Practice what you preach!
As a Christian, a man is devoted to creating a community of honorable, honest people who abide by the Canon law and imbibe traditional values.
But what if the church leader is the one to infest the entire community?
This case in point exhibits the perils of faith and a man who converted trust into perversion.
On October 28, 2023, a group of leaders from the International House of Prayer Kansas City released a statement documenting the allegations against the founder and leader, Mike Bickle. Multiple women have come forward with their accounts of abuse by 68-year-old Evangelical leader Bickle. The case is under investigation.
Who Is the Leader of the IHOPKC?
International House of Prayers was founded in 1999, stationed at Kansas City. One man rose to prominence for this initiative that redefined their community.
Mike Bickle has always been inclined to spirituality, with deeply rooted values of Christianity. He first started conducting prayer meets and leading church activities at just 15. Needless to say, he was well-respected, serving as a pastor for several churches.
His growing influence earned him a substantial foothold, as he founded the International House of Prayer in Kansas City in 1999. It was a dedicated organization for a 24/7 prayer room, bible study, and studies on worship and works of justice.
He soon garnered recognition outside the state, while the 2010 IHOPKC annual Onething conference in Kansas City saw over 25,000 attendees.
The Christian community banked on the “wisdom” of their leader, as Bickle went on to author an array of religious books, including Growing in Prayer, Passion for Jesus, God’s Answer to the Growing Crisis, Growing in the Prophetic, and Prayers to Strengthen Your Inner Man.
This implies the power this pastor holds in the coterie. But at the same time, it made it that much more challenging to raise allegations against such an influential person, especially since he is shielded by the pretext of sanctity of religion.
How Old Is Mike Bickle?
Mike Bickle was born on July 17, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri. Ever since his spiritual awakening when he was just 15 years old, he believed he had a “special relationship with Jesus.”
Per the Christian values of creating a family, Bickle married a woman of faith, Diane, who shares two sons. Bickle is also a grandfather to six kids.
Hence, the recent allegations have thunderbolt the community that a family man of such high principles could be involved in sexual misconduct.
Bickle is 68 years old now since the allegations have surfaced against him.
What Are the Accusations Against Mike Bickle?
The foundation of IHOPKC has shaken to the core as the other leaders issued a heartwrenching statement, considering the severity of the allegations. Although the report refrains from going into the harrowing details of the allegations, it still highlights that multiple women have alleged sexual abuse and stand against the influential leader with credibility. The statement reads–
“Without going into details to protect the privacy of the victims’ identities, we have found these allegations of clergy s*xual abuse by Mike Bickle to be credible and long-standing. The credibility of these allegations is not based on any one experience or any one victim but on the collective and corroborating testimony of the experiences of several victims.”
However, the evangelical leader still boasts the support of his loyal followers, who would stick up for him no matter what. The former IHOPKC leaders also exposed Bickle’s tactics, stating–
“Instead, Mike used manipulating and intimidating tactics towards the victims to isolate them and discredit them. When these allegations were brought to our attention, we were shocked. We could never have imagined that inappropriate conduct with women was something we would ever need to be concerned about.”
Bickle also indirectly addressed these allegations during a sermon on one of the Matins. He whipped out the religious card to deflect from the allegation, using the Bible verse of Revelation 12:10. He said–
“Satan’s most effective weapon in the end times is accusation,” implying that his fellow leaders are trying to take him down with false allegations. He further stated that– “whispered innuendoes into hostile accusations that destroy lives and relationships.”
Bickle then proceeded to accuse the Church of breaking the community, saying–
“the church is approaching the most glorious and challenging hour in history with the dragon (black horse) breathing on many to accuse and betray each other.”
The case is still under investigation but has marred the faith of the Christian community.
What is your take on this? Do you believe these allegations are true? Should Bickle be allowed to conduct morning service even when he is under investigation?
Let us know in the comments section below.
