The investigation of IHOP-KC founder finds decades of sexual misconduct

A third-party investigation concluded this week that Mike Bickle, founder of International House of Prayer-Kansas City, committed sexual abuse or misconduct against 17 women over several decades. Firefly Independent Sexual Abuse Investigations, an independent organization, conducted the study.

“Throughout the investigation, we have identified and interviewed 17 survivors who were either sexually abused or experienced sexually abusive misconduct, including sexual abuse, rape, clergy abuse, and spiritual abuse, perpetrated by Bickle, beginning to our knowledge in the mid-1970s,” the report said. “These acts of abuse have had profound and lasting impacts on the lives of the victims, causing significant emotional, psychological, and spiritual harm. The survivors have shown immense courage in coming forward to share their experiences despite the fear and trauma associated with these events.”

Firefly investigators reviewed more than 6,000 documents directly related to the case, and a representative visited IHOP-KC to observe worship and praise activities.

“Based on the documented statements of victims and witnesses interviewed and the evidence in the form of documents and correspondence with the accused, this investigation concludes that Bickle has committed spiritual, emotional and sexual abuse within IHOP-KC,” the report concluded. “Bickle’s reported abuse was an ongoing course of action and patterned behavior starting as early as the 1970s based on victim accounts. Through the identified IHOP-KC programs, Bickle systematically groomed and developed inappropriate relationships with women in the congregation while using `Matthew 18 Meetings’ to conceal, minimize and silence victims of sexual abuse within the church.

“In further support of the above, victim accounts show Bickle’s repeated behavior in using prophetic language to speak to victims, isolating victims from others, purchasing gifts, frequent visits to church-supplied apartments where victims resided, controlling behavior, public praise and attention, frequent touching of victim’s bodies, kissing victims and creating circumstances where victims would observe him undressed and aroused.”

Firefly has made recommendations to the organization to ensure the safety of members.

“Given recent concerns, it is crucial to understand the proactive measures the board is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of church members,” the report said. “Despite multiple attempts to contact the current board of directors for comments on the proactive measures implemented within IHOP-KC, we have received no responses.”

The full report is available at Tikkun Global Report.

–Alan Goforth