Our Commitment to Prayer Amidst Change
After much prayer and deliberation with the Board, we have come to the conclusion that we will wind down many of the ministry and training expressions of IHOPKC, including IHOPU, Forerunner Church, CEC, and Internships. Our ongoing focus as a ministry will remain on the 24/7 prayer room and intercession for Israel.
After much prayer and deliberation with the Board, we have come to the conclusion that we will wind down many of the ministry and training expressions of IHOPKC, including IHOPU, Forerunner Church, CEC, and Internships. Our ongoing focus as a ministry will remain on the 24/7 prayer room and intercession for Israel.
Some might ask how we got to this point. To be clear, this is more than a response to the crisis of the last six months. After thorough examination of all aspects of IHOPKC, we have determined that the need for reform and change is vast. Therefore, we are taking a course that is deliberate and intentional, though not easy.
The financial and personnel losses have not been without consequence, yet they are only a part of the deeper issues we must address in order to continue night and day prayer for future generations. The governance and structure of a Mission Base with a church, ministry school, ministries, and hundreds of staff have been strained for several years and need reform. We believe now is the opportune time to address those challenges through a transition and reorganization process.
This ministry has produced much fruit over the years, and we are profoundly grateful for those who pioneered, sowed, labored, and believed in this people’s calling —a call that still remains. In the immediate season, it is clear that we need to focus on the prayer room as our primary assignment as the Lord gives us grace.
We are still navigating the details as many areas wind down. Not all ministries or areas will be on the same timeline, so this will take time. We are in a volatile environment, but we’re working day by day with the Board to finalize details and timelines.
We care deeply about the IHOPKC staff, our local community, partners, friends abroad, and our relationships with the international community and Israel. We plan to continue to share what we do know and communicate in the days ahead as details become clear.
Joseph Taylor
Executive Director
Grieving Together
Words cannot express the anger, shock, heartbreak, and sadness we have experienced as we have learned of allegations and testimonies of sexual abuse and manipulation concerning Mike Bickle, founder of IHOPKC.
We believe that Mike Bickle sexually abused and manipulated Jane Doe and Tammy Woods, who was a minor at the time. His predatory and abusive actions are sick and violate the Word of God, the marriage covenant, and holiness; we condemn them in their entirety.
February 8, 2024
Words cannot express the anger, shock, heartbreak, and sadness we have experienced as we have learned of allegations and testimonies of sexual abuse and manipulation concerning Mike Bickle, founder of IHOPKC.
We believe that Mike Bickle sexually abused and manipulated Jane Doe and Tammy Woods, who was a minor at the time. His predatory and abusive actions are sick and violate the Word of God, the marriage covenant, and holiness; we condemn them in their entirety.
In hindsight, we realize that Mike’s two Friday night messages on October 13th and 20th were manipulative attempts to construct a narrative of innocence concerning himself. We deeply regret allowing him on the platform, and we acknowledge and apologize for the pain and confusion this caused.
Additionally, our staff meeting on October 27th lacked the necessary disclosure and candor to meet the gravity of the situation. For this, we also apologize.
Many in our community have been pained by our communications regarding these allegations. We are sorry we fell short in this area and left you feeling unseen, unheard and unappreciated. We thank you for your patience and perseverance in spite of our shortcomings. As a leadership team, we are committed to do better.
Words are insufficient to communicate the pain and anguish many have born in this and prior seasons as a result of Mike Bickle’s wrongdoings. Our hope and prayer is that victims in our community, and in any community, find solace and healing through the mercy of Christ.
The IHOPKC Leadership Team
The David House Agency and IHOPKC - February 2024
IHOPKC and I are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts and invaluable counsel of Eric Volz and the David House Agency. Eric has proven himself to be an absolute professional, serving with strength, courage and integrity. He agreed to serve as the spokesman for IHOPKC when no one else could step into that role. I am convinced that this ministry would not have survived this crisis without the sound advice and precise communication that he provided on our behalf.
IHOPKC and I are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts and invaluable counsel of Eric Volz and the David House Agency. Eric has proven himself to be an absolute professional, serving with strength, courage and integrity. He agreed to serve as the spokesman for IHOPKC when no one else could step into that role. I am convinced that this ministry would not have survived this crisis without the sound advice and precise communication that he provided on our behalf.
We are immensely grateful for his sacrifice to come alongside us during this difficult time. He fulfilled his duties tirelessly, and with honor and integrity.
Our spiritual family honors him and prays that God bless him and keep him in all of his future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Kurt Fuller & the IHOPKC Senior Leadership Team
Joseph Taylor
Alisha Powell
Isaac Bennett
Lenny LaGuardia
Matt Candler
Mike Bickle Independent Investigation Report Released
Independent investigator Rosalee McNamara released an un-redacted report of her findings today concerning the allegations of abuse against Mike Bickle, the founder of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPKC).
Independent investigator Rosalee McNamara released an un-redacted report of her findings today concerning the allegations of abuse against Mike Bickle, the founder of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPKC).Watch this video of Eric Volz responding to the critical findings of the independent investigation and the report.
As our community marks 100 days since the onset of this crisis, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, shedding light on the truth and addressing the concerns of our community. You can also find a copy of the report at the link below.View the un-redacted independent investigation into allegations of clergy abuse by Mike Bickle prepared by Rosalee McNamara of Lathrop GPM report here
Update on Allegations Against Mike Bickle
Dear IHOPKC community,
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
Significant updates were announced at our 11am church service on December 10.
Official Update December 10, 2023
Dear IHOPKC community,
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
Significant updates were announced at our 11am church service on December 10.
1) ELT Passes Management of the Crisis to Board of Directors. As a matter of wisdom, governance, and the growing size and complexity of this crisis our Executive Director, Stuart Greaves, along with IHOPKC’s legal counsel, decided it was best for him to pass off the day to day management of this crisis to the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors.
For Stuart to pass off the crisis management aspect of this will allow him to focus on our community, the body, our base, and the healing of hearts.
In addition, IHOPKC has appointed an official outside spokesperson, Eric Volz. Volz is the managing director of The David House Agency, an international crisis resource agency. The New York Times recognized Eric as a highly sought crisis manager and his involvement is visible in some of the highest-profile cases of recent years.
2) IHOPKC Has Engaged a New Third-Party to Conduct an Independent and Impartial Investigation. The firm has extensive experience conducting independent investigations into high-profile cases across the Kansas City metro area, including those involving clergy abuse allegations. They are highly sought after due to the skill and thoroughness by which they conduct investigations. Importantly, they are also trauma-informed.IHOPKC does not control this investigation, meaning that it has no ability to dictate the process or outcome.While IHOPKC is shouldering the financial burden, the investigators operate completely independently. The investigators have already started: IHOPKC has turned over it’s documents, and the investigators are in contact with the Advocate Group and all known alleged victims.The length of time it takes for this investigation will depend on several factors, the main one being whether or not the alleged victims and parties involved are willing to participate. We hope that they will participate, so that truth can be brought to light quickly.Since they have already started the investigation, their identity is not a secret. However, IHOPKC will not be publicizing the names of the investigative firm, lead investigator or any members of the investigative team in order to avoid any interference with their ability to conduct the investigation. To be clear, neither the investigator nor firm have ever had any ties to IHOPKC or any relationship with any of the involved parties.3) The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Has Been Formed. Lastly, Volz has announced that IHOPKC and it’s board of directors are planning to go beyond the third party investigation by building out what will be called, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.This Commission will include an advisory panel of outside leaders, a thorough examination of everything that has taken place in the past weeks, human resources experts, pastoral programs, regular community meetings, and much more. The details of that project will be shared more in detail in the near future.
In closing, PLEASE KNOW and BE ASSURED that IHOPKC deeply cares about sound oversight, accountability, and is open to improvement, this gift of crisis is what it can teach IHOPKC. This board of directors is not only willing, but eager to make improvements. We thank you for your patience and prayers.Executive Committee
— IHOPKC Board of Directors
ELT Update November 22, 2023
Dear IHOPKC community,
We’d like to share a few important updates and responses to frequently asked questions.
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
Dear IHOPKC community,
We’d like to share a few important updates and responses to frequently asked questions.
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
1) IHOPKC has contacted and is in communication with multiple third parties about conducting
an independent examination of the allegations presented by the Complaint Group, as well as a
review of IHOPKC’s Report on Initial Findings.
These third parties include national Christian leaders, journalists, and investigative firms who
were involved in #MeToo and investigated the SBC and RZIM.
There has been unfounded suspicion and sowed fear around IHOPKC’s choice to utilize law
firms to conduct the initial examination of the allegations. However, law firms are routinely
involved in the investigation of sexual abuse in accordance with due process – a fundamental
part of the justice system and a basic right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Without due process, complaints are taken at face-value, evidence is not required, proceedings
are unfair, and there is no accountability.
In this case, the disregard for due process by the Complaint Group that presented the
allegations against Mike Bickle and the fact that a potential crime has been alleged,
necessitated the use of law firms who understand and will operate within the confines of the
constitutional due process right. In addition to understanding due process, the law firms
IHOPKC chose are very experienced in representing victims of sexual abuse, including victims
of clergy abuse and victims in the Boy Scouts of America.
Simply put: IHOPKC takes this situation very seriously and has been adhering to due process to
verify the allegations presented to it, and unless/until IHOPKC is able to verify these allegations,
it cannot move forward with an investigation.
If IHOPKC is presented with first-hand evidence of sexual abuse by Mr. Bickle, it will immediately take the necessary subsequent steps.
2) The Report on Initial Findings is precisely that – an initial assessment. It is NOT an exoneration of Mr. Bickle.
The Report stated very clearly that IHOPKC’s attorneys had limited information and would not
be able to perform any further investigation until it could interview witnesses with first-hand
information, or until the Complaint Group was willing to present evidence or any details about
the anonymous Jane Does. Our leadership team was presented with allegations in the form of
stories told by third persons. With the exception of one victim statement regarding allegations
from 20+ years ago that was read out loud by a husband, the group did not present any first-
hand information or evidence to substantiate the stories. We have repeatedly asked the
Complaint Group to come forward with evidence. We have also called on any alleged victims to
come forward either directly or via a legal representative.
3) The events of the past four weeks undeniably constitute a crisis. Every facet of the
organization has been impacted and strained in the last few weeks. We are grateful to the
incredible men and women who have been working around the clock and we look forward
to announcing several new protocols and organizational changes in the near future.
4) IHOPKC has sought great care and prudence in its approach to this entire matter. Our ELT is
doing its best to walk this out based in Biblical principles, while grounded in facts and legal
parameters. In the span of four weeks, IHOPKC has only issued a few public statements and
published one initial report. We acknowledge that this may have created an information vacuum,
leading our community to grapple with hearsay, rumors, and vague claims circulating online.
Moving forward, we aim to provide more frequent updates and address the frequently asked
questions from our community.
Thank you for your patience and prayers.
ELT – IHOPKCDear IHOPKC community,
We’d like to share a few important updates and responses to frequently asked questions.
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
1) IHOPKC has contacted and is in communication with multiple third parties about conducting
an independent examination of the allegations presented by the Complaint Group, as well as a
review of IHOPKC’s Report on Initial Findings.
These third parties include national Christian leaders, journalists, and investigative firms who
were involved in #MeToo and investigated the SBC and RZIM.
There has been unfounded suspicion and sowed fear around IHOPKC’s choice to utilize law
firms to conduct the initial examination of the allegations. However, law firms are routinely
involved in the investigation of sexual abuse in accordance with due process – a fundamental
part of the justice system and a basic right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Without due process, complaints are taken at face-value, evidence is not required, proceedings
are unfair, and there is no accountability.
In this case, the disregard for due process by the Complaint Group that presented the
allegations against Mike Bickle and the fact that a potential crime has been alleged,
necessitated the use of law firms who understand and will operate within the confines of the
constitutional due process right. In addition to understanding due process, the law firms
IHOPKC chose are very experienced in representing victims of sexual abuse, including victims
of clergy abuse and victims in the Boy Scouts of America.
Simply put: IHOPKC takes this situation very seriously and has been adhering to due process to
verify the allegations presented to it, and unless/until IHOPKC is able to verify these allegations,
it cannot move forward with an investigation.
If IHOPKC is presented with first-hand evidence of sexual abuse by Mr. Bickle, it will immediately take the necessary subsequent steps.
2) The Report on Initial Findings is precisely that – an initial assessment. It is NOT an exoneration of Mr. Bickle.
The Report stated very clearly that IHOPKC’s attorneys had limited information and would not
be able to perform any further investigation until it could interview witnesses with first-hand
information, or until the Complaint Group was willing to present evidence or any details about
the anonymous Jane Does. Our leadership team was presented with allegations in the form of
stories told by third persons. With the exception of one victim statement regarding allegations
from 20+ years ago that was read out loud by a husband, the group did not present any first-
hand information or evidence to substantiate the stories. We have repeatedly asked the
Complaint Group to come forward with evidence. We have also called on any alleged victims to
come forward either directly or via a legal representative.
3) The events of the past four weeks undeniably constitute a crisis. Every facet of the
organization has been impacted and strained in the last few weeks. We are grateful to the
incredible men and women who have been working around the clock and we look forward
to announcing several new protocols and organizational changes in the near future.
4) IHOPKC has sought great care and prudence in its approach to this entire matter. Our ELT is
doing its best to walk this out based in Biblical principles, while grounded in facts and legal
parameters. In the span of four weeks, IHOPKC has only issued a few public statements and
published one initial report. We acknowledge that this may have created an information vacuum,
leading our community to grapple with hearsay, rumors, and vague claims circulating online.
Moving forward, we aim to provide more frequent updates and address the frequently asked
questions from our community.
Thank you for your patience and prayers.
ELT – IHOPKC
IHOPKC ELT Update 11/10/2023
Dear IHOPKC family,
We have an important update.
Third parties that claim to represent alleged victims have communicated a lack of trust in the national law firm IHOPKC engaged to lead the inquiry.
November 10, 2023 8:30pm
Dear IHOPKC family,
We have an important update.
Third parties that claim to represent alleged victims have communicated a lack of trust in the national law firm IHOPKC engaged to lead the inquiry.
After careful consideration, our leadership team has decided not to proceed with STINSON LLP and instead has retained a local KC law firm to conduct interviews with alleged victims. That local firm has already begun outreach to the few alleged victims whose identities are known, as well as the individuals claiming to represent anonymous Jane Does.
IHOPKC is committed to investigating any allegations of abuse in our organization in a way that honors privacy, safety, and due process. It is our sincere desire to serve and assist every alleged victim in order to see truth and light come forth during this sensitive and challenging time.
Updated Statement From IHOPKC Executive Leadership Concerning Allegations toward Mike Bickle
We love our global family and are grateful for all of your support, prayers, and solidarity. We want to say we are grateful for you. But now we need to have a family message, primarily directed to the local IHOPKC community and staff.
November 5, 2023 11am
We love our global family and are grateful for all of your support, prayers, and solidarity. We want to say we are grateful for you. But now we need to have a family message, primarily directed to the local IHOPKC community and staff.
Firstly, we want to impress upon you that IHOPKC’s mission remains the same as it has always been for over 24 years, which is to engage in the great commission through 24/7 prayer with worship and the proclamation of the Beauty of Jesus. This will not change while we address these recent allegations. We want you to know that there is still a place for you at the table and as a leadership team we are committed to continue growing in love and serving one another. Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Mike Bickle have agreed that out of the best interest of the organization and the integrity of IHOPKC, Mike will step away from public ministry for an indefinite time, up to and including until we complete a thorough examination of the allegations and inquiry of the circumstances. Mike has agreed to not engage in public ministry, our platform, attend our prayer room, or engage in social media messaging.
External Allegations & How We Are Responding
As previously disclosed, there have been several allegations raised and we are taking this process seriously. So far there is one allegation from 26 years ago that has some credibility. Other allegations have been more difficult to verify due to the fact they are either anonymous or represented by third parties. Some of the alleged events predate the founding of IHOPKC. Additionally, some of the women who were named in the allegations have publicly refuted that they were ever victims of abuse and even denounced the representatives of the alleged victim group for using their names without permission. In accordance with best practices, the ELT has retained a national law firm, Stinson LLP to conduct an impartial examination of these allegations with the goal of assessing their merit and advising the ELT regarding appropriate steps to take. The firm has already started its work, but it will take time to complete. When this examination is completed, and based upon its findings, we will be able to determine what steps should be taken to see healing for all who have been affected as well as our community. As always, continue to pray. If you are experiencing shock, pain, and confusion we want to say we understand and this response is valid. Many are grieving, but at the end of the day, we are choosing to fix our eyes on Jesus and we invite you to do the same. We as a leadership team love you deeply. We are grateful for the IHOPKC community. We pray for grace to love in this time. Lastly, we understand that statements like this coming from our leadership team is new for our community, but what has occurred in the last week is unprecedented here at IHOPKC. Even in this time of crisis, we trust in the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The IHOPKC Executive Leadership Team
Leadership Team Regarding Allegations against Mike Bickle
We are heartbroken to share that we have recently become aware of serious allegations, including sexual immorality, directed against Mike Bickle, the founder of IHOPKC. Our leadership team takes these allegations very seriously and we are laboring for truth, light, redemption, and righteousness. We are engaging with outside parties to assess and arbitrate these allegations.
We are heartbroken to share that we have recently become aware of serious allegations, including sexual immorality, directed against Mike Bickle, the founder of IHOPKC. Our leadership team takes these allegations very seriously and we are laboring for truth, light, redemption, and righteousness. We are engaging with outside parties to assess and arbitrate these allegations.
Our priority is to love and serve our IHOPKC community during this moment. This news is unsettling for our spiritual family as well as our entire leadership team. Please pray for all involved, including the ones who have come forward, those who have experienced trauma, and for the Bickle family.
We are asking for patience as we work through this complex and very difficult situation. Secondly, we ask that our spiritual family refrain from using prophetic spiritual language that can be interpreted as dismissive of the pain of the traumatized.
On October 26, the IHOPKC Executive Leadership Team asked Mike Bickle, and he agreed, to not preach or teach from the IHOPKC platform, attend our 24-hour prayer room, or engage his social media channels while we work with others to assess this situation.
As difficult as this is for many, we are trusting in Jesus’ wise and good leadership to help and strengthen us as we anchor our hope in Him.