by Chester and Betsy Kylstra
The Kylstras wrote this book reveal “the keys needed to unlock the chains that bind our lives and block and hinder our Christian growth.” (p.15) They focus on four interconnected areas of bondage: sins of the fathers and resulting curses, ungodly beliefs, soul/spirit hurts, and demonic oppression.
They call this “an integrated approach to biblical healing ministry.” (p.15) They idea is that unless we deal with all four areas, we leave the door open for bondage and oppression to continue.
I (Pete Beck III) have been involved in this type of ministry for many years now. I began with Ed Smith’s teachings in what was then called Theophostic Ministry, an unfortunate choice for a ministry title. Most people are not familiar with the meaning of theophostic, which means simply “God’s light.” Theophostic was Ed’s attempt to allow Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, have center stage during ministry sessions, wonderfully freeing and refreshing way to do things. He taught those receiving ministry to listen to the voice of God’s Spirit for themselves, under the oversight and direction of the human minister. Ed was pretty stringent about not employing other techniques of ministry, which I found to be rather restrictive. Over time I developed my own way of employing many of the insights learned from theophostic while combining them with other proven methods. I called what I did “Personal Prayer Ministry” because it heavily relies upon prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit for direction and insight. I also feel free to employ Bible teaching, intercessory and warfare prayer, the gifts of the Spirit, and sharing wisdom gained through experience. A friend of mine introduced me to the Kylstras’ book, which I discovered lays out all the things I had been doing in a very wonderful and thorough way. Although I do not agree perfectly with everything they teach, especially their heavy emphasis on the demonic, I do believe it is the best book on the topic I have ever read. I highly recommend it and have used it as a textbook for training others.
To read what I have personally written on this subject, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Personal Prayer Ministry, you can contact me personally. I minister to individuals and train others to do the ministry, as long as they have the approval of their own pastoral leadership.
