, infiltrate a youth group or Sunday school curriculum.

Overall, Counterfeit Kingdom is an important book for Christian pastors as well as all believers, especially as NAR teachings and practices infiltrate more and more. It is a must read! As the book’s concluding chapter states, “We must be discerning. We must take responsibility for our beliefs.”

I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

A definite must read!!! Christians, really everyone, should read this book. We need to be aware of false teachings that permeate Christianity.

First sentence: With more than 780,000 instagram followers, Bethel Church in Redding, California, is one of the best known churches in America and around the world.

Readers may or may not have heard of the "NAR" (aka New Apostolic Reformation), but there's a definite possibility that readers have heard of Bethel Church, Bethel Music, Hillsong, Elevation Worship, etc., (Even if you can't quite put into words what teachings are unique to this church.)

This new book examines NAR beliefs, teachings, practices, etc. to see if they are actually biblical. Or if what NAR stands for (promotes, establishes, etc) is a counterfeit kingdom. It also serves as an introduction of sorts. This book isn't exclusively for those with an interest in exposing the dangers of NAR. It is truly suitable as an introduction to the subject.

The book is packed with information. And it is arranged/organized in a clear and helpful way. It balances personal stories with theology. The authors have compiled stories from people who have left the NAR, or, people who have lost family members to NAR. The book is written passionately, zealously, persuasively to warn the mainstream about the dangers of this counterfeit kingdom.

Chapter titles:
Wake Up, Olive
Who Are The New Apostles and Prophets
Hogwarts for Christians
Jesus's Overlooked Warning
The Apostolic Takeover and Spiritual Abuse
Counterfeit Revival
The Passionately Wrong "Bible"
Toxic Worship Music
Is It Always God's Will To Heal?
Deception-Proofing Your Children
Joining the Resistance

I found this a fascinating read cover to cover. What I thought I knew about Bethel church and her famous pastors, is just the tip of the iceberg. I had no clue on most of this stuff. [Chances are, you won't either.] I found much of what I learned to be alarming, shocking, disconcerting. After reading this one, I was like, yes, I see WHY the authors wrote this book. Definitely would recommend it to any Christian who reads. [Sadly, not all Christians do read.] I thought the subject was broken down in an easy-to-digest way.

Counterfeit Kingdom is a MUST READ! The authors give so much evidence for the readers to use more time and discernment about the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. This is such an issue in today's church. This is a great read for any believer!

*I received this dARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Right out of the gate this book did such a wonderful job of putting into words what I had been feeling about New Apostolic Reformation churches for a while, backing their critiques up with Scripture and lovingly speaking truth.

I knew a little about NAR prior to reading this book, and already knew that it was something that I was uncomfortable with, but I struggled to put into words the reasons I had for being personally against such teachings. This book does an excellent job of breaking down erroneous teachings and contrasting it with the truth of Scripture, as well as explaining other more controversial teachings that can accompany NAR preaching, showing how it slips in through music, youth teachings, an missions.

Overall, an excellent resource for parents, and Christians who have questions about this movement, or even people who might be involved with such teachings. Written in an easy to read style, the authors do an excellent job of presenting Biblical truths. A valuable and timely read, highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.