You have a chance to attend a group deliverance seminar — is it worth your time and energy? Is it safe? Is it effective? Are there some who should only have deliverance ministry privately?
We minister in deliverance one-on-one in our FL offices and also use internet technology to help clients all over the world. Personal deliverance ministry is the most efficient means, but we have also seen the Lord set the captives free during our group ‘Released to Soar” Deliverance Seminars.
What are the main differences between personal and group ministry and what are the requirements for the group session to be productive?
There are many different models and approaches to deliverance, as we have covered in other articles. We utilize a five-session process approach that involves preparation for deliverance, the actual session and a follow-up meeting to show the person how to walk deliverance out and be prepared for when the spirits try to return to the house (Matt 12:45-47).
Some group seminar models involve teaching and some special preparation and also personal ministry as we employ. When the numbers get large, it becomes impractical to minister one on one. At that point, different techniques are used, including having the session leader pray and declare over the group. Sometimes, the leader will proclaim a deliverance command, and the audience will repeat these.
Can these formats be useful?
Absolutely!
Dr. Phyl and I were part of a deliverance ministry team that was invited to Barbados. A three-day seminar was held at the convention center in downtown Georgetown, and there were over 800 people in attendance.
The people of Barbados were hungry for this type of ministry that was so different from other preaching and evangelistic groups that visited. I led one of the session teachings and during the final night, the team leader, the late Dr. Paul Hollis of Warfare Plus Ministries, orchestrated the actual meeting.
The evening began with some prayer and worship and then he had everyone stand. He broke some generational curses over the throng and also ungodly soul ties with parents, spouses, and abusers and then moved into the actual deliverance session itself where he led the attendees in calling spirits out of themselves.
As an example, he began:
- “In the name of Jesus,” which was then repeated out loud and forcefully by each person there,
- “I command the spirit of pride” (repeated by the audience),
- “to loose me now” (repeated) “in the name of Jesus” (repeated).
The verbiage and terminology were varied, but you get the idea. Our ministry team of approximately twenty would circulate throughout the auditorium and minister individually for a period to those who were manifesting significantly. Due to the size of the group, it was impossible to linger long with any one individual.
I personally heard testimonies the next day from some who went out of their way to approach and share what had happened during the session. They received a follow-up teaching on how to stay free and I often wonder what sustaining fruit remained. I hope it was great.
Group Deliverance vs One-on-One
During our group sessions in Tampa, we have developed a significant deliverance ministry team and strive for a 3-to-1 ratio for attendees to ministers. Each team member rotates around the room and prays deliverance one-on-one to each attendee.
We’ve had as many as 75 seminar participants helped at one time, and we increase the capacity as our team grows. The deliverance session typically lasts between three and four hours, and we know there has been good fruit. The seminars fill up quickly, and you can see success stories of previous attendees on our website.
As great an impact as Billy Graham has had, the impact of personal, one-on-one evangelism is much more significant. The same applies to deliverance ministry. Group sessions are excellent and fill a need in the Body of Christ. The training, equipping and release of competent deliverance ministers is an important task in the Body of Christ, and we are proud to be a part of it because this is a very personal kind of ministry best done in that environment.
Understanding a person’s unique issues makes the deliverance session more efficient, and that is why we are so committed to personal sessions and also training the Body of Christ. Those with deep-seated issues typically get a more thorough deliverance experience in a private environment because someone can help them sort out their problems, open doors and often assist them to prepare more thoroughly.
This interaction is missing in group sessions, and we actively discourage some from coming to group seminars because they may not gain much freedom and will become discouraged.
During all of our group meetings, we prepare the attendees with the teachings and ask them to stir up their faith for God to do a mighty work. We also prepare them for the very real possibility that they may need another private session if they do not experience total freedom.
A trained deliverance minister, asking the right questions, can often help someone unlock any remaining open doors so they can secure more victory in their life and move ahead more thoroughly in their walk with the Lord.
While we do not keep a complete log, I estimate that between 5 and 10% of our seminar attendees come back to us for further help. Generally, they experience some freedom after the “Released to Soar” meetings but know that there is more work to be done.
A couple of years ago, I had one young man come in for an appointment who had gone through one of our group seminars a few months earlier. While he had seen some improvement, he knew that he was not yet free from a spirit of fear. I spent a session asking him about his background so I could assess potential open doors for the demonic torment that may still be open.
We scheduled another meeting for the deliverance so he could do some additional homework. The Lord revealed more information to him and me that was helpful to him so he could secure greater freedom.
So, should you attend a group session? If it is a competent minister that is leading it, and your issues are not particularly dark or life-threatening, then I believe it can be beneficial. You will hopefully receive good teaching and ministry and, if you stir up your faith for Christ to move, then you very likely will see real fruit. However, it is important to recognize that you may need additional, more personalized help so do not be discouraged if everything does not get fixed at that meeting.
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