Overview
This session outlines how to counsel individuals seeking deliverance, with emphasis on careful assessment, clear explanation, and guiding people to recognize and address spiritual issues according to biblical principles.
Approaching Deliverance Counseling
- Begin by listening carefully to each person's concerns to identify if deliverance is the appropriate response.
- Assess whether issues stem from sinful lifestyle habits, spiritual oppression, or require deliverance.
- Advise individuals to align their lives with biblical teachings before proceeding with deliverance ministry.
- Recognize that not all issues are spiritual; some may require spiritual growth or practical changes in daily habits.
Identifying Deliverance Issues
- Take detailed backgrounds, including spiritual history, prior religious involvement, trauma, or occult exposure.
- Inquire about generational or family involvement in spiritually significant activities.
- Avoid direct labeling of problems as demonic; instead, guide individuals to their own understanding.
- Use discernment, observation, and specific questions to clarify the nature of the problem.
Explaining the Deliverance Process
- Introduce the reality of both the physical and spiritual realms, using biblical creation and the fall as foundational context.
- Explain the existence and influence of angels, fallen angels, and their intentions toward humanity.
- Clarify that spiritual problems may have entry points, such as sin, trauma, occult practices, or generational factors.
- Emphasize that salvation in Christ is distinct from deliverance from spiritual oppression.
Building Trust and Ensuring Understanding
- Communicate in simple, non-threatening terms and check for comprehension throughout.
- Reassure individuals that their experiences are common and that help is available.
- Invite individuals to reflect on whether the discussed issues resonate with their personal experiences.
Preparing for Deliverance
- Instruct individuals on biblical hindrances to deliverance: unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, and retaining occult objects.
- Encourage people to make their own decisions regarding valuable but spiritually compromised belongings.
- Allow time for people to process forgiveness and readiness, emphasizing that rushed deliverance is ineffective.
Practical Considerations and Next Steps
- Provide clear explanations about what to expect during a deliverance meeting to minimize anxiety and confusion.
- Deliverance meetings are held monthly, with preparation ensuring a higher success rate.
- Give individuals practical resources on maintaining freedom post-deliverance.
Recommendations / Advice
- Counselors should avoid imposing diagnoses; instead, facilitate self-recognition of spiritual issues.
- Always respect confidentiality, build trust, and support individuals through clear, compassionate communication.