In a surprising turn of events, Mike Bickle, the 68-year-old founder of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri (IHOPKC), known for his staunch anti-LGBTQ+ stance, is stepping away from his pastoral duties. Bickle faces accusations of “sexual immorality” by multiple women despite being married. The church’s leadership has taken action, stating that Bickle will not appear on church platforms, engage on social media, or participate in the church’s 24-hour prayer room until they thoroughly investigate the allegations against him.
Allegations Raise Concerns Among Church Leaders
The allegations against Bickle have sent shockwaves through the evangelical community. The church’s leaders, in a statement released on Facebook, expressed their concern, saying, “Without going into details to protect the privacy of the victims’ identities, we have found these allegations of clergy sexual abuse by Mike Bickle to be credible and long-standing.” They emphasized that the credibility of these allegations stems from the collective and corroborating testimony of several victims.
Bickle’s Sermon and the Response
During a recent sermon, Bickle made veiled references to his accusers, referring to accusations as “Satan’s most effective weapon in the end times.” The church leadership has urged him and other pastors to refrain from such language, emphasizing the need to minimize the pain experienced by those affected.
Controversial Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues
Mike Bickle’s departure comes amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding his views on LGBTQ+ issues. In the past, he has made incendiary remarks, including comparing Oprah Winfrey to the harbinger of the antichrist and warning against the legalization of gay marriage. His statements have drawn criticism and condemnation from various quarters.
As this situation unfolds, the future of IHOPKC remains uncertain, and questions about the impact of these allegations on Bickle’s evangelical following continue to linger in the community.