Is Four12 Part of the New Apostolic Reformation? Not at All – Here’s Why:
In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in apostolic ministry and charismatic expression within the global church. Movements that emphasise modern-day apostles, revival, prophecy, and power ministry have captured attention across continents.
One such movement is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a loosely connected network of leaders and churches often characterised by bold declarations, a supernatural focus, and spiritual elitism. While the NAR has no formal structure, many of its prominent figures teach that apostles and prophets are being restored to lead the church into end-time victory, often with little accountability and great personal authority.
Much of this teaching is built on dominion theology – the belief that the church’s mission is not primarily to make disciples, but to take control of societal structures in preparation for Christ’s return. A popular outworking of this is the Seven Mountains Mandate, which claims that Christians must “take back” seven key spheres of influence (like government, media, business, and education) to bring about cultural transformation.
Because of some surface similarities – such as the use of the term “apostle” or openness to the gifts of the Spirit—some people mistakenly assume that Four12 Global is part of the NAR. But the resemblance is only superficial.
This teaching, however, represents a serious distortion of the gospel. It shifts the focus from Christ’s call to self-denial, servant-hearted witness, and spiritual renewal, toward political power, social dominance, and triumphalist rhetoric. Rather than pointing to the cross, it often promotes a version of Christianity obsessed with influence, visibility, and victory in this present age—something foreign to the New Testament pattern of faithfulness, suffering, and hope in Christ’s ultimate return.
Because of some surface similarities – such as the use of the term “apostle” or openness to the gifts of the Spirit – some people mistakenly assume that Four12 Global is part of the NAR. But the resemblance is only superficial.
Four12 may use some of the same language, but the theology, structure, and culture are fundamentally different. And intentionally so.
What is Four12?
Four12 Global is a growing partnership of churches that exists to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). That’s where the name comes from, and it captures the heart of the movement: building up the body of Christ so that every believer can mature, serve, and grow in their calling.
- Founded by: Andrew Selley, lead elder of Joshua Generation Church (JoshGen) in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Model: A New Testament-style partnership of churches, not controlled by a head office or brand, but walking together in mutual accountability, shared values, and Spirit-led relationships.
- Purpose: To restore biblical church life through training, encouragement, apostolic input, and planting healthy churches.
Today, Four12 operates in nations around the world, including South Africa, the UK, Europe, and beyond.
What Makes Four12 Distinct?
While Four12 believes in apostolic ministry and the power of the Holy Spirit, its model is rooted deeply in Scripture and shaped by the humility and servant-hearted leadership taught in the New Testament. Here’s how:
1. Apostles Who Serve, Not Rule
Four12 believes in the continuation of apostolic ministry, but not in a hierarchical or authoritarian way. Apostles are recognised – not self-appointed – based on their fruit, character, and calling. They work as part of teams, in humility and service.
2. Eldership Teams Lead the Church
Local churches within Four12 are led by teams of elders, not by celebrity pastors or apostolic figureheads. Apostolic input is welcomed but not imposed. Local autonomy remains intact.
3. Scripture is Supreme
Four12 teaches a high view of the Bible. Prophecy, teaching, leadership – all are submitted to the authority of Scripture. While the Spirit speaks today, He never contradicts what He has already spoken.
4. Charismatic Expression with Discernment
The gifts of the Spirit – prophecy, healing, tongues, and more – are embraced but not elevated above the Word. Four12 rejects the showmanship and emotional manipulation that sometimes characterise more extreme expressions of charismatic ministry.
5. Partnership, Not Control
Four12 is not a denomination. It’s not a franchise. There’s no legal structure tying churches together. Instead, churches partner voluntarily – drawn by shared values, relationships, and a desire to build biblically.
6. Global Mission, Local Faithfulness
From church planting to leadership training to equipping conferences, Four12 is on mission. But it’s not about building a brand – it’s about building God’s Kingdom. The emphasis is always on the local church flourishing.
Four12 may speak of apostles and spiritual gifts – but that doesn’t make it NAR. If you look closely, you’ll find something very different: a movement that values servant leadership, biblical faithfulness, and genuine partnership. A movement committed to building God’s house His way.
So, How Does Four12 Differ from the NAR?
It’s important to understand that the NAR isn’t a formal partnership, but rather a loose association of churches and leaders. As a result, there’s a broad range of theological positions and ministry practices across the movement. While it’s not possible to speak for every individual or church connected to the NAR, we can identify certain common themes—beliefs and practices that are generally representative of the movement as a whole.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Four12 | NAR |
| Structure | Voluntary, elder-led partnerships | Network of often self-appointed apostles/prophets |
| Apostolic Role | Team-based, service-oriented | Often hierarchical, individual-based |
| Prophecy | Judged by Scripture and elders | Frequently predictive, sometimes unchecked |
| Authority | Local eldership leads with apostolic input invited | Apostles/prophets may override local leaders |
| Doctrine | Conservative evangelical with charismatic life | Often leans toward dominion theology or prosperity gospel |
| Accountability | Mutual submission and correction among leaders | Frequently criticised for lack of accountability |
Final Thoughts: A Different Spirit, A Better Way
Four12 may speak of apostles and spiritual gifts – but that doesn’t make it NAR. If you look closely, you’ll find something very different: a movement that values servant leadership, biblical faithfulness, and genuine partnership. A movement committed to building God’s house His way.
In Four12, you won’t find spiritual celebrity or controlling leadership structures. You’ll find local churches working together, leaders accountable to one another, and a commitment to equip every saint for the work of ministry.
So, if you’re considering whether a church involved with Four12 is healthy, look for these signs: real community, authentic discipleship, scriptural integrity, and leaders who serve, not dominate. Of course, we have received our fair share of criticism, but we would encourage you to come and see for yourselves. We are not perfect, but our heart is to reflect Jesus and build a church the way Jesus wants us to do it.
Because how we build matters.
History of Apostolic Movements
If you are wondering where we fit in, here is a short history of influential apostolic movements in the West over the last century:
The history of modern apostolic movements over the last century traces a fascinating evolution of thought and practice in response to both the perceived limitations of traditional denominations and a desire to restore New Testament patterns of church leadership, particularly the roles of apostles and prophets. These movements, including NAR, NCMI, Harvestime, and others connected to leaders like Ralph Mahoney, Terry Virgo, Bryn Jones, Arthur Wallis, Dutch Sheets, Bill Johnson, C Peter Wagner, and Dudley Daniel, often arose out of charismatic renewal and sought, to varying degrees, to combine spiritual vitality with biblical structure.
The Pentecostal movement of the early 1900s (e.g., Azusa Street Revival) sparked global interest in spiritual gifts and revival, and by the 1950s, movements like the Latter Rain in North America introduced ideas of restoring apostles and prophets, laying early groundwork for apostolic thinking. These ideas were largely rejected by the Pentecostal denominations out of which they sprang, but they lived on through independent ministries.
There were, broadly speaking, three main waves of what is often termed the charismatic renewal. The charismatic movement spread through mainline churches in the 1960s, emphasising the gifts of the Spirit. Disillusionment with institutionalism and denominationalism led to the house church movement (UK, US, South Africa), focusing on small gatherings, Spirit-led worship, and biblical simplicity. This led to a growth of charismatic churches in the 1970s and 1980s with a desire to recover apostolic leadership, understood not as hierarchical control but as translocal ministry that helps build and govern churches. The 1990s saw many independent churches established, which led to the growth of third-wave charismatic or neo-charismatic movements like the Toronto Blessing, Brownsville Revival, and groups linked to the NAR.
Some key dates:
1906 – Azusa Street Revival (USA): Birth of global Pentecostalism. Marks the beginning of Spirit-filled church renewal.
1948 – Latter Rain Movement (Canada): Emphasised restored apostles and prophets, laying the groundwork for future apostolic theology.
1965 – Charismatic Renewal Begins (Global): Spirit baptism, tongues, and healing enter mainline denominations, leading to house church growth.
1970 – Arthur Wallis and UK House Church Movement: Advocated for New Testament church restoration and Spirit-led community.
1975 – Bryn Jones leads Covenant Ministries (UK): Promotes team-based apostolic leadership across the UK charismatic movement.
1979 – Terry Virgo founded Newfrontiers (UK): Establishes an apostolic family of churches combining reformed theology with charismatic life.
1982 – Dudley Daniel launches NCMI (South Africa): Builds a global network of churches based on relational, translocal apostolic input.
1985 – Harvestime Curriculum spreads globally: Mobilises and equips emerging church leaders, especially in developing nations.
1995 – Peter Wagner coins “New Apostolic Reformation” (USA): Describes the rise of independent churches led by modern apostles and prophets.
2005 – Global growth of apostolic networks: NCMI, Newfrontiers, and other networks multiply globally through church planting.
2010 – Andrew Selley launches Four12 (South Africa): A relational movement of churches partnering under the leadership of apostles and elders.
Some of the key figures in this history:
Arthur Wallis (UK): A key prophetic and teaching voice in post-WWII UK charismatic circles who advocated for a restoration of the church to New Testament patterns. He influenced the British House Church Movement, later called the Restoration Movement.
Bryn Jones (UK): A dynamic Welsh leader who carried Wallis’ vision into practical apostolic expression. He led a network of churches known as Covenant Ministries International (CMI) and taught the need for apostolic teams to plant, father, and oversee churches.
Terry Virgo – Newfrontiers (UK): Founder of Newfrontiers, one of the most enduring Restorationist networks. He advocated team-based apostolic ministry – apostles not as lone authorities but as team leaders who plant and strengthen churches. Newfrontiers now consist of multiple apostolic spheres around the world.
Dudley Daniel (South Africa/Global). Founder of New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI) in the 1980s, he was influenced by the Restoration Movement and shaped by South Africa’s emerging charismatic scene. He taught the “priesthood of all believers” and emphasised the need for translocal apostolic teams working relationally with eldership-led local churches. He made a clear distinction between governmental elders and equipping apostles.
Harvestime Ministries (USA/Global) (often associated with Ralph Mahoney): Developed training curricula and promoted a missions and apostolic mindset. Note the term “Harvestime” has been used by several networks.
C. Peter Wagner – New Apostolic Reformation (USA): He coined the term New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in the late 1990s. He advocated for the recognition of modern-day apostles and prophets. Hallmarks of the NAR included spiritual warfare, dominion theology, and revival culture with less focus on denominational accountability and more on apostolic authority.
The rise of apostolic movements in the past century has been driven by a shared desire to recapture the vitality, structure, and mission of the early church. While they differ in method, theology, and emphasis, these movements have all wrestled with questions of leadership, church structure, mission strategy, and the balance between Spirit and Word.
