COMMUNITY TAKING STRATEGIES: Spiritual Mapping And Research For Community Impact

“So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to pass. So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.”
(Nehemiah 2:11–15)

“Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, ‘Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.’”
(Numbers 13:17–20)

INTRODUCTION

As we approach the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord is releasing fresh revelations and divine strategies to the Body of Christ, especially for those with a hearing ear. The Great Commission still stands, yet the challenge remains—over 85 million souls in Nigeria alone have not received Jesus, and globally, 3.6 billion people have not yet heard the Gospel.

In response to this burden, God is revealing supernatural strategies to equip His church to reach the unreached more effectively. One of such powerful tools is Spiritual Mapping—a prophetic and intercessory tool for identifying and confronting the spiritual roots of darkness over communities.

1. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL MAPPING?

Spiritual mapping is God’s prophetic revelation about the spiritual condition of a specific land, city, region, or nation. It is the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to see the invisible influences in the heavenly realm over an area. Just as an X-ray reveals internal conditions to a doctor, spiritual mapping reveals the enemy’s position, weapons, and tactics to intercessors.

It involves receiving prophetic insight about the spiritual state of people, places, and systems, and then using that information for targeted prayer and evangelism. Spiritual mapping is not an end, but a means to advance the Gospel more powerfully through spiritual warfare.

2. WHY IS SPIRITUAL MAPPING NECESSARY? (Joshua 2:1–2)

In natural warfare, soldiers scout enemy territory to know their strength and weaknesses. Likewise, in spiritual warfare, we must seek revelation of the strongholds holding our communities captive.

Deliverance ministers have long known that greater results come when specific demons are identified and commanded out in Jesus’ name. Spiritual mapping helps the church pray with precision.

Benefits of Spiritual Mapping:

Helps us understand the past to address today’s problems
Leads to specific, targeted prayers
Avoids wasting time in general, vague prayers
Promotes more accurate spiritual warfare
Increases effectiveness and reduces casualties
Leads to faster and more joyful victories

The Gulf War in 2001 demonstrated the power of mapping in natural war. The church must do the same in the spiritual.

3. LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL MAPPING

Spiritual mapping can be conducted at different levels:

Personal or household mapping
Neighborhood or community mapping
City-wide or regional mapping
National mapping
Mapping for clusters of nations or global movements

4. SPIRITUAL MAPPING MANUAL

Mapping typically includes:

Historical Research
Physical Research
Spiritual Research

a. Historical Research

i. Founding of the Community

Who founded the area and why?
What were their beliefs or motivations?
What does the name of the community mean? Has it changed? Is the name linked to occult or blessing?

ii. Later History

What role has the community played in national development?
Were there major political, economic, or cultural shifts?
Any natural disasters or bloodshed?
How has the poor or oppressed been treated?
Has there been corruption in leadership?
What is the city’s motto, music culture, and general perception today?

iii. Religious History

Non-Christian religions:

Were traditional religions present before Christianity?
Are there secret societies like Freemasonry?
Are there visible occultic or satanic groups?

Christianity:

When and how did the Gospel enter?
What impact has the church made?
Is the church growing, stagnant, or declining?
Have there been church splits or disunity?

b. Physical Research

Study old and new maps. What changed over time?
Who designed the town layout? Any occultic involvement?
Are there symbols or patterns in the city structure?
What are the meanings behind parks, monuments, and artwork?
Where are the centers of sin? (e.g., brothels, casinos, abortion centers)
Are there areas prone to violence or poverty?
Where is the highest geographical point and what is located there?

c. Spiritual Research

i. Non-Christian Observations:

Identify demonic altars, shrines, temples, or cult centers
Know the names of local deities or territorial spirits
Discover if curses were placed on the land

ii. Christian Observations:

Where are the churches, and which are spiritually vibrant?
Are there true elders in the city (spiritually mature leaders)?
Is there prayer saturation?
How united are the Christians across denominations?

iii. Revelational Insight:

What are mature intercessors saying prophetically?
What strongholds are influencing the area?
Who are the demonic gatekeepers in different zones?

5. WHY CONDUCT COMMUNITY RESEARCH?

To expose enemy strongholds (like Nehemiah did)
For better allocation of workers and intercessors (Ezek. 17)
To use the right weapons (2 Cor. 10:4)
To seek God’s timing and strategy
To direct prophetic prayers and actions with accuracy
A mapped region is easier to take spiritually
To perform prophetic acts like laying siege spiritually (Ezek. 37:15–22; Deut. 20:10–20)

6. WHAT TO RESEARCH IN A COMMUNITY

The spiritual atmosphere over the land (Ps. 19:1–6)
Relationship between altars and thrones in the heavens (Jer. 44:16–19)
The land and its history
The waters, rivers, and marine influences (Job 14:3; Rev. 17:15)
The openness or spiritual lockdown of the land
The presence of evil altars that may pollute the land
The length of fasts and prayers needed
Identify Satanic temples and occultic strongholds
The spiritual background of community leaders—were they dedicated to idols?
Has the Gospel been embraced or rejected?
Locate major seats of demonic power
Understand foundational history, names, and founding spirits

7. TAKING YOUR COMMUNITY FOR GOD

a. Select the Territory

Choose a manageable geographical area with discernible boundaries

b. Unite the Pastors

Build unity among church leaders and pray regularly together

c. Represent the Full Body of Christ

Avoid denominational biases. Let the effort reflect the entire Body of Christ

d. Prepare Spiritually

Lead Christians into repentance, humility, and consecration

e. Do Thorough Research

Investigate the area’s history, culture, and spiritual climate

f. Activate the Intercessors

Work with mature intercessors to discern:

The redemptive purpose of the community
The spiritual strongholds hindering revival
The territorial spirits controlling the area
The corporate sins of the land (past and present)
God’s strategic plan and divine timing for revival

CONCLUSION

Spiritual Mapping is a divine tool for strategic-level intercession and prophetic action. Through it, the Church can rise in power and unity, tear down strongholds, and reclaim territories for the Kingdom of God. Let every believer, leader, and intercessor arise with the burden of heaven to see their community transformed for Jesus Christ!