This is a 3-part series on the Introduction to Demonization:
Learning Theology
“We won’t, however, ever be delivered from our sins unless we are delivered by Jesus, and delivered to a place of repentance and faith. There are no special tricks. No secret insights. There’s only the problem in the mirror, and the solution on our knees.”
What Deliverance Ministry Is
A person is not a demon. Respect the person; rebuke the spirit.
Deliverance ministry is a Christian practice concentrated on casting out or ridding people of demons or evil spirits because they are causing harm or diverting a person’s attention from God. Part 2 of the Introduction to Deliverance series mentions that there are varying degrees of demonic interaction. For example, everything “bad” does not equal demonization, but being oppressed can happen (see Acts 10:38). Rarely does anyone want to acknowledge they are possessed or have someone suggest it. So, for the case of compassion, deliverance is a topic that needs to be covered in the love of Christ and led with empathy, knowing that humanity is broken, but God is making things beautiful all the time. Greater freedom for a person is a biblical concept worthy of our conversation and attention.
Those providing deliverance ministry care for the person’s inner being/soul and invite Christ to set them free, bring inner healing, and provide greater peace. That encompasses supporting people with varying degrees of demonization, from being demonically influenced to being demonically possessed (controlled). Exorcism is also a term used for casting out demons from a person that is possessed.
Exorcism has been in the entertainment circuit for years with movies like The Exorcist (1973), The Conjuring (2013), and the obviously titled The Exorcism (2024). One will recognize many similarities in depicting those demonized in the movies to the biblical accounts (see 29 Markers of Demonization). The movies portray those facing demonization by having physical contortions, changes in voice, violent behavior, and strange practices. It seems terrifying and out of control for the victim as they are thrashing around, lacking control of their body. It also seems overwhelming for the person trying to support the one getting set free. However, historically, exorcism is not just a Hollywood thing.
“For we do continually beseech God by Jesus Christ to preserve us from the demons which are hostile to the worship of God, and whom we of old time served, in order that, after our conversion by Him to God, we may be blameless.”
Source of Quote: Justin Martyr, “Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 209.
History of Exorcists and Deliverance
The origins of deliverance are rooted in ancient religious beliefs, and the concept has evolved over time. Below is a brief overview of its development across different eras in church history.
Biblical and Early Church Origins (1st–5th Century)
New Testament Era: In the ministry of Jesus, He cast out demons (for example., Mark 5:1-20, Luke 4:33-36), and the apostles continued this practice (Acts 16:16-18). Deliverance from evil spirits was part of the broader ministry of healing and salvation.
Early Church Fathers and Mothers: Leaders such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Syncletica of Alexandria documented exorcisms and resisting the devil as part of Christian life. Many early baptismal rites included explicit exorcisms, where the candidate renounced Satan and all evil powers. [1]
Mother Syncletica coached all her followers to: “Constantly clean out the soul. Smoke out the poison and vermin of sinful thoughts with the divine incense of prayer.” [2]
Medieval and Reformation Era (6th–16th Century)
Institutionalized Exorcism: The Roman Catholic Church formalized exorcism procedures during this period. These practices became part of sacramental rites and included the baptismal liturgy with prayers of exorcism. An example of a prayer used in the baptismal liturgy would cast out evil and protect the individual from darkness as they enter the faith. If interested, here is the prayer of the Rite of Exorcism.
St Benedict’s Rule (6th Century): The father of Western monasticism taught monks to perform exorcisms through prayer and fasting. To this day, the Catholic church has a blessing that a priest prays using the St. Benedict medal. [3]
Reformation and Protestant Views (16th Century): With the Protestant Reformation, many Reformers, such as Martin Luther, retained the belief in demonic oppression but downplayed the need for formal exorcism. Luther believed that Christians should not engage in lengthy dialogues with demons, which he viewed as unproductive. Instead, he advocated for a brief declaration of faith, asserting that one’s identity as a Christian is sufficient to confront evil. [4]
Holiness, Pentecostal, and Charismatic Movements (19th Century-Modern Day)
The Holiness Movement (late 1800s to early 1900s): Originating in the late 19th century, the Holiness Movement emphasized the pursuit of personal holiness and sanctification as a critical aspect of Christian life. This movement drew heavily from Wesleyan theology. By the early 1900s, it had significantly influenced various denominations, particularly Methodism, and laid the groundwork for subsequent revivalist movements. Holiness advocates often engaged in fervent prayer, community worship, and revival meetings, seeking a deeper relationship with God characterized by ethical living, spiritual empowerment, and sanctification. Sanctification was essential for overcoming sinful tendencies and spiritual oppression.
Pentecostalism (early 1900s): This movement emphasized the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing and deliverance from demonic forces. Early Pentecostals viewed demonic oppression as a real threat to believers and actively sought deliverance through prayer and the laying on of hands. Early Pentecostal theology is referred to as “classic Pentecostalism.”
Charismatic Movement (1960s): This movement brought deliverance practices into mainstream Protestant denominations. Many people use the terms “charismatic” and “continuationist” interchangeably.
Modern Deliverance Ministries (1980s–Present) - These ministries have continued to develop the theology and practice of deliverance, often focusing on personal and communal liberation from spiritual oppression. They emphasize the authority of believers in invoking God’s power over evil spirits and often include structured programs and training for laypeople to engage in deliverance ministry.
Global Expansion: Deliverance ministry has grown significantly in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where belief in spirits is culturally widespread.
Concerns with Deliverance Ministries
Critics argue that:
Some behaviors attributed to demons could be better understood as psychological disorders, which raises ethical concerns about deliverance practices and over-spiritualizing mental health issues.
Some people attribute too many issues to demonic forces, which has caused gross neglect of other forms of pastoral care, medical treatment, and holistic health.
Some ministers have made their “career” posting videos Online of demonized people convulsing or manifesting on camera as they are being set free. This methodology capitalizes on hurting people and could be detrimental to those set free.
Our view at the Holy Spirit Ministry Center is that Christ wants to set all people free so they can follow Him. As we saw historically, exorcism and deliverance are a large part of that. We are not cynical but cautious about approaching this type of ministry. As we look at the model of Jesus’s ministry, we see that freedom was a broader ministry of salvation and healing. People matter, and the practice of deliverance shall not be perverted for “likes” or “follows” but found as one postures themselves before the Lord.
Living Out Theology
How do you minister to others, or yourself, when you discern greater freedom is needed?
When one systematizes the supernatural, we make a move of God an event to be obtained rather than a God to behold.
The below section titled “Lessons for Freedom Ministry” is not a formula or checklist. At the Holy Spirit Ministry Center, our goal is to point you in a sound theological direction while urging you to maintain godly integrity while you walk in the power of God.
The guidelines below or just that – guidelines. When one systematizes the supernatural, we make a move of God an event to be obtained rather than a God to behold.
Information on specific denominations and their views on exorcism, demonic activity, and deliverance can be found within their official doctrinal statements or statements of faith. If you are in a local church and are unsure of their belief, you can contact your pastor, small group leaders, or elders to seek more information. Most importantly, dig into the Word for yourself and study the text!
2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Gal 5:1, and John 8:32 echo a similar message of freedom. If you need greater freedom, consider these points below. Consider, “Am I living out of God’s best design?” This question may help you discern any areas that aren’t aligned with God and if there is something you may need to seek deliverance from.
Remember, those who follow Christ have Holy Spirit indwelling inside, guiding and directing their steps. Based on Jesus’s ministry and His command to his followers to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons (Matt. 10:7-8), the following ideas can help guide your prayers of freedom.
Lessons for Freedom Ministry
Before the Session:
If you are leading another person through deliverance, have at least one other trusted leader to minister with you.
Go into the session understanding your authority and that spirits are subject to the name of Jesus (Lk 8:28, 10:19, Eph 2:2)
Lay hands on those that are:
physically sick (Lk 4:40,13:13)
wanting to receive or have a filling of the Spirit (Ac 8:17, 9:17, 19:6 )
Also, see 1 Tim 5:22
During the Session:
Safe space - Explain to the person seeking support what this process looks like. Share with them how biblical this is, and that you trust God to bring freedom into their lives. This process may take time and/or multiple sessions. Lead with compassion and authority. Remember, a person is not a demon. Respect the person and rebuke the spirit.
Pray - Pray in the power of Holy Spirit and tell the demons not to speak. (Lk 4:41)
Testify - Ask the person to share about their relationship with Jesus and their story of salvation.
Even demons can identify Jesus, so you must discern if the person has a testimony of knowing Jesus as Savior. (Lk 4:34, 4:3-4, 8:28, Ac 16:17, 19:15, 1 John 4:1-6)
If they do not, share the gospel with them.
Confess - Lead the person into a time of identification and confession. Reiterate that there is no shame here, and God loves them. They may be led to identify trauma from the past, sin, unforgiveness, current struggles, or lies they agreed with. (1 John 1:9)
Ask - Ask the person if they want to be free from the things they identified. If they do not, the session is over, and encourage them to receive further support. If they do, continue.
Repent and Renounce - Have the person repent from wrongdoing so they can turn to God. Have them renounce (part with) any agreement they made with the enemy. They can say, “I repent from ______. Lord help me turn away from ______.” (Lk 24:47, Ac 2:38, Ac 3:19, 8:22, 19:18, 26:20, Col 3:5, 1 Pet 2:1, 1 John 2:15-16)
Rebuke - Tell the person you are speaking to the evil spirit now, not them. Rebuke the unclean or evil spirit. (Lk 4:29, 8:29, 9:42)
Command it to go in the name of Jesus and never to return (Lk 8:31, Ac 19:18)
When in doubt - command it out! Paul said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” (Ac 16:18)
Sometimes, you may need to identify the demon, but this is not always the norm. (Lk 8:30)
Jesus verbally loosened the bound of Satan on a person. (Lk 13:16)
During this point, there may be demonic manifestations. Remember your authority and continue to speak the truth of God. Urge the person to say, “Jesus is Lord.” As they proclaim the name of Jesus, the enemy starts to loosen its grip realizing who is king over this person.
Leave and Receive - When the person discerns they feel darkness lift or something within them changes, command the spirit not to return and pray for a supernatural filling of Holy Spirit. (Lk 11:11-26)
Declare - Declare freedom over the person “You are free from _____.” (Lk 13:12)
Repeat - Identify any more strongholds and areas in which the person may need to find freedom. Have them consider how much influence the enemy may have over areas in their life. Have them repent, continue to proclaim Christ, and speak truth to the person as the conversation continues. Trust Holy Spirit to guide your questions, break off demonic chains, and provide encouragement through your time together. Speak boldly and with authority. (Ac 4:29, 31, 8:4-8)
Community - When the allotted time frame is done, or if you feel a natural closing point, mention when you will see them at church again. Tell them that maintenance is required after receiving freedom and discipleship is critical to maintaining deliverance.
After Your Session:
Communicate - After deliverance, the person may feel fragile, tempted to isolate, or shame may creep in. Please continue to encourage them in their newfound freedom and to keep the door closed to any harmful habits. Often, this may require practical help like counseling or inviting them to study God’s Word together. The person needs to be filled up with Holy Spirit in place of the thing they were delivered from. Remind them freedom requires upkeep so the enemy does not return (Lk 11:11-26).
Consider This: One of the ways people encounter God’s kingdom is by being set free from this demonic heavy darkness. Helping others find freedom and pointing them to Jesus is essential and needed. As we saw across church history, we are to walk in God’s authority. God is the one saving and setting people free!
Understand what it means to live Spirit-led
Jenny Randle is an academic theologian and author who has been serving in vocational ministry since 2008. She holds a Master's in Biblical and Theological Foundations and is ordained by an internationally ecclesiastical credentialing organization. She is the President of the Holy Spirit Ministry Center.
Footnotes:
1 Oxford Academic. “Chapter on Early Christian Practices: Exorcism in the Teachings of Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian.” In The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Ritual. Oxford University Press, 2020. https://academic.oup.com/book/41490/chapter-abstract/352897880.
2 Kovacs, V. (2020). “Encouragement from the Desert Mothers in Troubling Times.” Public Orthodoxy. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://publicorthodoxy.org/2020/12/04/encouragement-from-the-desert-mothers-in-troubling-times/.
3 “The Exorcism Formula of the St. Benedict Medal.” (n.d.). The Catholic Company. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/exorcism-formula-st-benedict-medal-6093.
4 “Martin Luther and the Devil.” (n.d.). Issues, Etc. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/journals/luther.htm.
