The Danger of Deliverance Without Discipleship

Deliverance is a powerful experience that can change many people’s lives, but when it is not anchored in discipleship, it can cause many people to experience cycles of instability. Often, many deliverance ministries focus on casting out demons but don’t lead people into discipleship. This is very dangerous because it can leave those people vulnerable to returning to bondage.

The Importance of Discipleship After Deliverance

When we look at the Bible, we see that when God delivered Israel from Egypt, His plan was to lead them to the Promised Land, not to have them return to Egypt repeatedly. Similarly, deliverance ministries must provide a clear path for discipleship to help individuals move from spiritual freedom into lasting victory. If a ministry is delivering people but not giving them the tools to become grounded in the Word, those individuals won’t be able to fortify their freedom.

Even if someone attends a church that does not actively practice deliverance, it is better to be in a Bible-based church under a pastor who preaches the gospel than to remain isolated and spiritually vulnerable. Discipleship in the local church allows for people to be nurtured, equipped, and trained to maintain their freedom and grow in their faith. Without it, people risk falling back into the same patterns that led to their need for deliverance.

The Three Stages of Discipleship

Discipleship is the process of helping people become grounded in their faith by teaching them the Word of God and equipping them to walk in dominion. Without discipleship, people can fall into a pattern of moving from one deliverance to the next.

1. Hospital

The first stage is salvation. This is when a person experiences the power of God, gets saved, and is delivered from the bondage of sin. This stage is like a hospital where new believers are born into the faith and experience deliverance and healing.

2. Home

The second stage is connection. This is where believers are nurtured and begin to mature. It happens through small groups, one-on-one relationships, and integration into the church community. This stage is like a home where believers are cared for and grow in their relationship with Christ.

3. School

The third stage is discipleship, where believers are equipped and trained to become disciple-makers themselves. This is like a school where they are taught and prepared to fulfill the Great Commission. In our church’s model, Sundays are the “hospital,” Tuesdays are for small groups, and Mondays are for training and equipping new believers to be equipped to help others disciple others.

Final Thoughts

Deliverance without discipleship can leave us as believers vulnerable to falling back into bondage. However, lasting freedom can happen when deliverance is followed by discipleship, helping people move from deliverance into dominion.

Remember, the Bible commands us as believers to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey the commands of Christ. Every believer should have someone they are pouring into and someone who is pouring into them.

Read: Steps to Find Freedom From Demons