A comparative analysis of ecclesial polities: examining unity and diversity of the new apostolic reformation movement

There is a new understanding within the evangelical tradition of the apostolic role as a concept for deploying effective leadership. The so–called New Apostolic Reformation movement (‘NAR’) establishes an alternative approach within today's Christianity, or to be more precise the Pentecostal–charismatic context, one that is noticeably different from the traditional leadership models in Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, or the Evangelical traditions. The NAR model argues that churches need effective leadership models which are theologically grounded in the doctrine of the office of apostle, as described in the New Testament. The traditional Christian church polities are being challenged by this new model which contrasts the denominational landscape with a radical reconstruction. The current fierce debate on the apostolic role shows that there are very different views and opinions; the main areas and elements of distinction are therefore critically examined by using the traditional dominant church polities as lenses through which to view central elements of the NAR doctrine and to illuminate areas of unity and diversity.