So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21

One of the main verses used to discuss the teaching of modern apostles and prophets today in the government of God is Ephesians 2:20. Other verses such as 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11,12 are also referenced in support of this teaching today. When many hear the word apostle today, it brings to mind a position of authority, at least to those of us who were once under apostolic leadership. Though this word will be described as being “sent out”, this title is viewed by many as an office with weight and authority. These apostles are said to be part of the foundation as they provide instruction and revelation to those who will embrace this new wineskin that God is releasing to the church at large.

C. Peter Wagner held to the belief that verses such as Ephesians 2:20 supported the need for modern-day apostles and prophets today with governing authority. He believed and taught that the second apostolic age began in 2001 and that there were two axioms of note regarding this movement. The first was that this was the most radical way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation. The second was the high level of spiritual authority given to one individual. There were integral aspects to this movement, such as changes in church structure, prayer, worship, missions, evangelism, and finances. There was a focus on transitioning from pastoral churches to apostolic churches and even apostolic networks. These types of practices and beliefs continue to this day, in spite of the fact that some will deny that this movement exists. It is important to discuss them because of the claims and teachings that can still be found and noted today.

John Eckhardt, a noted pioneer in the current apostolic movement and proponent of the New Apostolic Reformation, stated in his book, A Shift in Leadership, “If a church is to transition into an apostolic position, the minds of the people must be renewed. People must receive a revelation of the present plans and purposes of God. Apostles and prophets have a unique anointing to reveal to the Church the mysteries of God…people need to understand what apostolic ministry is and how it relates to what the Lord is presently doing in the Church.” He went on to say that this is called “relaying apostolic foundations.” According to Eckhardt, the previous foundation of the Church is insufficient for expansion. Rather, “a new foundation of truth must be laid in the Church. A foundation based on present truth must be put into believers.”

Eckhardt has stated in his writings and public ministry that the Church must embrace present truths in order to receive the new wine from the new wineskins. These present truths come from modern-day apostles and prophets, and having a taste for the new wine involves accepting the restoration of apostles and prophets today. But there are serious concerns surrounding what Eckhardt has stated. The church established by Jesus Christ has one foundation and one chief cornerstone. To state that the previous foundation laid is insufficient undermines what the Lord laid in His sovereignty and what He has been building for two thousand years. He began the work, and He has been building His church. To claim that those who do not embrace this present truth cannot fulfill the Great Commission is troubling.

However, the most troubling thing to consider is that by stating a new foundation of truth must be laid, it seems to conclude that another building is being established, which is not the church of Jesus Christ. Eckhardt has stated, “The present foundation is insufficient to build what the Lord is revealing today.” What about the foundation laid by what God has said in His Word? Is that not sufficient? Has that not been sufficient for two millennia? I believe there are thoughtful questions to pose, especially when those claiming to be apostles with governing authority in the church today claim revelation and present truths from God while saying it is not on par with Scripture. At what point has God spoken without authority to where we are not obligated to obey Him as His people?

It is worth examining when restoration of apostles and prophets for today is being taught, because we should be asking, “What kind of apostles and prophets are to be restored?” Numerous references are made to the Apostles of Christ in Scripture when discussing the restoration of apostles and prophets today. The logic would follow that those teaching such restoration are referring to the Apostles of Christ. Peter Wagner even noted in his book, Dominion, republished by Destiny Image in 2022, “True, many Christian leaders do not as yet believe that we now have legitimate apostles on the level of Peter or Paul or John, but a critical mass of the church agrees that they are here.”

There are people who have rightfully stated that another foundation is not laid after erecting a building, and I agree with that statement. Based on some of the things stated by leaders within this movement, if a foundation is needing to be re-laid, then another building is being established, which would not be the church of Jesus Christ. No new foundation is necessary. What God began through His Apostles and prophets in the early church is a sufficient foundation with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone. The first foundation was sufficient and still is. The mystery of the gospel has been revealed, and we can find this in Scripture. We are still under apostolic teaching today, which is found in the confines of the written Word of God. If you or someone you know holds to the beliefs found in the New Apostolic Reformation, I would urge you to test these things in light of Scripture and to understand the history of these beliefs. There are valid concerns regarding this movement and the beliefs being perpetuated among leaders.

Listen to this in-depth podcast episode discussing some things to consider regarding the claim of a modern-day apostle and the New Apostolic Reformation: The Lovesick Scribe Podcast: Alexander Pagani and the Question of NAR on Apple Podcasts