Overview
This session focused on the practical aspects of preparing for and conducting deliverance ministry meetings, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness, team preparation, procedural clarity, and addressing common questions related to deliverance practices.
Personal and Team Preparation
- Ministers must be spiritually prepared, relying on Christ's authority, not personal power.
- Essential habits include a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, not just special preparation before meetings.
- Different biblical fasting methods were discussed: normal (no food, water allowed), absolute (no food or water, short-term), and partial (limiting types of food).
- Those invited to join the ministry team are approached individually based on demonstrated maturity, prayerfulness, and fasting.
Preparation of the Setting and Participants
- Deliverance meetings are held in a large, private room with only the ministry team and participants present.
- Chairs are arranged with space for safe and effective ministry, and practical items such as washing-up bowls and tissues are prepared due to common physical manifestations (e.g., wretching).
- Participants are individually prepared prior to meetings through counseling to address hindrances like ongoing sin, unforgiveness, or occult involvement.
Deliverance Meeting Procedure
- The meeting begins with informal conversation to reduce anxiety and a clear explanation of the process.
- A corporate prayer addresses forgiveness, renunciation of darkness, and preparation for deliverance.
- Ministry is conducted by direct commands to spirits, not prayer for the person, always with eyes open for safety.
- Authority is rooted in Christ’s name and scriptures relevant to identified spirits may be used.
Manifestations and Ministry Technique
- Common manifestations include shaking, altered eye appearance, facial contortions, wretching, coughing, heavy exhaling, yawning, burping, and occasionally unusual smells.
- Team members monitor effectiveness, confirm actual deliverance, and discourage distractions like shouting.
- If no response, perseverance and revisiting preparation steps are recommended.
Follow-Up and Aftercare
- Participants are encouraged to return for additional ministry if needed, as deliverance is often a process.
- A follow-up form gathers feedback on outcomes and further needs.
- A concluding prayer is offered to fill the person with God’s presence and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions Addressed
- Laying hands is helpful but not required; it must be done wisely for propriety.
- Knowing a demon’s name is not necessary; avoid unnecessary dialogue with spirits.
- Spiritual transfer to others is not a concern if everyone is properly prepared.
- Self-deliverance is possible for mature believers, especially for those unable to attend meetings.
- Children are ministered to only with parental consent and great care not to cause fear.
- Deliverance can require multiple sessions; even Jesus’ ministry sometimes involved delay.
- Distance ministry is possible via phone or prayer cloths, though limited by minister’s faith.
- Distinguishing Holy Spirit activity from demonic manifestations is based on the recipient's experienced feeling (good or bad).
- Generational spirits are not passed to children born after parental deliverance.
- The origin of demons is debated, with the most common view being fallen angels.
Action Items
- Ongoing – Ministry Team: Maintain a lifestyle of prayer, fasting, and scriptural study.
- Before Each Meeting – Team Leader: Ensure all preparations for room, materials, and individual participant readiness.
- After Each Meeting – Team: Collect and review participant feedback forms for ongoing assessment.