A well-known figure in Christianity in the 20th and 21st centuries, Charles Peter Wagner left behind a lasting legacy as a missionary, author, educator, and theological pioneer. Born on August 15, 1930, Wagner’s impact went much beyond his missionary activities and academic endeavors. His influence on the New Apostolic Reformation, his groundbreaking work in spiritual warfare, and his contributions to the Church Growth Movement are still relevant today.
Early Life
Wagner’s academic journey began at Fuller Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He furthered his studies at Fuller’s School of World Missions and earned a Ph.D. in social ethics from the University of Southern California in 1977. His formal education, coupled with his practical experience, equipped him to become a leading voice in Christian thought and practice.
Ministry
Wagner was a missionary in Bolivia from 1956 until 1971, working for the Andes Evangelical Mission and the South American Mission. His fieldwork experiences impacted his perspective of the opportunities and difficulties facing the Church and stoked his love for international missions.
After returning to the United States, Wagner began a thirty-year career at Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of World Missions, where he taught Church Growth. He succeeded his mentor Donald McGavran, during this period and rose to prominence as a major expert on the Church Growth Movement. Through his publications and lectures, Wagner spread his ideas on church growth, which had an impact on many churches all over the world.
Wagner’s work on spiritual warfare is among his most important contributions to Christian thinking. Spiritual warfare is examined in books like as “Confronting the Powers” and “Engaging the Enemy” on a variety of levels, ranging from cosmic to personal. Wagner emphasizes the value of prayer, intercession, and spiritual authority in his strategic-level confrontation with demonic forces as part of his approach to spiritual warfare.
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) was greatly aided by Wagner’s organizational abilities and theological insights. This movement, which is typified by a network of prophets and apostles, aims to give the Church back its prophetic ministry and apostolic authority. The theology, methods, and worldwide influence of the NAR have all been greatly influenced by Wagner’s writings and teachings.
Published Books
These are some of the books by him:
- Latin American Theology. Radical or Evangelical, Eerdmans, 1970.
- Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow, Regal Books, 1979, 1994, 2005.
- Strategies for Church Growth, Regal Books, 1987.
- How to Have a Healing Ministry, Regal Books, 1988.
- The New Apostolic Churches, Regal Books, 1998
- Churchquake!, Regal Books, 1999.
- Changing Church, Regal Books, 2004.
- Breaking Strongholds in Your City, Regal Books, 1993.
- Freedom from the Religious Spirit, Regal Books, 2005.
- Engaging the Enemy, Regal Books, 1991
Criticism
Although Wagner has undoubtedly contributed to Christian theology, others have criticized his teachings and the NAR. The NAR’s emphasis on spiritual warfare, its assertions of apostolic authority, and its connection to dominion theology have all drawn criticism. Wagner’s historical and theological assertions have also been questioned by some.
Legacy
Charles Peter Wagner left behind a legacy that survives in spite of the controversy surrounding his work. His influence on the worldwide Church is indisputable, and his works still uplift and challenge people today. His contributions to modern Christianity are significant regardless of one’s agreement or disagreement with his particular theological stance.
Wagner has generated both excitement and suspicion with his focus on apostolic authority, spiritual warfare, and the restoration of the Church. His legacy, however, serves as a reminder of the 21st century’s continued need for spiritual rejuvenation, theological innovation, and missional participation.
