My Journey Away from NAR (Part 1)

Part 1: The First Encounter – The Church That Shocked Me

If you had told teenage me that one day I’d be sharing my story about getting shoved by a pastor, I would have laughed and gone back to my hymn book. Yet, here we are. Whether you’re here because you love NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) and think I just didn’t “get it,” or because you, too, have a weird church story and are searching for validation—welcome. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on my journey away from NAR-influenced churches.

I still remember the Wednesday night when my friend invited me to her church. It was the mid-90s, and I had only known one type of church—Lutheran, where the organ reigned supreme, the hymns were carefully numbered on a bulletin, and the wildest thing that happened was an elderly lady singing off-key. But my friend’s church? Oh, this was a whole new world. The pastor wore jeans, there was a live band, and—gasp—people clapped and raised their hands during worship! This was not my grandmother’s church service.

At first, I was intrigued. This was fun! The youth group was full of energy, and I kept going back. But then, one night, things got weird.

During prayer, the pastor asked those struggling with something to raise their hands. Everyone had their heads bowed and eyes closed (or so I thought), so I raised my hand. I had argued with my dad earlier that day, and that seemed like a solid ‘struggle’ to me. Suddenly, the pastor invited all who had raised their hands to come forward. Nope. Not happening.

Then, someone tapped my shoulder and told me to go up. Uh… what? My friend joined the peer pressure squad, and before I knew it, I was standing at the front of the worship center in a human U-shape with others. Then, it got even weirder. The pastor went down the line, praying for people, putting his hands on their heads or shoulders. Some fell down. Some shook. Some mumbled strange phrases. I later learned this was called ‘speaking in tongues.’ Finally, he reached me, placed his hands on my shoulders, and looked into my eyes. I was rigid as a board. Then, I felt him push me.

On, no, sir. Not today.

He pushed a little harder. I held my ground. I could tell he was frustrated that I didn’t go down like the others, but I wasn’t about to fake something I wasn’t feeling. Afterward, we were herded like cattle into another room where people prayed over us. I wanted to run. Instead, I let a sweet lady pray for me, made something up when she asked what I needed prayer for, and bolted out of there as soon as I could. I never returned. I was scarred.

Back at my Lutheran church, I felt safe. No one would push me to the floor, and no one yelled in tongues. But I did miss the modern worship music. Yet, I reasoned that avoiding scary altar calls was worth it.

What is NAR and Why Should You Care?

At the time, I didn’t have the theological knowledge to articulate what was wrong with that experience. I just knew it felt… off. Now, looking back, I recognize it as a hallmark of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement that teaches modern-day apostles and prophets have special authority and direct revelation from God. It’s not an official denomination but a collection of beliefs that have seeped into many charismatic churches.

One of the biggest dangers of NAR is its tendency to elevate experiences over Scripture. Many NAR churches believe that physical manifestations—falling, shaking, shouting—are signs of the Holy Spirit moving. But is that what the Bible says?

The Subtle Danger – Emotionalism Disguised as Spirituality

That service wasn’t about drawing near to Christ—it was about manufacturing an emotional response. I didn’t realize it then, but what I experienced was not biblical worship.

1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” What I experienced that night was chaos. People wailing, shaking, and falling—yet none of it pointed to Christ or His Word. Paul wrote this verse in the context of orderly worship, and if the Holy Spirit is truly moving, it won’t result in confusion or coercion.

Matthew 7:15-16 warns us: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” I had assumed that just because this church talked about Jesus, it must be a good church. But manipulation, coercion, and pressure to conform? That’s not the fruit of the Spirit.

Worship, according to John 4:24, must be “in spirit and truth.” It’s not about getting caught up in a frenzy of emotions—it’s about standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. The problem with many NAR-influenced churches is that they put so much emphasis on feeling God’s presence that they neglect the importance of sound doctrine.

This is Just the Beginning…

This was my first brush with what I now recognize as NAR theology. But at the time, I didn’t walk away thinking, Wow, that was some sketchy theology. No, I just walked away feeling deeply uncomfortable and unable to explain why.

I would soon find myself back in a church with NAR influence—but this time, I didn’t run. Instead, I got involved. Deeply. And that’s what I’ll share in Part 2.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how someone can get drawn into this movement without even realizing it, or if you’re questioning some things in your own church, stick around. The next part of my story might sound a little too familiar.

To be continued…