Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1Th 5:21).
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder
Preface
I speak from a deeply personal experience. Throughout my life, I’ve seen people who seemed “demonized”—bound by things that ran deeper than trauma or mental distress. But there was one encounter that shattered all prior assumptions. One moment where there was no doubt: I was face to face with a real, unrelenting demon(s).
Everything I thought I knew—all the spiritual routines and rituals I had gathered over the years—proved useless. The “hocus pocus,” the catchphrases, the theatrics I’d heard or seen in some circles—they held no weight. None of them worked. And honestly, after years of reflection, I’ve concluded that if they had worked, I would’ve been suspicious. Because the presence we confronted wasn’t repelled by spectacle or performance. It demanded real spiritual authority.
I’ve read volumes on deliverance. I’ve listened to televangelists cast out demons like they were flicking flies off a shoulder, commanding in Jesus’ name with no resistance. But this encounter revealed how naïve those portrayals often are. The demon we faced didn’t flee at the first—or even the fiftieth—mention of the name of Jesus. And that’s where the truth of Scripture pierced through the noise.
As Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out, the “name” (onoma) of Jesus isn’t a magical phrase—it represents His nature, His authority, His divine essence. Invoking His name without submission to His lordship is hollow. Just ask the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13–16). Authority isn’t found in volume or repetition. It flows from relationship and obedience.
It took three of us—firm believers, rooted in Christ and filled with the Spirit—nearly fifty intense minutes. We weren’t casting out a concept. We were contending with real darkness. And only through steadfast declaration of Jesus’ authority, not as a ritual but from within the confidence of our covenant with Him, did freedom come.
My experience forever changed how I see spiritual warfare. The real thing exposes the false. And it clarifies what matters: not flashy words, not formulaic chants, but the power of the crucified and risen Lord, wielded by those who know Him—not just by name, but in spirit and in truth.
From that experience, I offer the following.
Theological Concerns
Evangelicals believe that spiritual warfare should be grounded solely in Scripture. While the Bible does affirm the existence of spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:10-18), many practices associated with exorcism and spiritual warfare—such as elaborate rituals, reliance on sacramental objects, or the invocation of saints—are viewed as unbiblical. Evangelicals argue that these practices shift the focus from Christ’s sufficiency to human efforts or traditions.
Examples of Disputed Practices in Deliverance Ministry
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- Elaborate Rituals: Practices involving holy water, relics, or specific formulas may be seen as leaning toward superstition rather than faith in God’s power (Colossians 2:8-10).
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- Focus on Demons: Overemphasis on demonic activity can lead to fear, distraction, or spiritual imbalance, detracting from Christ’s victory (Colossians 2:15).
2. Authority in Spiritual Warfare in Deliverance Ministry #
The entirety of this topic must be viewed through the lens of these facts:
There are no appointed exorcists in NT scripture.
Demons are not the focus of the gospel, Jesus is.
Exorcism is not a spiritual gift, nor is it a title for ministers.
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Concerns with The Order of Exorcists #
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- Centralized Authority: The reliance on clerical hierarchies conflicts with the Protestant doctrine of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
Biblical Model #
3. Dangers of Sensationalism #
The practice of exorcism and some spiritual warfare ministries may sensationalize demonic activity, overshadowing the gospel’s core message.
Risks #
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- Distraction from Christ: A preoccupation with demons can overshadow the transformative work of Christ in salvation and sanctification (Hebrews 12:2).
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- Emotional Manipulation: Sensational practices may exploit vulnerable individuals, creating fear or spiritual confusion.
4. Balancing Spiritual Warfare with Holistic Ministry #
Holistic Approach #
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- Preaching the Gospel: The focus should remain on evangelism and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20).
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- Helping the Oppressed: Practical care and counseling are integral to ministering to individuals who struggle with spiritual or psychological issues (James 2:14-17).
5. Psychological and Medical Concerns #
Discernment #
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- Need for Caution: Not all struggles are spiritual in nature. Evangelicals encourage seeking medical or psychological help alongside prayer and spiritual discernment.
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- Avoiding Harm: Mishandling cases can cause emotional or physical harm, violating biblical principles of compassion and care (Matthew 22:39).
Conclusion: An Evangelical Approach to Spiritual Warfare #
Evangelicals aim to approach spiritual warfare with a biblically grounded, Christ-centered perspective. Concerns about The Order of Exorcists and some spiritual warfare practices include:
- Overreliance on rituals and traditions not found in Scripture.
- A focus on human authority structures instead of the authority of Christ.
- Sensationalism that distracts from the gospel’s transformative power.
Instead, Evangelicals advocate for faith in the sufficiency of Scripture and Christ’s completed work on the cross, prayer, fasting,
and spiritual discipline as primary tools of warfare, and compassionate, holistic ministry to address spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
