Kim Clement (1956–2016) was a South African-born Christian prophet, musician, and teacher who became known for his involvement in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement characterized by contemporary prophetic ministries, belief in modern apostles, and a focus on reclaiming society for God. Clement's ministry combined charismatic worship, prophetic declarations, and the belief in ongoing revelation from God. However, his teachings and practices differ significantly from confessional Christianity in several key areas.
Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity
1. Beliefs about Prophecy and Modern Revelation:
- Kim Clement's View: Clement believed that God continues to speak directly to His people today through modern-day prophets, like himself, who receive visions, dreams, and prophetic words about current events, political matters, and the future. He often delivered prophetic messages about national and international issues, claiming to have insight into God’s will for nations, leaders, and individuals.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that God has revealed Himself fully and finally in Scripture, and the canon of Scripture is closed (Hebrews 1:1-2; Jude 3). The Westminster Confession of Faith asserts that the Bible contains everything necessary for God’s glory, salvation, and instruction. While God may still guide and impress upon believers today, confessional Christianity rejects the idea that new authoritative prophecies or revelations are being given, as they would undermine the sufficiency and finality of Scripture.
2. The Role of Apostles and Prophets:
- Kim Clement's View: As part of the New Apostolic Reformation, Clement believed in the ongoing role of apostles and prophets in the church today. He taught that God has restored the fivefold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) and that modern apostles and prophets have a unique authority to guide the church, receive divine revelations, and establish God’s kingdom on earth.
- Confessional Christianity: Reformed theology teaches that the offices of apostles and prophets were foundational to the early church and have ceased with the completion of the New Testament canon (Ephesians 2:20). The Westminster Confession emphasizes that the church is to be governed by the Word of God and by elders, not by contemporary apostles or prophets with new revelations.
3. Beliefs about the Kingdom of God and Dominion Theology:
- Kim Clement's View: Clement’s teachings often aligned with Dominion Theology, a core element of the NAR, which emphasizes the church's role in taking authority over the various spheres of society (government, education, arts, etc.) to establish God’s kingdom on earth. He believed that Christians are called to reclaim these areas for God and that prophetic declarations have the power to bring about change in these domains.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity acknowledges that Christ is King and that believers are called to live out their faith in all areas of life. However, it rejects the idea that the church is called to establish a theocratic kingdom on earth or take dominion over secular institutions. Instead, it teaches that God's kingdom is primarily a spiritual reality that will be fully realized at Christ's return (John 18:36; Philippians 3:20).
4. Health, Wealth, and Prosperity:
- Kim Clement's View: Clement often spoke of the "prophetic destiny" of individuals, declaring words of blessing, health, financial prosperity, and success. His teachings frequently echoed aspects of the Word of Faith movement, suggesting that faith-filled declarations can bring about material and physical blessings, and that God desires believers to experience prosperity in this life.
- Confessional Christianity: Reformed theology rejects the prosperity gospel as contrary to the teachings of Scripture, emphasizing that Christians are called to take up their cross, endure suffering, and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24-25; 2 Timothy 3:12). The Bible teaches that while God does provide for His people, material prosperity is not guaranteed, and suffering can be a means of growth and sanctification.
5. View of Scripture and Prophetic Authority:
- Kim Clement's View: Clement's prophetic messages often took precedence over biblical exposition, with an emphasis on hearing direct revelations from God. His followers looked to his prophetic words for guidance and direction, sometimes placing more weight on his prophecies than on the clear teaching of Scripture.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that Scripture is the ultimate authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105). It warns against elevating human prophecies or revelations above or alongside God’s Word. The Westminster Confession states that nothing should be added to or taken away from the Bible, and any claim to new revelation is to be tested against Scripture.
Summary of Differences
Kim Clement’s involvement in the New Apostolic Reformation reflects a theology that emphasizes modern prophecy, the restoration of apostles, and the idea that believers can exercise spiritual authority over societal structures. His teachings often focus on personal prophecy, health, wealth, and establishing God's kingdom on earth through the church’s influence in society.
In contrast, confessional Christianity holds to the sufficiency and finality of Scripture, the cessation of the apostolic and prophetic offices, and the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom, which will be fully realized at Christ's return. While Clement’s ministry resonated with those seeking personal prophetic guidance and a sense of empowerment, his approach diverges significantly from the biblical and doctrinal foundations upheld by Reformed and confessional Christianity.