Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance: How to Minister to the Demonically Oppressed and Possessed

by Harold Ristau

There is much more to our common struggles than meets the eye

· navigate spiritual warfare with Christian maturity and wisdom
· covers both ordinary spiritual warfare, like personal temptation, and "extraordinary" encounters, such as demonic oppression, possession, and exorcisms
· from a pastor, missionary, and former military chaplain

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Our modern Western world is deeply confused about what is good and what is evil. We know little about angels and demons, though the Scriptures we purport to believe have much to say about them. We blur the distinction between God and the devil. And we are paying for it. Denial of reality does not change reality.

Drawing from Scripture, history, and his own experiences as a missionary and a military chaplain, Harold Ristau helps Christians develop a biblical understanding of our spiritual vulnerability in both "ordinary" life, such as personal temptation, and "extraordinary" situations such as demonic oppression and possession. He takes us beyond theory, where many other resources stop, laying out practical tools to equip us for our own personal battles and steps to take to protect ourselves and others from the evil forces at work in our world. And he lays out an effective, proven process for mature ministers and clergy to follow when performing an exorcism.

There is much more to the struggles we face in life than meets the eye. If you want to be prepared for the battles that lie ahead, this book is your grounded, thorough, and hope-filled guide to ministering to the demonically oppressed or possessed.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Adam Bloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could be nitpicky about a few theological things and perhaps an overreliance on tradition instead of scripture (although, for a liturgical tradition, the author does a pretty good job of that), but overall it’s a good, accessible book on the titular topic. The ending section on the armor of God is excellent.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: A biblical and pastoral account of how demons oppress and possess and how ministers may exorcise them.

I suspect that there are some who would deny the reality of the spiritual forces that are the subject of this book. And likewise, there are many who read the accounts of encounters with demons in the New Testament and attribute these to mental illness or other brain disorders. What most will not say plainly is that this infers that Jesus was mistaken as well. For that reason alone, I am willing to give Harold Ristau a hearing. Ristau has been a missionary, military chaplain, and pastor as well as holding a doctoral degree.

He recognizes the skepticism concerning demons and himself argues caution that we go to neither the skeptical extreme or the one that finds a demon lurking behind every bush. However, he has encountered this personal form of evil not only in mission settings but increasingly in the West. He attributes this to openness to the occult and mindfulness and meditative practices as well as drug use.

After addressing the issue of skepticism, he narrates a situation of delivering a person from a demon including the time-tested steps he took, the attempts of the demon to attack him psychologically, the deliverance of the person in the name of Jesus, and aftercare, which included psychological counseling as well as Christian discipleship in a local church community.

From here Ristau offers instruction on what demons are and how from scripture and church history to deal with demons. He identifies kinds and symptoms of demonism. For example, demonism can manifest in physical or spiritual possession, secret knowledge, supernatural power, and strange or beastly behavior, among other things. He addresses assessment, including ruling out psychological conditions. Rather than racing in with an “I’ve got to do something right now” mentality, he argues that this is the work for ordained pastors in the context and with the support of the church in prayer.

He then walks through “How to Exorcise a Demon” including a rite of exorcism. However a discerning mind bathed in scripture and attentive in prayer, and watchful for demonic devices is vital. He further elaborates good aftercare practices including self-care for the minister.

Finally, Ristau concludes with an exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20, addressing spiritual warfare, and the armor God has provided us. His purpose, as he concludes is that we be both prepared and fear not.

What I appreciate about Ristau’s approach is that he is frank, clear and practical, rather than sensationalistic. The cases he offers underscore both his argument for the reality of the demonic, and the practice of deliverance. He roots spiritual authority in Christ and his Word without swagger. He believes this is just part of good pastoral work while emphasizing careful preparation and not acting alone.

If Ristau’s assessment concerning rising demonic oppression and possession is accurate (and I’m inclined to believe he is right), this is crucial instruction. And, when practiced well, it offers the hope of flourishing under Christ rather than languishing under the Enemy for many.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Harrison C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I was reading it wishing Rev Ristau would go more into the nitty gritty, it’s probably a good reflection on him that he didn’t do that. I found that as it went on it was kind of a “shotgun approach” and he touched many topics in the second half. I kind of wish he had focused in a bit more and went in depth on a few.

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and bracing primer on spiritual warfare from a thoroughly biblical (and Lutheran) perspective.

My full review here: https://faithtoday.ca/Magazines/Brows...