PJ HanleyThe following is the introduction to PJ Hanley’s book “They Call Themselves Apostles”, written in 2017. This book was written with a heart to examine the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and open people’s eyes to the dangers that lie within. Now, nearly 10 years later, we are seeing the bad fruit coming out of the NAR, as recently exposed by Mike Winger. At the bottom of the article, we’ve attached a short video of PJ discussing the recent exposure in the Charismatic church.
I am privileged to have lived through two great revivals. I have seen the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church, and I have also seen the injury caused by false and abusive leaders. Indeed, it seems that every time there is a significant move of God in restoration, counter movements appear and hijack the leadership. Like vultures they ride in on the currents of revival, pretending to fan the flames, while they feast on the Body of Christ. This time however, it seems like the hordes of hell have been released, and this should not surprise us, since we are living in the last days. Nevertheless, those who are called to shepherd the Church in revival, are often unaware of the stewardship they possess. In a time of great joy and excitement, they tend to lower their guard. Like David who became familiar with victory, they take time out from the battle, and fall victim to a different kind of predator. In the same way, the current leadership of the Church seems to have been lulled into complacency, forgetting the need for vigilance and sound teaching. Preoccupied with their new freedom, and the message of the Father’s love, they have become desensitized to danger, and sitting ducks for deception. Checking their brains at the door of experience, they have become the promulgators of every fad and trendy “message” that is “outside the box.” Opting for political correctness, rather than Scriptural integrity, they ostracize those who disagree, labeling them as “negative” and “religious.” Now, 20 years later, the fruit of this inclusiveness and “love wins but theology divides” remodeling, is apparent. A generation of rogue theologians has emerged from their ministry schools and apostolic centers. The Body of Christ is filled with confusion and heretical teachings, and still there is no repentance or sorrow or mourning. There appears to be no elder statesmen to stand up and issue a challenge, or a warning. Calling themselves apostles, they have abandoned the Church to the wind and waves of heresy, while they extol the virtues of tolerance and diversity. What blind guides they have become, swallowing both the gnat and the camel. Foolish fellows, who like Eli, have great stature and influence, but are raising wayward spiritual children. How much longer will you observe this recklessness and say nothing?
Folks, the Body of Christ today is in desperate need of leadership. I am convinced that there are many out there who see what’s happening, but are afraid to speak up because of their alliances. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord and speak the truth in love, even if no one stands with us. We are living in a time of great sifting and testing. False teachings and full-blown heresies are spreading like wildfire, as the Church is being ravaged by wolves. There is a massive fraud being perpetrated under the guise of restoration and reformation. In this book, I have attempted to address what I believe to be the source of the silence. I have attempted to shine the light and expose the darkness. When pointing out the obvious to those who don’t see it, one must be very specific. This movement is vast in scope and influence and the books are in the public square. There is no way to address the issues without quoting from them. I have mentioned names to reveal the source and the widespread nature of the teachings being presented. I have not done it to malign anyone or to suggest that they don’t love Jesus. On the contrary, I mention names to call for repentance and to snatch as many as possible from the fire. I have spent much time dealing with the writings of C. P. Wagner because he was the father of the movement and the primary mover and shaper. I have no personal axe to grind with anyone and can honestly say that I want the best for all. I believe that when there is teaching and conduct among leaders that causes harm to the Church, those of us who are shepherds have a Biblical mandate to speak out. I realize that there are many who feel that we should never mention names, but this not a Biblical position. Therefore, I submit this work to the Body of Christ for its careful review!
