He needs to repent.
In a recent development within the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), founder Mike Bickle has openly admitted to engaging in sinful behavior more than two decades ago. This acknowledgment follows IHOPKC leaders’ acceptance that at least one abuse allegation against Bickle carries “some credibility.” The confession surfaces amidst serious accusations from a woman known as Jane Doe, who asserts that Bickle financially supported her and participated in various sexual acts over a three-year period starting in 1996, when she was 19. Bickle clarified that his confession did not extend to the more intense sexual activities suggested by some.
The unfolding of these events began when IHOPKC founding member Dwayne Roberts, former IHOPKC Executive Leadership Team member Brian Kim, and former Forerunner Church Pastor Wes Martin brought forward allegations spanning several decades. They claimed to have initially approached Bickle directly following the principles outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 but were met with resistance. Additionally, they accused Bickle of attempting to intimidate, isolate, manipulate, and discredit the alleged victims.
Responding to the credible nature of the allegations, IHOPKC’s executive leadership asked Bickle to step away from public ministry on October 24. While they found limited evidence supporting five of the eight alleged victims, only Jane Doe was deemed credible. Bickle expressed authentic repentance for his past transgressions, emphasizing the pain inflicted on his family, the IHOPKC community, and others. He committed to refraining from public ministry as a disciplinary measure, entrusting the duration to God and expressing a peaceful acceptance of whatever lies ahead. Bickle urged his family and friends not to defend him, expressing confidence that the Lord would address the situation in His own timing, and sought forgiveness from both the IHOPKC community and the broader Christian audience.