Before assigning articles for this issue of LEADERSHIP, our editors asked scores of pastors, "What interests you about the supernatural?" Despite the open-ended nature of the question, most of the conversations followed a remarkably similar pattern.

Most turned immediately toward the dark side-spiritual warfare, demonic influences, exorcism. The recent proliferation of books about spiritual warfare-fiction thrillers as well as manuals on how to know and combat the Enemy-has heightened the interest in many congregations.

Many pastors were concerned that today's preoccupation with such topics was unhealthy, rousing fear, suspicion, and too much attention on the occult. Others were curious, wanting to know more, especially about "deliverance ministry."

Eventually, however, the conversations would broaden, and often we'd hear, "But there's a lot more to the supernatural than demons. After all, conversion, forgiveness, and changed lives are part of the supernatural, too."

One pastor in Maryland ...