A charismatic evangelical movement with a focus on 24/7 prayer, worship, and missions, enveloped in controversy.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Evangelical
Founder: Mike Bickle
Founded: 1999
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Size: Approximately 20,000 members
Other Names: IHOPKC
Website: ihopkc.org
The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) is a charismatic evangelical Christian movement and missions organization headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded by Mike Bickle on May 7, 1999, IHOPKC is distinguished for its non-stop 24/7 prayer room, which has been operational since its inception, embodying the commitment to pray without ceasing as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The movement is part of the broader charismatic movement and places a strong emphasis on the inerrancy of scripture, biblical prayer, and worship.
At the core of IHOPKC’s mission is the belief in the power of constant prayer and worship, underpinned by the conviction that such spiritual disciplines can effect tangible change in the world. This belief system is expressed through a variety of activities including healing ministries, feeding programs, and evangelistic efforts designed to impact every sphere of society including family, education, government, and the arts.
The foundation of IHOPKC was significantly influenced by a series of purported supernatural experiences reported by its founder, Mike Bickle. Among these experiences was a “visionary experience” in 1984 during which Bickle claims to have been visited by the Lord and Michael the archangel. These experiences contributed to the development of a “prophetic history” that has shaped the organization’s direction and practices.
IHOPKC’s theology incorporates aspects of the prophetic movement, and it has been closely associated with the controversial “Kansas City Prophets” of the 1980s and 1990s. Bickle himself does not claim the title of apostle but has not discouraged others from applying it to him. The movement encourages a form of Christianity that emphasizes supernatural encounters, including visits by angels and audible directives from God.
IHOPKC operates a university known as IHOPU, which focuses on subjects such as the End Times and offers courses in music and media. The organization’s facilities have expanded over the years to include a planned $150 million headquarters in Grandview, Missouri, which would feature a large conference center and administrative offices. Despite its unaccredited status, IHOPU attracts students with its focus on radical Christian living and preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus.
The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) and its founder, Mike Bickle, have been subject to various controversies, legal issues, and criticisms that have garnered significant attention. One of the more publicized legal disputes involved a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the International House of Pancakes (IHOP), the restaurant chain, against the International House of Prayer for using the same acronym, IHOP. This lawsuit was filed in September 2010, alleging that the religious organization’s use of IHOP caused confusion among consumers. The case was dropped in December 2010, with the restaurant chain and the religious organization reaching an agreement outside of court.
Another controversy linked to IHOPKC is the death of Bethany Deaton, a former intern. In October 2012, Deaton was found dead in what was initially reported as a suicide. However, subsequent investigations led to a student and former IHOPKC intern, Micah Moore, confessing to her murder, claiming he acted under the orders of a religious group leader associated with IHOPKC, Tyler Deaton. Moore’s confession exposed a web of sexual and spiritual abuse within a small religious group closely connected to IHOPKC, though IHOPKC officials denied any direct involvement or knowledge of the group’s activities. Charges against Moore were eventually dismissed in 2014, but the incident raised serious concerns about the oversight of small groups within larger religious organizations and the potential for abuse.
Further complicating the organization’s public image, IHOPKC was implicated in contributing to a climate of homophobia in Uganda through its alleged support of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, as depicted in the documentary “God Loves Uganda.” The film suggested that IHOPKC, among other evangelical groups, played a role in influencing the draconian legislation in the country, which has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations.
The most serious scandal happened in October 2023, when Mike Bickle was accused of sexual abuse by several women, with allegations spanning several decades. IHOPKC leaders have publicly acknowledged the gravity of the accusations, labeling Bickle’s actions as “predatory” and admitting that he sexually abused two women, one of whom was a minor at the time. This acknowledgment came after a detailed account by Tammy Woods, who reported abuse by Bickle beginning when she was 14 years old. The organization expressed deep regret for how they initially handled these allegations, emphasizing a commitment to seeking the truth and ensuring accountability within their community.
Further intensifying the scandal, a series of videos released by former IHOPKC leaders revealed in-depth discussions about the allegations and criticized the current leadership’s handling of the situation. These videos detailed the emotional and spiritual turmoil experienced by those close to the victims, underscoring the profound impact of the allegations on the IHOPKC community.
One accuser, identified as Jane Doe, has come forward with allegations that for approximately three years, from 1996 to 1999, Bickle maintained a sexually exploitative relationship with her, which included every sexual act except intercourse. According to her account, Bickle wooed her with Scripture and provided her with financial support, including paying for her apartment and giving her a key to his office. This relationship began when Doe was 19 and Bickle was 42. Her testimony is part of a broader investigation into “serious allegations including sexual immorality” made against Bickle by multiple women, leading to an organizational crisis within IHOPKC.
On December 22, 2023, IHOPKC leaders reported that the investigation confirmed the allegations, and that they would “immediately, formally, and permanently” sever ties with Bickle.
Despite these controversies, IHOPKC continues to exert a significant influence within the charismatic evangelical community, drawing individuals from around the world to its Kansas City base in pursuit of deepening their faith through prayer, worship, and community living.
image via Roys Report
