LE3 .A278 2019

2019

Wright, Nigel

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

Deliverance Ministry is a form of Christian healing and a term used to describe a response to a wide range of phenomena that are unusual and possibly spiritual in origin. Deliverance incorporates exorcism, a specific act of binding and releasing performed on a person or a place that is believed to be possessed by a non-human malevolent spirit. Whilst many historical church denominations have practiced deliverance as part of their mainstream activity, this has not largely been the case in a Baptist context. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the need for deliverance ministry is on the rise because many people are claiming to suffer from unusual phenomena that resemble the New Testament descriptions of demonic possession. This thesis project attempts to provide an effective response for those who wish to engage in deliverance ministry from a Baptist perspective. The work begins with a review of literature on the topic of deliverance ministry. The discussion develops with a consideration of biblical and theological underpinnings for deliverance and exorcism. Thereafter, field research is introduced to the study. A survey was taken of Baptist Ministers’ knowledge and experience of deliverance ministry. The research was enhanced by a series of interviews with experienced deliverance ministry practitioners.The research concludes that many Baptist Ministers are willing to engage with deliverance ministry despite there being a wide range of differing theological understandings about the topic. Moreover, many of those surveyed would value support and training in order for them to administer deliverance effectively. In response, the thesis culminates with a practical project: a proposal of “parameters for ministry” that allow for a Baptist to engage in deliverance ministry in a safe and meaningful way.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3345