Deliverance minister and author Don Dickerman joined Isaiah Saldivar on the Revival Lifestyle Podcast to share his decades of experience of casting out demons and helping people walk in spiritual freedom.
Known for his prison ministry, Dickerman has spent more than 50 years equipping believers in the ministry of deliverance. Now, in his book “Deliverance Defined,” Dickerman seeks to simplify what many overcomplicate.
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“Deliverance is not hard,” he told Saldivar. “It’s about authority and truth. When you know your authority and the truth about who the enemy is, you can walk in freedom.”
The book tackles common questions: Can Christians have demons? What role does trauma or generational sin play? And why did Mary Magdalene—one of Jesus’ most devoted followers—have seven demons?
/**/According to Dickerman, the answer lies in understanding spiritual openings. “Mary Magdalene grew up in a wicked city. Demons don’t just show up—there are open doors. Childhood trauma, molestation generational sin—these are common ways demons enter,” he explained.
Dickerman emphasized that even believers can be oppressed by demons, especially when they carry unhealed wounds or unforgiveness. “We’re not saying they’re possessed,” he clarified, “but they can absolutely be tormented.”
One of the most striking biblical proofs of deliverance for believers, Dickerman said, is found in the story of the Syrophoenician woman in Matthew 15. “Jesus called deliverance ‘the children’s bread.’ It was not for outsiders—it was for the covenant people of God,” he explained. “You don’t give deliverance to someone who doesn’t want Jesus. You’re just giving their demons a vacation.”
Saldivar agreed, noting how many modern churches dismiss or fear deliverance ministry. Yet both he and Dickerman believe it’s central to the gospel. “Deliverance isn’t the whole gospel, but the gospel isn’t whole without it,” Saldivar said.
Dickerman’s journey into deliverance ministry began in an unlikely place—inside prison walls. After visiting a man in jail who had been charged with murder, Dickerman found himself drawn into a lifelong call to prison ministry. He’s since preached in over 850 prisons, witnessing thousands come to Christ and be set free from spiritual bondage.
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“I was scared the first time I went,” he admitted. “But I found out they were just people—like me—who needed the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.”
That ministry took a prophetic turn when a prison guard walked up to Dickerman and said, “God showed me something about you. You’re going to lay hands on people, and healing is going to come.” Though skeptical at first, Dickerman later recognized the moment as a divine appointment—and that anointing has followed him since.
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In his meetings today, Dickerman often leads large groups in corporate deliverance prayers. “I’ve seen 75% of a crowd get delivered in one session,” he said. “It’s about breaking permission. When the legal right is removed, the demons have to go.”
With humility and wisdom forged from experience, Don Dickerman is helping a new generation walk in freedom. His message is clear: deliverance is real, it’s biblical—and it’s for believers.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
