International House of Prayer (IHOPKC)
Leader is facing serious allegations of widespread sexual misconduct over several decades
1999 - present
“What I’ve found is that what is proclaimed from the stage was not implemented in the day-to-day practical expression of Christianity,” -Jim Hester (former prayer room pastor)
The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) stands as a unique and controversial church in the landscape of modern religious movements. Founded in 1999 by Mike Bickle, a charismatic leader, IHOPKC quickly distinguished itself with its intense focus on prayer and worship, often involving 24/7 prayer sessions that drew both admiration and skepticism from observers.
Central to the IHOPKC's practices is the concept of continuous prayer. Members are encouraged to engage in unceasing worship, often in shifts, to maintain a perpetual state of prayer. This approach has garnered a significant following, with many drawn to the fervor and dedication displayed. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential for manipulation and the intense demands placed on participants, including allegations of pressuring members into lengthy prayer sessions and financial commitments.
However, it's not just the non-stop worship that has turned heads. IHOPKC has faced criticism for its alleged authoritarian leadership and manipulation. Former members have spoken out, describing the environment as controlling, with immense pressure to conform and dedicate excessive hours to prayer and service, often at the expense of personal health and well-being.
Controversy has also surrounded the group's apocalyptic and prophetic teachings. Bickle and other IHOPKC leaders have been known to emphasize end-time scenarios, often interpreting current events as signs of the impending apocalypse. This focus has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it fosters fear and an unhealthy fixation on the end of the world.
The group's teachings, too, have been a point of contention. IHOPKC espouses a charismatic form of Christianity, focusing on prophecy, divine healing, and the end times. This has led to accusations of the group being a "cult," a claim that IHOPKC vehemently denies. Critics argue that the group's focus on the end times and prophecy can lead to a fear-based theology, while supporters see it as a vital part of their faith.
Some of the most serious allegations against the church involve recent allegations of sexual misconduct by founder Mike Bickle. On October 28, 2023, a group of former IHOPKC leaders published a statement formally accusing Bickle of sexual misconduct towards "several victims" over "several decades." The authors of this statement have pointed to 20 witnesses of these improprieties, and have formally accused Bickle of using manipulation and intimidation to try to cover up his sins. The church has denied many of these accusations and have refused to conduct an independent investigation.
IHOPKC's influence extends beyond its prayer room. It operates a university, the International House of Prayer University, which offers courses in ministry, music, and media. This educational arm works to imbue students with the group's intense prayer-focused ideology, further expanding its reach.
The controversies surrounding IHOPKC are complex, with the organization balancing on a fine line between devout religious practice and extreme behavior. But, despite these controversies, IHOPKC continues to attract a dedicated following. Its emphasis on passionate worship and prayer has resonated with many, even as it remains a subject of debate and scrutiny within the wider religious landscape. The group's future, much like its teachings, is a topic of ongoing discussion and interest among both followers and critics.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Evangelical
Founder: Mike Bickle
Founded: 1999
Location: Based in Kansas City, MO
In 1990, Mike Bickle was formally accused of manipulation, deceit, and spiritual misconduct. Afterward, 40 Kansas City pastors came forward in agreement with these accusations (source)
Bickle has also been associated with other "prophets" that were caught in scandals; Bob Jones (no relation to the university) admitted to sexual misconduct and spiritual abuse, and Paul Cain was disciplined over homosexual behavior and alcoholism (source)
Discourages members from going to college (source)
Believes that the Second Coming will soon occur and that God needs the cult's help to return Christ to Earth (source)
IHOPKC missionaries were featured in the documentary "God Loves Uganda," which suggests that churches like IHOPKC bore responsibility for Uganda's controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act (source)
The church has been associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, which replaces traditional church governance with prophets and apostles, but has denied being part of this movement (source)
Bickle does not refer to himself as an "Apostle" but also doesn't discourage others from referring to him as such (source)
After member Bethany Deaton was found dead in 2012, Micah Moore, another member of the church, confessed to murdering her and told police he was part of a bible study group that had performed several sexual assaults on her. He later recanted this claim. (source, source)
On October 28, 2023, a group of former IHOPKC leaders published a statement formally accusing founder Mike Bickle of sexual misconduct towards "several victims" over "several decades." The statement notes that Bickle refused to meet to discuss these allegations and instead "used manipulating and intimidating tactics (source)
According to one of the founding members of the church, "around 20 witnesses have come forward with first-hand experience of impropriety" (source)
In November 2023, the church removed Bickle from leadership amid allegations that he sexually abused multiple women for decades (source)
Two former prayer room pastors said that they don't trust IHOPKC leaders to properly handle reports of abuse, based on their past experience (source)
One former prayer room pastor said that she’s received “conservatively 40 to 50” text messages from men and women, claiming IHOPKC mishandled their emotional and sexual abuse (source)
Nancy Hester, a former prayer room pastor, testified that after she reported sexual abuse to executive director Stuart Greaves, Greaves shamed her, said she was "overly emotional," and even used Hester's phone to call her mother and say that she was making up the story (source)
Executive director Stuart Greaves has urged multiple victims of sexual abuse not to go to the police, according to witnesses (source)
One woman testified that one of the leaders, who was also dating a different student, tried to remove her clothes and initiate a sexual encounter when she was 19. When she went to Stuart Greaves, the executive director, Greaves blamed her for the leader's sexual misconduct (source)
The church has looked into these allegations, but declined to conduct a third-party investigation, citing a lack of evidence and claiming that some of the alleged victims said the reports were false (source)