You Too Can Drive Out Demons

We have made the case repeatedly, in counseling sessions, deliverance seminars, blog posts and more that deliverance ministry (that is, driving out demons) is a valid, current day activity that the church of Jesus should be doing. He did it. He trained the disciples to do it and he gave that call to the church in Mark 16:17. You too can drive out demons!

The issue then comes up about who is to do it? What qualifications should you have? Do you need to be “ordained”? Is it only for the pastor?

At Above & Beyond Counseling Center, we believe first of all that all “ministers” should be under a spiritual covering. We train and equip interested students on how to pray deliverance and we are very firm in declaring that deliverance minister should not be lone rangers. They should be part of a ministry/church that blesses what they are doing!

As it relates to deliverance ministry specifically, the following minimum “qualifications” should be in place:

• Under a spiritual covering and authority, as outlined above
• Trained and equipped
• A fervent desire to see people healed, set free and delivered
• A humble and teachable spirit that receives correction without anger or rejection.

You might say that these aren’t different than for other areas of service. That is right! We believe that anyone can be trained and equipped to minister in deliverance if they have the desire and willingness. That is why we have put together deliverance ministry resources and classes. It’s not just for “special” people with degrees and licenses!

Our ministry staff have counseling degrees and NCCA licenses and these are important credentials, but they are not required for believers to minister in deliverance. Does a worship leader need a degree in music or does a pastor need a degree in theology? Of course not, but they do need training, equipping and godly character just as with any other position of service.

It’s time to take the fear and mysticism out of deliverance ministry. The late John WImber said the church needed to “do the stuff” and the Vineyard church movement he founded was based on that– the people of God doing what Jesus did. Let’s add deliverance ministry by believers to the mix!