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Mike Bickle (minister)

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Mike Bickle
Bickle in 2011
Born
Michael Leroy Bickle

(1955-07-17) July 17, 1955 (age 69)
Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
Occupation(s)Former pastor, International House of Prayer

Michael Leroy Bickle (born July 17, 1955)[1] is a former American evangelical leader and founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). Once the leader of IHOPKC, Bickle oversaw several ministries and a Bible school until his dismissal in December 2023[2] after confessing to sexual misconduct.[3][4] Bickle has also been accused of child sexual abuse.[4]

Ministry

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Bickle became an evangelical Christian at fifteen when his football coach paid his way to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes student conference in Estes Park, Colorado. Bickle committed himself to become an evangelical Christian.[5]

Bickle claims to have had several encounters with God during his ministry, including hearing the audible voice of God and being taken to heaven twice.[6] Bickle's accounts of supernatural encounters were disputed[7] following his confession to sexual misconduct.[3]

In 1999, Bickle stopped working for the church that he was pastoring, Metro Christian Fellowship, and started the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC).[8] IHOPKC is known for its daily prayer meetings based on its "harp and bowl" worship model that are held 24 hours a day since September 19, 1999. IHOPKC also established a Bible college, known as the International House of Prayer University and internships for young adults, all of which closed after Bickle confessed to sexual misconduct. At its height, the ministry consisted of approximately 2,500 full-time staff members, students, and interns.[9][10]

IHOPKC organized an annual Onething conference at the Kansas City Convention Center. In 2010, the event saw around 25,000 young adults in attendance. The conference focused on worship music and sermons on prayer, evangelism, and Christian eschatology.[11][12] The final conference was held during the last week of 2018.

Bickle endorsed Ted Cruz for president in 2016.[13][14]

IHOPKC's leadership placed Bickle on administrative leave in November 2023 due to allegations of abuse. After Bickle's confession and more allegations coming to light, IHOPKC cut all ties with Bickle on December 23, 2023.[2]

Theology

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Bickle's teachings focused on eschatology, prayer, and fasting, with a particular emphasis on passion for Jesus, the first commandment, and prophecy.[15] Bickle also taught the Song of Songs which he interprets as an allegory of the relationship between the body of believers (that is, the church) and God.[16] Bickle also taught on God's spiritual purposes for Israel. He believes that it is important for Christians to pray for the spiritual salvation of the Jews.[17]

For a time, Bickle was affiliated with John Wimber's Vineyard movement, before leaving it in 1996.[18]

Criticism

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There has been criticism of Bickle's theology and ministry practices. Aspects of his ministry which have been particularly controversial include his view of the prophetic ministry.[19] Bickle's ministry has been criticized with focus on the sexual activities of some of the ministers that were closely connected with his ministry in the 1980s and 1990s, including Bob Jones[20][21] and Paul Cain, though neither has been directly involved with Bickle's ministry for several years as a result.[22][23][21]

However, as of 2017, Bickle continued to praise Bob Jones and would credit him with the start of the International House of Prayer with no mention of the sexual abuse.[24]

In 1990 Kansas City pastor Ernie Gruen published a report entitled "Documentation of the Aberrant Practices and Teaching of the Kansas City Fellowship (Grace Ministries)". After the publication of this document, Bickle announced that he was submitting to John Wimber's oversight and joined the Association of Vineyard Churches in part to address the issues raised by his critics.[25][26][27][28] Bickle later noted that "We were tempted to say that the attacks were all of the devil. In retrospect, we see that God's hand in all of this – even using the things that came from Satan's hand as well. Some of the criticisms were valid (especially concerning our pride); others were not."[29][30] Since that time, Ernie Gruen and Bickle have reconciled and forgiven one another.[31]

Prior to his dismissal for sexual misconduct, Bickle's ministry was endorsed by several American charismatic leaders, including Dr. Jack W. Hayford, Bill Bright, Loren Cunningham, and C. Peter Wagner.[32][33]

Bickle came under fire from the Anti-Defamation League for controversial statements deemed by them as antisemitic and intolerant of Jews.[13][14]

Sexual abuse allegations

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On October 28, 2023, news broke that Bickle faced allegations of sexual abuse from several women over a span of decades.[34][35][36] The next day, International House of Prayer announced that Bickle had been placed on administrative leave from all public ministry pending investigation. IHOPKC subsequently contracted Stinson LLP to conduct the investigation.[37][38][39] Following criticism about its decision to hire Stinson LLP, the organization chose instead a local Kansas City law firm to lead the investigation.[40] On November 30, 2023 "Jane Doe" alleged that Bickle sexually abused her from 1996 to 1999, starting when she was 19 and he was 42.[41][42] On December 12, 2023, Bickle confessed to past misconduct, while denying some of the allegations.[3] On December 22, IHOPKC announced that the internal investigation confirmed Bickle had engaged in "inappropriate behavior" of a nature that required IHOPKC to "immediately, formally, and permanently" sever ties with him.[2]

On February 7, 2024, the Kansas City Star published a first-hand account of Bickle's grooming and sexual abuse of Tammy Woods in the 1980s beginning when Woods was 14 years of age and Bickle was in his mid-20s. The article details Woods' experiences, her reason for not reporting until 2024, corroborating testimony from Woods' family and a close friend, as well as Bickle's attempt to communicate with Woods after the initial allegations were made known in 2023.[4]

Books

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  • Dynamic Intercession by Mike Bickle ISBN 0-85009-806-8
  • Passion for Jesus: Perfecting Extravagant Love for God by Mike Bickle (1994) ISBN 0-88419-258-X
  • Growing in the Prophetic by Mike Bickle (1996/2008) ISBN 978-1-59979-312-2
  • The Pleasures of Loving God by Mike Bickle (2000) ISBN 0-88419-662-3
  • After God's Own Heart by Mike Bickle (2003) ISBN 1-59185-230-7
  • The Rewards of Fasting by Mike Bickle and Dana Candler (2005) ISBN 0-9776738-1-2
  • The Seven Longings of the Human Heart by Mike Bickle and Deborah Hiebert (2006) ISBN 0-9776738-4-7
  • Loving God by Mike Bickle (2007) ISBN 978-1-59979-175-3
  • Passion for Jesus: Cultivating Extravagant Love for God by Mike Bickle (2007) ISBN 978-1-59979-060-2
  • Growing in Prayer: A Real-Life Guide to Talking with God by Mike Bickle (2014) ISBN 978-1-62136-046-9

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Riss, Richard M. (2002). "Bickle, Mike". In Stanley M. Burgess (ed.). The new international dictionary of Pentecostal and charismatic movements (Rev. and expanded ed.). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House. p. 417. ISBN 0-310-22481-0.
  2. ^ a b c Judy Thomas (December 23, 2023). "IHOPKC confirms 'inappropriate behavior,' announces permanent split with Bickle". The Kansas City Star.
  3. ^ a b c "Mike Bickle, founder of prayer movement, confesses to past misconduct". Washington Post. 2023-12-14. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  4. ^ a b c Thomas, Judy (February 7, 2024). "Woman says IHOPKC founder groomed, sexually abused her when she was 14 in the 1980s". Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  5. ^ Hipp, Deb (10 October 2002). "Return of the Prophets". The Pitch (Kansas City). Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  6. ^ "This IHOP serves generous portions of prayer". Reading Eagle. Reading, Pennsylvania. McClatchy-Tribune. 8 August 2009. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  7. ^ Shepherd, Josh (May 16, 2024). "Investigative Report Debunks Mike Bickle's Often-Told '4:18 Prophecy' As False".
  8. ^ "Round-the-clock prayer group trades riches for religion 'IHOP' teams live with little more to give". The Washington Times. 5 April 2001. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  9. ^ Ministry Marks 10 Years of Nonstop Prayer and Worship, archived from the original on 2011-05-17, retrieved 2010-09-24
  10. ^ About Mike Bickle, archived from the original on 2010-09-21, retrieved 2010-09-23
  11. ^ LeClaire, Jennifer (28 December 2010). "25,000 Young Adults Gather at IHOP Conference". Charisma. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  12. ^ Bickle, Mike (December 2008), PODCAST: The Great Role for this Generation, Kansas City, MO: International house of prayer Onething'08, retrieved 2008-12-16[dead link]
  13. ^ a b "Ted Cruz defends pastor who said God will send hunters for Jews". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. February 11, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  14. ^ a b Cortellessa (February 11, 2016). "Jewish groups press Cruz to explain controversial backer". The Times of Israel. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  15. ^ Grady, J. Lee (December 29, 2009), "Where Is God Going? Seven Spiritual Trends of the '00 Decade", Charisma Magazine (December 2009), paragraph 6, retrieved 2010-09-25
  16. ^ Yoars, Marcus (1 November 2010). "We Won't Stop Praying". Charisma. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2011.
  17. ^ Falk, Gerhard (2006). The Restoration of Israel: Christian Zionism in Religion, Literature, and Politics. Peter Lang. p. 49. ISBN 978-0-8204-8862-2. Retrieved 10 February 2011.
  18. ^ Beverly, James (October 7, 1996). "Leading Church Leaves Association".
  19. ^ Maudlin, Michael G. (January 14, 1991), "Seers in the Heartland", Christianity Today, 35 (1): 18–21, ISSN 0009-5753 "Several cult-watching groups have expressed apprehension, and a few, condemnation. Even some Vineyard churches have expressed grave concerns about the direction the prophets are taking them."
  20. ^ Bickle, Mike (Fall 1989), "Visions and Revelations" Mike Bickle interviews Bob Jones, (audiotape) Background info on Bob Jones
  21. ^ a b "Kansas City 'Prophet' Disciplined", Christianity Today, 36 (3): 67, March 9, 1992, ISSN 0009-5753"Vineyard leaders took strong steps recently to discipline well-known "prophet" Bob Jones after Jones admitted to "Sexual misconduct (not adultery)" with two women." "Vineyard leadership also is supporting the Joneses through regular counseling, visits by the Kansas City Metro Vineyard leadership, and monetary contributions."
  22. ^ Joyner, Rick; Bickle, Mike; Deere, Jack (October 25, 2007), Special Bulletin, No. 37, archived from the original on October 27, 2004, retrieved 2008-02-03
  23. ^ Grady, J. Lee (March 2005), "Prophetic Minister Paul Cain Issues Public Apology for Immoral Lifestyle", Charisma and Christian Life, Altamonte Springs, FL, ISSN 0279-0424, archived from the original on June 12, 2008, retrieved 2008-01-28
  24. ^ "A Prophecy from Bob Jones - Pastor Mike Bickle on the Jim Bakker Show". YouTube. 24 August 2017.
  25. ^ Gibson, Keith (May–June 2007), "Speaking for God? A Response to the Apostolic and Prophetic Movement", Areopagus Journal, 7 (3): 67, ISSN 1542-040X Gibson notes "To Bickle, apparently, the Trinity is one of those "lesser doctrines" around which a true prophet may be misinformed."
  26. ^ Grady, J. Lee (September–October 1990), "Resolving the Kansas City Prophecy Controversy", Ministries Today, Lake Mary, FL: Strang Communications Company, pp. 50–51, OCLC 132797310 "Gruen says he first became troubled about some of KCF's doctrines after a disagreement with Bickle during a pastor's retreat in 1984." and "In a surprise announcement, he [Wimber] said that Bickle and his associates had agreed to submit themselves to his oversight and become part of Wimber's Vineyard Ministries. The KCF network of fellowships would become Vineyard churches."
  27. ^ Beverly, James A. (1995), Holy laughter and the Toronto blessing: an investigative report, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, p. 180, ISBN 978-0-310-20497-8
  28. ^ Poloma, Margaret M. (2003), Main Street Mystics: The Toronto Blessing & Reviving Pentecostalism, Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, p. 151, ISBN 978-0-7591-0353-5 "Despite the accusations of 'false prophecy and misconduct' directed at Bickle, Wimber stood by the Kansas City prophets and encouraged Bickle to bring his church into the AVC."
  29. ^ Bickle, Mike; Sullivant, Michael (1996), Growing in the Prophetic, Orlando, FL: Charisma House, ISBN 0-88419-426-4
  30. ^ Maudlin, Michael G. (January 14, 1991), "Seers in the Heartland", Christianity Today, 35 (1): 18–21, ISSN 0009-5753 "To cap it all off, Mike Bickle received public correction (from Wimber) for exaggerating some prophecies, for allowing too much latitude with some prophetic ministers, and for unnecessarily provoking other Kansas City churches for making unwise statements about the role of KCF."
  31. ^ Gruen, Ernie (16 May 1993). "Ernie Gruen and Mike Bickle's Joint Statement from 1993". IHOPKC.org. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  32. ^ Endorsements, archived from the original on 2011-12-10, retrieved 2020-04-03
  33. ^ Deere, Jack (1993), Foreword, Passion for Jesus, pp. Page ix
  34. ^ Gibson, Carl (2023-10-30). "Far-right Evangelical leader accused of 'serious allegations spanning several decades". MSN.
  35. ^ Thomas, Judy (28 October 2023). "International House of Prayer-Kansas City's founder faces allegations of misconduct". Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  36. ^ Smietana, Bob (29 October 2023). "Mike Bickle, leader of IHOP movement, accused of sexual abuse". Religion News Service. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  37. ^ Statement by the IHOPKC Leadership Team Regarding Allegations Against Mike Bickle (Speech). Kansas City, Missouri: International House of Prayer. November 13, 2023.
  38. ^ Hopkins, Rebecca (6 November 2023). "International House of Prayer Announces Independent Investigation, But Victims & Advocates Remain Wary". The Roys Report. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  39. ^ Martin, Stephanie (9 November 2023). "Church Members and Abuse Advocates Urge IHOPKC To 'Investigate With Integrity'". Church Leaders. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  40. ^ Flener, Matt (10 November 2023). "International House of Prayer hires new law firm after calls for third-party investigation". KMBC News. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  41. ^ Hopkins, Rebecca (December 2023). "Woman Says IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle Used Prophecy to Sexually Abuse Her". The Roys Report. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  42. ^ Thomas, Judy. "IHOPKC says new firm will assure impartial investigation into sexual misconduct claims". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
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