I want to ask why it seems so few pastors today would know how to do this? I admit that's my perception and it may be wrong - I speak from my experience only which is limited to the churches I have been in. Notable exceptions that come to mind: Michael Green (CoE) author of I believe in Satan's Downfall, Rev. Neil Smith (CoE) a priest in the UK who had performed over 2000 exorcisms. The Anglican tradition seems to still retain some degree of awareness of this pastoral need, other churches that do: Pentecostal fellowships, the Roman Catholic Church, I'd guess some other evangelists (Kurt E. Koch for instance). Not sure were Methodists stand on this?
But I get an impression that some pastors think they can simply teach, and hopefully God will deal with anything directly or hopefully there might be someone in their congregation who can deal with it. Again I know it is by the finger of God that Jesus cast out unclean spirits, not by reading a ritual. I am sure it doesn't always need to be done dramatically and that God does work through anointed teaching, and in quiet ways, but still I'd prefer to go to a church were the Pastor or Elders are spiritually mature and equipped/trained to perform this sort of ministry if its needed.
This UK documentary was recorded back in 1973, so in minor respects it seems dated, but I still found it interesting and includes footage of Rev. Neil Smith performing an exorcism.
But I get an impression that some pastors think they can simply teach, and hopefully God will deal with anything directly or hopefully there might be someone in their congregation who can deal with it. Again I know it is by the finger of God that Jesus cast out unclean spirits, not by reading a ritual. I am sure it doesn't always need to be done dramatically and that God does work through anointed teaching, and in quiet ways, but still I'd prefer to go to a church were the Pastor or Elders are spiritually mature and equipped/trained to perform this sort of ministry if its needed.
This UK documentary was recorded back in 1973, so in minor respects it seems dated, but I still found it interesting and includes footage of Rev. Neil Smith performing an exorcism.
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