This situation represents serious spiritual compromise that demands compassionate but firm pastoral intervention.
The Biblical Severity
Consulting mediums and spiritists defiles a person (Lev 19:31), and God sets His face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists, cutting them off from His people (Lev 20:6). Witchcraft is listed among the acts of the flesh, and those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom (Gal 5:19–21). The woman’s claim that God is using a witch or medium directly contradicts Scripture—when someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, you should instead inquire of God and consult His instruction, for if anyone does not speak according to God’s word, they have no light (Isa 8:19–20).
What Has Happened
The woman has abandoned trust in God’s sufficiency and embraced spiritual deception. Such practices are offensive to God and detestable to Him, and no believer should indulge in practices which God despises[1]. Her spiritual condition is now compromised, regardless of whether the witch’s claims about spells are real.
The Church’s Response
The church should pursue redemptive discipline rather than immediate condemnation. When dealing with witchcraft and sorcery, the church should recognize these involve spiritualistic powers, while focusing on Jesus as Savior and Lord who is willing to help those suffering[2]. Hold the person responsible for her behavior and motives, calling her to repentance—sin is dealt with by repentance, not exorcism[3].
Point her to Jesus as Redeemer and ultimate answer to suffering; offer prayers claiming deliverance in Jesus’ name, and consider referring her to Christian counseling[2]. If she remains unwilling to sever ties with the spiritualistic realm after the church’s efforts, resort to church discipline to protect the community—but incorporate members who repent of their connection to witchcraft back into fellowship[2].
The goal is her restoration through truth and compassion, not punishment.
[1] Raymond Brown, The Message of Deuteronomy: Not by Bread Alone, ed. J. A. Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1993), 184.
[2] Kwabena Donkor, ed., The Church, Culture and Spirits: Adventism in Africa (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2011), 236–237.
[3] David Powlison, “The Classical Model,” in Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views, ed. Paul Rhodes Eddy and James K. Beilby (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 102–103.
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