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Deliverance: A Journey Toward the Unexpected
“Jon Thompson has become a leading voice on deliverance ministry, especially those of us facing a rise in demonic manifestations in secular cities. Jon has been beyond helpful—wise, experienced, thoughtful, biblical, and deeply prophetic.” –– John Mark Comer, Pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry “Following on the heels of his dynamite Convergence , Jon Thompson now tackles the huge issue of deliverance. I have read a lot on this subject throughout the fifty years I have been in ministry, but nothing is as comprehensive, as Biblically and theologically thorough, and as practically accessible as Deliverance . Bible-book by Bible-book, Jon leads us through the truth about the ministry of deliverance. And then step-by-step, Jon walks us into the nitty-gritty dynamics of such ministry in the local church. Would that this book had been available the last few decades. Thank God it is available now!” –– Darrell Johnson, Teaching Fellow at Regent College and author of Discipleship on the Edge and The Glory of Preaching "This is an amazing resource around topics many would rather avoid but which is as real as anything else we face today in ministry. Jon has done a great job laying out the theological/biblical teachings on the demonic and spiritual realm and the practical/pragmatic realities from years of actual on-the-ground practical ministry. This book will serve you so well as a Christian, a leader, or just someone interested in this extremely important topic." –– Mark Clark, Senior Pastor of Village Church and author of The Problem of God and The Problem of Jesus –––– Most Christians would agree that we are the only ones on earth equipped to help our family, friends, and neighbours when it comes to supernatural evil. Or at least we say we believe it. We say “yes" intellectually, but when it comes to actually dealing with evil, many of us are afraid and feel out of our depth. What does the Bible really say about the demonic?
How did Christians deal with this in various cultures over 2000 years? Do we even need this conversation? For pastor and theologian, Jon Thompson, this has been a journey more than 20 years in the making as he and his church found themselves working through how to help desperate people and still remain rooted in Scripture. In this book, Jon will lead you on a journey through the pages of Scripture and the experiences of Christians throughout the centuries as he outlines what has always been universally applicable when dealing with evil and what must be adapted to fit our different churches and cultures. Topics
No matter our history, theology, bias, pain, or disbelief, we all need to engage in this conversation because there are people all around us who desperately need to be set free to live as Jesus promised. About the
Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, a multi-site church of over 3,000 people in the Greater Toronto Area where he has been on staff for more than 20 years. Under Jon’s leadership, Sanctus is characterized by dynamic Biblical teaching, vibrant community groups, compelling media, and powerful times in worship. Jon has a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Seminary.
How did Christians deal with this in various cultures over 2000 years? Do we even need this conversation? For pastor and theologian, Jon Thompson, this has been a journey more than 20 years in the making as he and his church found themselves working through how to help desperate people and still remain rooted in Scripture. In this book, Jon will lead you on a journey through the pages of Scripture and the experiences of Christians throughout the centuries as he outlines what has always been universally applicable when dealing with evil and what must be adapted to fit our different churches and cultures. Topics
No matter our history, theology, bias, pain, or disbelief, we all need to engage in this conversation because there are people all around us who desperately need to be set free to live as Jesus promised. About the
Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, a multi-site church of over 3,000 people in the Greater Toronto Area where he has been on staff for more than 20 years. Under Jon’s leadership, Sanctus is characterized by dynamic Biblical teaching, vibrant community groups, compelling media, and powerful times in worship. Jon has a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Seminary.
322 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2021
122 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Jon Thompson
3 books17 followersJon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church – a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area and online – where he has served for 25 years.
He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending his childhood in Ecuador with his missionary parents, Jon began his ministry as the Youth Pastor before assuming his current role as Senior Pastor at Sanctus Church. Jon is married to Joanna and has three kids.
He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending his childhood in Ecuador with his missionary parents, Jon began his ministry as the Youth Pastor before assuming his current role as Senior Pastor at Sanctus Church. Jon is married to Joanna and has three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 28, 2021
Jon Thompson has really helped me so much with this book.
This book is so so much more than simply a book about demons, demonization and exorcisms.
From grasping a much bigger understanding around the supernatural, to how demonization is simply a problem that we are created to tackle just like every other problem, to how authority works effectively, this book has been an aid like few others.
It is demonstrably biblical, historical, personal and helpful.
I am so grateful for this incredible book.
Extremely recommend.
This book is so so much more than simply a book about demons, demonization and exorcisms.
From grasping a much bigger understanding around the supernatural, to how demonization is simply a problem that we are created to tackle just like every other problem, to how authority works effectively, this book has been an aid like few others.
It is demonstrably biblical, historical, personal and helpful.
I am so grateful for this incredible book.
Extremely recommend.
July 28, 2021
The conversation about spiritual warfare is not an easy one, but as this book makes clear, it’s a conversation we absolutely need to be having in the church.
With the wisdom and grace of someone who has walked this journey himself, Jon takes us through the pages of Scripture and church history, clearing away the confusion and helping us to see what the Bible really says about deliverance and how the church has dealt with it throughout the centuries. Then, with that foundation built, he lays out a very practical way forward for those ready to take seriously the call to help people experience the freedom Jesus promises.
This is such a comprehensive, thorough, and practical book on this topic, and I cannot recommend it enough!
With the wisdom and grace of someone who has walked this journey himself, Jon takes us through the pages of Scripture and church history, clearing away the confusion and helping us to see what the Bible really says about deliverance and how the church has dealt with it throughout the centuries. Then, with that foundation built, he lays out a very practical way forward for those ready to take seriously the call to help people experience the freedom Jesus promises.
This is such a comprehensive, thorough, and practical book on this topic, and I cannot recommend it enough!
September 21, 2024
This book reaffirmed my charismatic roots. There is rich wisdom and historical evidence shared on deliverance, and it validated some concepts that was turning me off regarding the body of Christ. It also gave me hope that there are healthier deliverance models out there that incorporate some of the discoveries in our cultures, such as science, doctors and mental health counselors in a person’s healing journey. It also helped me discern toxic church models that I’ve been exposed to, with more emphasis on the spiritual gifting than the true character of a person or leader. I’m so thankful for this read.
November 9, 2023
This book does a great job of methodically spelling out the Biblical basis for deliverance ministry and also practical application for the local church. I personally enjoyed the stories sprinkled in throughout the book as well as Jon’s look into Deliverance in Church History. Truly a vital book for the Western church as the world comes in and the world becomes more pagan.
My one critique of the book is the length of paragraphs - not as easy a read as someone like John Mark Comer or Jon Tyson. But this shouldn’t keep anyone from reading it.
My one critique of the book is the length of paragraphs - not as easy a read as someone like John Mark Comer or Jon Tyson. But this shouldn’t keep anyone from reading it.
February 24, 2026
As a non seminary student this book read at first like a textbook to me, but being such a controversial topic I was grateful for the lengths at which Thompson went to clarify language, biblical grounds for deliverance, church tradition, the different models for deliverance, history, and then present day practical implications and his church’s approach. It was fascinating to see how his orthodox theology met his Acts like experiences and birth this book and ministry that he was not expecting. Among what stood out to me was how Jesus didn’t count “equality with God something to be grasped” and his claim for how all the works Christ did were through the empowering of the Holy Spirit rather than his own deity and for that reason “greater works than these” we will be able to do in present day. He doesn’t neglect to defend belief in the spiritual gifts which I’d already heard but what did stand out to me was his evidence, citing works of Calvin and Martin Luther, that belief that Christian’s cannot be oppressed by demons is a newer path of though that wasn’t held by early Evangelicals regardless of denomination. I appreciated his call to action that in a post-modern world we need to bring the gospel in both truth and power, as Jesus did. Many takeaways from this book and it’s one I will revisit but my biggest takeaway is that it led me to a greater worship of our God. Praising Jesus for the fact that He is the one who came to set the captives free. Luke 4:18-19
[18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
[19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
[18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
[19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
June 12, 2025
such an in-depth look at the theology of deliverance and the demonic, as well as what tradition and history teach us about this area of ministry.
thank you Jon Thompson for such a great book to bless and equip the Church with
thank you Jon Thompson for such a great book to bless and equip the Church with
January 5, 2026
I appreciated how much scripture was in this book. I wanted more to the point and simple but I’m not sure this type of thing can be written about like that.
Felt like I was reading a textbook for a while but I’m glad I stuck with it. I needed the accountability to read this so that was helpful.
Felt like I was reading a textbook for a while but I’m glad I stuck with it. I needed the accountability to read this so that was helpful.
October 12, 2022
Thompson gives a lot of good resources throughout this book. It is not an easy read - and often feels tedious. Yet, I would keep a teaching resource.
May 3, 2024
Jon Thompson does a brilliant job of breaking down the process of deliverance from a practical, biblical perspective. Definitely a must read for any follower of Christ.
Read
April 2, 2025good but dense and difficult to go through.
February 17, 2026
The practice of deliverance from demonization is, unfortunately, rare in the Western church, and many leaders are not well equipped to engage in it. Thompson seeks to address this gap by offering theological reflection and practical guidance drawn from both careful study and personal experience.
His biblical survey of demons, demonization, and deliverance is excellent. It thoughtfully incorporates the Old Testament and the worldview Jesus would have shared. Thompson then guides the reader methodically through the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles.
Following this survey, Thompson provides an overview of the most common deliverance models in use today, including the gospel, truth, power, liturgical, deep healing, and deliverance approaches. He offers a balanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Up to this point, the book is invaluable. What follows explains why I ultimately give it only three stars.
In Chapter 11, Thompson outlines the theological framework underlying his church’s deliverance ministry. Unless I have misunderstood him, he appears to adopt a kenotic view of Jesus’ ministry. In simple terms, this perspective suggests that Jesus performed miracles solely from his human nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit. If Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and walked on water as a Spirit-empowered human rather than as the Son of God, then, by implication, we can do the same if we are similarly filled with the Spirit.
This view presents several problems:
1. It conflicts with Chalcedonian and Athanasian Christology.
2. It implies that Jesus, even if voluntarily, acted from a position of lack or need supplied by the Holy Spirit.
3. It reduces Jesus from the one who heals humanity through covenant faithfulness and submission to the Father to merely a model of a Spirit-filled person.
4. There are numerous examples of Jesus doing things that only the Son of God can do, such as forgive sins. Unlike when a miracle is performed by a human, Jesus' miracles testify to his divine nature.
Rather than framing the Spirit as supplying what is lacking, it is better to understand Christ’s faithfulness as enabling our own. This enabling is communicated to us through the Spirit whom Christ himself sent. Jesus’ filling with the Spirit concerns ontology, not imitation. In my view, this reflects a serious theological misunderstanding.
A second concern arises in Thompson’s description of his church’s deliverance ministry structure. The emphasis is clearly on “program.” The system is highly detailed and tightly controlled. While there may be helpful insights here, it bears little resemblance to how deliverance ministry is portrayed in the New Testament. I would advocate for a simpler model, though one that remains attentive to the risks Thompson’s program attempts to address.
Overall, this book is a valuable resource, but primarily for readers who are theologically discerning enough to recognize the potential deficiencies and dangers of kenotic theology.
His biblical survey of demons, demonization, and deliverance is excellent. It thoughtfully incorporates the Old Testament and the worldview Jesus would have shared. Thompson then guides the reader methodically through the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles.
Following this survey, Thompson provides an overview of the most common deliverance models in use today, including the gospel, truth, power, liturgical, deep healing, and deliverance approaches. He offers a balanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Up to this point, the book is invaluable. What follows explains why I ultimately give it only three stars.
In Chapter 11, Thompson outlines the theological framework underlying his church’s deliverance ministry. Unless I have misunderstood him, he appears to adopt a kenotic view of Jesus’ ministry. In simple terms, this perspective suggests that Jesus performed miracles solely from his human nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit. If Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and walked on water as a Spirit-empowered human rather than as the Son of God, then, by implication, we can do the same if we are similarly filled with the Spirit.
This view presents several problems:
1. It conflicts with Chalcedonian and Athanasian Christology.
2. It implies that Jesus, even if voluntarily, acted from a position of lack or need supplied by the Holy Spirit.
3. It reduces Jesus from the one who heals humanity through covenant faithfulness and submission to the Father to merely a model of a Spirit-filled person.
4. There are numerous examples of Jesus doing things that only the Son of God can do, such as forgive sins. Unlike when a miracle is performed by a human, Jesus' miracles testify to his divine nature.
Rather than framing the Spirit as supplying what is lacking, it is better to understand Christ’s faithfulness as enabling our own. This enabling is communicated to us through the Spirit whom Christ himself sent. Jesus’ filling with the Spirit concerns ontology, not imitation. In my view, this reflects a serious theological misunderstanding.
A second concern arises in Thompson’s description of his church’s deliverance ministry structure. The emphasis is clearly on “program.” The system is highly detailed and tightly controlled. While there may be helpful insights here, it bears little resemblance to how deliverance ministry is portrayed in the New Testament. I would advocate for a simpler model, though one that remains attentive to the risks Thompson’s program attempts to address.
Overall, this book is a valuable resource, but primarily for readers who are theologically discerning enough to recognize the potential deficiencies and dangers of kenotic theology.
October 10, 2022
This book is expansive, thorough, and extremely interesting.
Thompson is very well educated (Masters in theology and Doctorate in missiology), unashamedly reformed (conservative Christians take a deep sigh of relief), Scripturally grounded, and also charismatic in his theology.
His theology of spiritual conflict and the reality of the demonic are explained in this book through 1. Scripture (OT overview and then particular emphasis on the Synoptic Gospels) 2. Church History, and 3. Reason.
It’s very important to recognize that Thompson sees Jesus not only as our savior but also our model for living as humans empowered by His Spirit. Thus, he takes seriously that we are to live as Jesus did, including how we encounter the “forces of darkness”.
Though the ideas in this book are completely contrary to our Western worldview and even uncomfortable for Christians (including myself) who hold a “supernatural” worldview, these ideas are worth entertaining and Thompson makes a compelling case that it should be standard fare for churches in the West to operate some form of a deliverance ministry where people are set free for the glory of God.
Thompson is very well educated (Masters in theology and Doctorate in missiology), unashamedly reformed (conservative Christians take a deep sigh of relief), Scripturally grounded, and also charismatic in his theology.
His theology of spiritual conflict and the reality of the demonic are explained in this book through 1. Scripture (OT overview and then particular emphasis on the Synoptic Gospels) 2. Church History, and 3. Reason.
It’s very important to recognize that Thompson sees Jesus not only as our savior but also our model for living as humans empowered by His Spirit. Thus, he takes seriously that we are to live as Jesus did, including how we encounter the “forces of darkness”.
Though the ideas in this book are completely contrary to our Western worldview and even uncomfortable for Christians (including myself) who hold a “supernatural” worldview, these ideas are worth entertaining and Thompson makes a compelling case that it should be standard fare for churches in the West to operate some form of a deliverance ministry where people are set free for the glory of God.
March 21, 2022
The spiritual realm has much more influence than we give it credit for and Jon Thompson not only helps us to understand the unseen realm biblically, he also shows us how often it shows up in the local church in those attending. The book was Impactful both theologically and pastorally/practically. Jon Thompson teaches us that we don't need to look under every rock for a demon but we shouldn't be naive of Satan's tactics and influences in our world at the same time. I loved his holistic approach, encouraging both Christian counseling and truth/power encounters against the forces of darkness for those in our churches oppressed by the demonic. If you've always thought spiritual warfare wasn't serious or necessary in the church, think again. Pick up this book and read slowly, thoughtfully and prayerfully!
September 1, 2025
John Thompson provide us with a masterful biblical and historical exposition of the work of the evil one and how God has equipped us to deal with these things in the real world. He also gives a careful and measured account of the different methods that have been used over the years. Each one carefully assessed in the light of his experience. This is an invaluable book for any church leader seeking to learn and work together as God intended to” resist the devil that he might flee from us”.
January 25, 2026
a must read for anyone interested in understanding this ministry
Jon does an incredible job in laying out biblical support and theology for this kind of ministry. I appreciate the wide array of perspectives that he presents with openness and honesty. I wish the book included the inventory participants fill out to gather relevant information pertaining to the renouncing prayer session. Thank you for writing this book and for engaging in such an important ministry.
Jon does an incredible job in laying out biblical support and theology for this kind of ministry. I appreciate the wide array of perspectives that he presents with openness and honesty. I wish the book included the inventory participants fill out to gather relevant information pertaining to the renouncing prayer session. Thank you for writing this book and for engaging in such an important ministry.
February 1, 2022
This book was very challenging, and it made a compelling case for deliverance ministry in churches in the west. Throughout the book, his stories and application of scripture are gripping and memorable. I obviously don’t agree with everything he says but I do agree with all (or nearly all) of his practical advice. It’s worth reading and easy to boot.
June 23, 2024
Deliverance is a powerful and insightful guide into the reality and ministry of freeing people from demonic bondage. This book has helped me to deepen my understanding of the conflict between cosmic powers, the church, and demons. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires freedom and or wishes to learn more about this ministry.
June 27, 2022
Such a good book on a subject that is not talked about enough. Thompson’s understanding of how to Biblically deal with the demonic in a modern western ministry is phenomenal. The research he did has opened my eye to more resources and tradition to back up how I will do this in future years.
January 5, 2023
Outstanding! Includes history of deliverance since Jesus in the church.
Jon includes several models and what they (as a church) learned from them and what they didn’t agree with. It is a super comprehensive book.
Very helpful.
Jon includes several models and what they (as a church) learned from them and what they didn’t agree with. It is a super comprehensive book.
Very helpful.
August 16, 2023
Probably a conversation people have had with themselves in Churches. Most times wonder if they had joined the wrong group when their alignment with personal needs is not met. Jesus was supposed to help me. Jesus doesn't need my help!
September 11, 2023
Quite academic but I found myself enjoying this throughout most of it. Thompson’s approach to this ministry is nothing short of thoughtful, compassionate, and loving. He is doing great work and I am glad that he wrote this, I learned a lot from it.
May 20, 2024
By far the best book I have read on this controversial subject. Thompson provides biblical and historical context as well as practical application. Not an easy read, but definitely informative and necessary.
April 6, 2025
Two stars because I really feel like this book could have been written in a series of one or two well crafted blog posts. The length of the book took away from its teaching in my opinion. But I think the authors position is defended fine, even if you disagree.
April 19, 2022
An unbelievably helpful compendium of biblical, traditional and current models of spiritual conflict. Regardless if you agree, which you probably should, you’ll find this invaluable as a resource.
January 24, 2024
3/5 - I would consider Truth or Territory by Jim Osman to be a more biblically accurate (using verses within context) choice on this subject.
February 12, 2024
This book takes a balanced and expansive look at deliverance through history and theology and the Bible. It’s thoughtful, humble, and and intelligently written.
March 6, 2025
Incredibly helpful for creating a framework for deliverance prayer and ministry! So much historical background that it was tough to get through.
December 15, 2025
review in Notion
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews