Enjoying God Blog

102

A Response to the Allegations against Mike Bickle from two former Colleagues

December 18, 2023 by Sam Storms 102 Comments

Dear Friends,

We write to you today with sorrowful hearts. As many of you know, we both served on the senior leadership team at Metro Christian Fellowship (MCF) alongside Mike Bickle – Michael from 1987-2000 and Sam from 1993-2000. During those years, we were in (what we felt was) close fellowship with Mike and Diane - meeting as couples multiple times every month. This camaraderie continued until such time as Mike stepped down as lead pastor at MCF to form IHOPKC as an independent ministry.

We were unaware of Mike meeting with or traveling in the company of young women during this time. Mike was able to successfully hide from us this dimension of his life. He never came to us with a request for prayer or with some confession of weakness and an appeal to hold him accountable. If he had, we would have faithfully stepped in to help our friend in whatever way we could.

We were made aware of the allegations of clergy sexual abuse at different times over the past several months. We have now both spoken extensively with one of the primary Jane Does and her husband and believe what she has said about the sexual nature of their interaction. In her own words, it involved everything short of sexual intercourse. There is no reason to doubt the accuracy of her testimony. Our hearts break for what she suffered and for the ongoing grief this horrific injustice has caused her and her family. 

Sam and Francis Chan attempted to visit Mike at his home on October 31 where Chris Reed turned them away at the door. He said that Mike had been instructed not to meet or speak with anyone, which Mike later confirmed in a brief email to Sam. We were subsequently informed that Mike was following the counsel of Eric Volz.

As a matter of conscience, we write now to publicly state that we believe Jane Doe.  We deeply regret not being aware of her situation at the time it occurred. We have now been made aware of additional allegations directed at Mike for behavior subsequent to his relationship with Jane Doe. These are grievous and weighty.  However, it is not our intent to address the legitimacy of those charges. That is the responsibility of whatever third party is secured to conduct a thorough investigation of what may or may not have happened in the context of IHOPKC for the past 23 years.

It is our opinion that Mike’s most recent statement, while potentially a step in the right direction, is woefully inadequate. What is most lacking in it is explicitly owning the sin he committed against Jane Doe(s), repenting, and asking for forgiveness. Regrettably, Jane Doe is nowhere mentioned in the written statement he released. 

We appeal to Mike, as long-standing friends and colleagues who have loved him and Diane, to search his heart and plead with the Holy Spirit to disclose any other sins committed. We pray that by God’s grace he will find the spiritual courage to confess such sins, wholeheartedly repent, face the consequences, and humbly pursue the restoration and healing of anyone he has wounded. It is our love for Mike that constrains us to write this letter and call him to more open and vulnerable official examination for his confessed duplicity and moral failures as a Christian and a ministry leader.

Our sincere and heartfelt appeal is that the ELT at IHOPKC and the Advocate group will together pursue an acceptable independent, third-party investigation. There is little hope that the truth will come to light, leading to a resolution of this matter, until such time as everyone involved cooperates fully with the investigative body.

Mature and compassionate spiritual leadership requires that we do not hurt those entrusted to our care. Lying when confronted with the truth, creating division in the body of Christ by intentionally preaching about betrayal and false accusation after being informed that allegations were forthcoming, lawyering up, making minimal concessions in lieu of true confession, and indiscriminately managing an image of oneself is the opposite of what a spiritually mature response should be to a crisis of this nature.

Christian leaders steward a holy calling and are held to a higher standard by God for living above reproach. By this, a leader embraces the risk that any undealt with and/or unconfessed sin patterns may be publicly exposed if they are disqualifying in nature and scope. Beyond this, leaders ought to welcome a lifestyle of transparency before family, friends, governing boards, and constituents. We believe Mike has had every opportunity to vulnerably share any temptations or struggles with sin with fellow leaders in order to find God’s mercy and pathway to wholeness. Sadly, we believe he has not remained faithful to this commitment, but rather engaged in deceptive and manipulative actions to exploit the vulnerability of a godly young woman. As such, we are in firm agreement with Mike stepping down from Christian ministry.

The painful ripple effects of this sin have been felt far and wide. We grieve hearing the voices of hurt, angry, confused, and disillusioned current and former members of IHOPKC, and its related ministries. We urge you all to find safe people in your life to pray for you and support you as you process your experience. We pray for the peace and grace of God to be with you and upon you all.

Bearing with you in spirit,

Sam Storms
Michael Sullivant 

Comments

Stacey Dier Jan 16, 2024 @ 8:43pm

Mike Bickle said that he repented of this years ago, before he ever founded IHOP, and everything was put under the blood of Jesus. I believe Mike. Why would a woman, now about 45, bring all of this up to the world in this way except to destroy a man and his ministry? Where is her forgiveness? Why, after 26 years, does she still hold onto bitterness? I don't believe for a moment that she, or the ex-leaders accusing Mike with her, have good intentions. Her bitterness is the canker in all of this, as bitterness is the yeast that brings poison into fellowships. Mike should not have to confess and fall on his sword in front of the entire world today to prove his repentance happened 26 years ago. He submitted his heart and failures to Christ when he founded IHOP, and I believe he has walked a holy life since. It's under the blood and it needs to stay under the blood, washed-clean, and buried, with him walking in the clean-conscience that Jesus gave him. Satan got what he wanted through a woman's inability to forgive. That is the saddest thing.

cliff Jan 9, 2024 @ 2:15pm

Sam, I would also like to knwo your answer to the previously asked question: do you still believe that Mr. Bickle has taken several trips to Heaven to have chats with Michael the Archangel and Jesus Himself?

Eduardo Jan 4, 2024 @ 9:05pm

God knows the heart. No one else.

RE Jan 3, 2024 @ 11:20pm

I recall reading an article you wrote vigorously defending Mike Bickle. The charismatic church really needs help.

RE Jan 3, 2024 @ 11:09pm

Thank you for allowing comments here. This whole situation is disappointing. I don't mean to be critical as I know sin can slip under the radar but I can't help but question if we are too favorable in our discernment, or too naive. People of whom many in the evangelical world would discern as aberrant or seriously problematic in their ministry get the favorable right hand of fellowship/pat on the back and even defended only to later see the holes grow and sink the ship. When I see people in fellowship with or hear comments lacking in critique of Benny Hinn, Heidi Baker, Bill Johnson, Todd White or Catholic priests it confuses me in my faith. I wonder how do these top Christian leaders, people who I respect not see what I see? Ultimately, I reserve judgment but now that the ship is sinking I shake my head and feel even more confused. Biblical Unity is not the lowest common denominator unity, it is unity around the truth. The higher the like-mindedness the greater the unity. Perhaps we have lost this concept as we seek to unify with some of the aforementioned names. Thank you for your ministry.

Carlos Aguilera Dec 28, 2023 @ 11:45am

"Are you going to criticize Mike Bickle? I know his heart and the man loves the Lord" Francis Chan.

Kyle Dec 27, 2023 @ 1:35pm

Dr. Storms,

Thanks for writing this. I'm a young pastor who has recently been convinced of the continuation of the gifts by literature produced by men like yourself. And yet I struggle due to the fraud, deception, and scandals I observe in the charismatic movement. I know logically that scandals do not disprove a theological position. But none of us are purely logical. I often wonder, "If I open myself and the church up to the gifts of the Spirit will we go off the rails? Will we end up in chaos?" So I'm thankful for your model and example. Thanks for standing for truth and righteousness. I'm sure it was very difficult for you as you have spoken so highly of Mike in your podcasts.

William Weathers Dec 25, 2023 @ 8:46pm

This is heartbreaking. Mr. Bickle should step aside. That's that. But what is more concerning to me is the disrespectful tone discernible in the remarks made above to Dr. Storm. Sam Storms is a ruling Elder in the Body of Christ, as such, his office calls all of us to kindness and a form of gentility that finds its origins in the very heart of Christ. If folks were as interested in the purity of Christ's body, as much as they are details of sex scandals, we might not be having this conversation.

Tarisa Stidham (Varner) Dec 25, 2023 @ 7:06pm

Thank you Sam and Micheal. I was waiting to hear what you had to say and am grateful for your response to the situation. It seems unfathomable in so many respects and my heart has truly been wounded. This has so adversely affected my family……
So many flares went off through the years and I feel deceived on a level I never thought possible.
Thank you for your loving and honest response… it helps.

Stephen Welch Dec 23, 2023 @ 12:56pm

It seems to me that there should be an intense investigation of Mike Bickle, particularly his past. What happened in St. Louis? What was his association with a man named Augustine in St. Louis? Most of these people at IHOP only know Mike Bickle from the last 20 years, but go back to the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. Mike Bickle has always been associated with controversy and strange teachings.

harv Dec 23, 2023 @ 8:20am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBuUfphNXs IHOPKC is now permanently separating from M. Bickle.

Jack Brake Dec 22, 2023 @ 8:34am

Curious as to why Chris Reed wouldn't let Mike Bickle's old "friends" and "insiders" past the front door. Interesting. Tough job you have "investigating" another man's sins. And according to the "victim" (and her husband, right?), like Eve, none of it was her fault and she was completely innocent... got it....

Lillian Sobhy Dec 22, 2023 @ 7:59am

Sam I respect you so much.
I just wanted to ask you why rebuke Mike Bickle , your friend via a public statement to the World? Why did you not go again to your friend Mike, later to talk with him and listen to his part of the story. You only listened to Jane Doe (DH) but you did not listen to Mike . Please go to your friend listen to him , help him in the repentance healing restoration journey . You owe it to him, you owe it to the global body of Christ, you owe it to The Lord Jesus.
I’m from Cairo Egypt . As we all here, watch how the American church dealt with this sad painful story we are so sad because it is way way far from all Biblical Truth and values. Please go to Mike and talk with him and listen to him and help restore this.
Ps. Because JD is a godly woman as you mentioned in your statement . Is she at all accountable to repent and ask for forgiveness as MB did , from the Body of Christ for engaging in sexual moral failures with a married man ?!
Please help her as well , since you listened to her to walk journey of repentance and restoration
Thank you

Jadi Finley Dec 21, 2023 @ 7:08pm

Thank you for writing this and sharing it publicly. This is such a heartfelt response from brothers who obviously care deeply for Mike and for the name of Christ to be honored in all elements of this situation. May the Lord’s kindness lead to sincere repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for being faithful to pursue Mike privately and also publicly take a clear stand for righteousness and the authority of Scripture. The Lord is honored in these actions.

scott price Dec 21, 2023 @ 11:41am

Hi Dr. Storms,

I am not overlooking the heartache in all of this for all that have been directly and indirectly hurt and harmed. If it is too early to address this question, my apologies. If it is ok, though, then my question on general principles of prophesy is: During the years a "prophet" is engaged in ongoing gross sin and/or abusing the prophetic office for personal desires, are the prophesies issued during that time or thereafter if not repented of subject to greater scrutiny, caution or if blatant enough and long enough, dismissal ?

In Mr. Bickle's case, so far, we are talking about at least a several year time frame for an acknowledged failure and abuse. If we take him out of the question for the moment, is there a general principle involved either from Scripture or that is generally accepted that is applicable to my question ?

Jillybean Dec 20, 2023 @ 11:09pm

Thank you.

mmtas Dec 20, 2023 @ 2:24pm

Thank you for speaking out. It is horrendous that no one dealt with this decades ago. If the prophetic is real, why didn’t God communicate to someone in this vast community about this sin of Bickle? I think the prophetic stuff is a magnum satanic deception. If God were truly speaking, there would be no error and the prophets would be warning of the coming judgment.

Kate Dec 20, 2023 @ 12:19pm

Thank you gentlemen.
May His Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Marieke Twomey Dec 20, 2023 @ 11:24am

As much as I support Mike being held accountable, I find the double standard to be very misogynistic. It’s the bigotry of low expectations. Please reserve the title “godly woman” for women you would like your daughters to emulate.

Guy Mutch Dec 20, 2023 @ 12:33am

Thanks Sam.

Carrie Dec 19, 2023 @ 9:33pm

Well said Michael and Sam! I was also at GTC 1999-2000 along with Allen and Dwayne & Jenn were my home group leaders. So many red flags back them with exactly what “Jane Doe” said in her statement. I saw what was happening and had a hard time understanding what the truth was back then. It’s none of my business but it hits to the core when my close group of friends back then were involved. The Sullivants, Roberts and Sam Storms have long time been genuinely relationally motivated folks.. just like Jesus, they care about the body of Christ as their family. I have high hopes for the church at large shifting away from platform Christianity into more of what Jesus called us to be: humble, honest and learning to love more. Perhaps this conflict will be the catalyst to become more genuine and transparent. Pretty sure most people are tired of the hyper pretense of preforming or striving for the right excellence in regards church… pretty sure many people try church looking for family. My hope and prayers are for this sad situation to open the doors to deeper desires of growing healthy relationships in the body of Christ. Thank you to all the leaders that prioritize this already. Y’all are leading the way

Carlos Dec 19, 2023 @ 8:43pm

I believe in 'personal' restoration so if Mike Bickle would humble himself then certainly his 'personal relationship' with God would be restored completely HOWEVER concerning 'positional authority' i humbly don't have any biblical reference for such restoration could happen even in the matter of King David the direct punishment is severe (the death of Bathsheba's son) not to mention the 'indirect consequences' ( his son raping his daughter end up with his sons killing each other) . While on NT standard it's clear according to apostle Paul that such person will be ineligible to be give position within the body of Christ . I pray for GENUINE spirit of repentance on Mike Bickle but i think it would be more beneficial for the body of Christ ( and i think also even for Mike personally ) that he WOULD NOT be given any leadership position

Arina Dec 19, 2023 @ 8:39pm

Sam you BETRAYED Mike and you are lying,
You know that Mike is MOST GODLY MAN AND INFLUENTIAL In GLOBAL CHURCH
THIS STACK IS VERY DEMONIC, YOU KNOW IT BC YOU AND ALL,WHI ACCUSE MIKE, HAD THE SAME INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR, SO YOU NEED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN ALL EARTH AND REPENT AND ALL OTHERS HAS TO DO THE SAME
I DON'T BELIEVE THAT MIKE HAS SEX WITH HER,OF HE DID, GOD FORGIVES MIKE, WHO ARE YOU TO THROUGH STONES TO MIKE?!!!!! ARE YOU GOD? ARE YOU JUDGE?
YOU MUST REPENT AND BE HONEST, DON'T LIE PLEASE STOP ACUSING ,GOD IS FIGHTING FOR MIKE
I

J. Guerra Dec 19, 2023 @ 8:30pm

I echo Greg Beel…May God give us grace to be tender toward each other, may wounds heal, and may this cause our roots to go deeper into Jesus, the only One worthy.

Banner of Jesus Dec 19, 2023 @ 7:58pm

God is calling for a nameless faceless generation.

Sheila Dec 19, 2023 @ 6:53pm

In Christianity, lying is generally considered a sin because one of the Ten Commandments is "thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor". Proverbs 6:16-17 says that one of the seven deadly sins God hates is a lying tongue.

Sheila Dec 19, 2023 @ 6:51pm

Sam, do liars go to heaven? Are you a liar?

TM Dec 19, 2023 @ 6:37pm

I have an interesting history as someone raised in the Pentecostal church and then spent some years in the Charismatic movement before leaving for a long season to co-minister in another denomination. I have had some serious misgivings about the movement, in general, for quite a while.

The greatest concern has been the lack of biblical teaching and an over-reliance on "new" revelation and the gifts of the Spirit, as if this is all that
matters. Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples, teaching them everything He taught them. Paul made it clear in Acts that he was careful to teach the whole counsel of God.

Without proper grounding and without the fear of the Lord, there is no discernment. I have heard all the latest "revelations" and popular teaching and I am aware of the "schools" of ministry out there. In my opinion, most of it is nonsense.

Mike Bickle is a symptom of a much greater problem. The Charismatic movement needs an Asbury call to repent and return to the Truth of Christ, and far fewer "revelations". I would MUCH RATHER have long periods of no prophecy and solid Words of guidance and correction from God FOR THE CHURCH than crazy stuff by or for personalities; goofy, unbiblical "new thing" experiential deception spouted by everyone who thinks they're a prophet, like spray shot from a rifle.

Jon Grey Dec 19, 2023 @ 5:47pm

Thank you Michael and Sam for speaking out. It was comforting to lean on the same, old, familiar bridge of trust you both established with me in the 90’s. My heart is so terribly grieved over all we are learning. Praying for all involved and longing for Jesus to reveal His heart to those who are hurt, disillusioned, angry and sad. He will Redeem.

Mark Dec 19, 2023 @ 4:06pm

Thank you for sharing. . . I fear there is so much more that has been covered up, and people who were innocent, yet accused. . . that will be brought to the light. I pray that God have mercy on Mike and IHOPKC and all those affected by this horrific situation. God have mercy on us all.

Christine Dec 19, 2023 @ 1:52pm

Thank you for your very kind, truthful words.

I tremble with fear that this may be the beginning of a shaking where judgment starts with the house of the Lord, which includes me. I’m asking God for justice, for mercy, for the Fear of Lord, and for Godly sorrow, for me, and for all of His people.

John R Enderby Dec 19, 2023 @ 1:14pm

Thank you Sam and Michael for sharing your hearts; accurately, authentically, and honestly. I am grateful for you two men! Blessings, John

Steve Dec 19, 2023 @ 12:32pm

This whole thing has been built on a faulty prophetic foundation by men whose lives were deeply compromised by sin. The prophetic promise oft-proclaimed that Mike's brother Pat would be healed was a lie. And if Mike's prophecy about Diane dying and him marrying Jane Doe is a lie then we can likely dismiss any thoughts of Mike claiming to have ridden on chariots into the heavens and having encounters with God and Michael the archangel. From Augustine to Bob Jones, from Paul Cain to Mike Bickle... we've witnessed "prophecy" being used for ungodly purposes. There was a moment a few weeks ago when it appeared IHOP could be saved if Mike stepped down, but it now appears IHOP must be leveled to the ground and if the Lord WANTS a group of day and night intercessors He will raise one up in His own good time and for His pleasure. That said, I suspect the Lord is more than able to prepare the world for His Son's triumphant return without any help from us since "all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" before His throne. I doubt that He is moved by our resolve through night and day prayer. The IHOP house was all built upon the sand and now the winds of sin are blowing and the streams of coverups are rising and it is all falling with a great crash. The Lord is cleaning house... and some of those houses are being leveled.

DP Dec 19, 2023 @ 11:23am

Thank you Sam and Michael for dealing with this and your service to the body. “No one is above the law,” especially the law of God. This is very sobering. This calls for much wisdom. Psalm 146, especially verses 2-3, are poignant right now. The main issue and focus is and should be on Mike and his sin. Though extremely secondary and in no way defending Mike, the Advocate Group bringing allegations of abuse from those who were not consulted and had their names included in the report, and who have publicly refuted those claims, also needs to be brought into the light, if truth is what is being pursued. Please address this as well if possible. False reporting of this kind unfortunately demeans the personhood of those women. This is not helpful and is bearing false witness, which is something God hates. Please continue on and may brokenness, contrition, forgiveness and restoration take place.

Avery Candler Dec 19, 2023 @ 10:35am

Thank you Sam. You have lovingly defended Mike for 20+ years theologically. When others have pointed to Mike being off, Mike has pointed to you as his “vouch”. Your commitment to Mike as a friend has been genuine and because of that we all need take what you have written seriously. It is definitely written in love and the fear of the Lord.

Angel Toporowski Dec 19, 2023 @ 8:43am

What is most lacking in it is explicitly owning the sin he committed against Jane Doe, repenting, and asking for forgiveness. Regrettably, Jane Doe is nowhere mentioned in the written statement he released.  ***THIS***

Kevin DuPriest Dec 19, 2023 @ 8:41am

Thank you Sam and Michael for your assessment and informed response. Thank you for reaching out to those involved in assessing the truth. What a difficult letter for you both to write, I am grateful for your courage and commitment to the body to provide this response.

May the Lord work in Mike a repenting heart, and restore his relationship with the Father.

Blaise Dec 19, 2023 @ 7:11am

Thank you gentlemen for stepping up to the plate and making this important statement.

What has been so disheartening through this is the constant redirection and whitewashing from the IHOPKC stage.

Men we have trusted (and many of us worked with) for many years have given statements and blocked the basic move of bringing in an independent 3rd party.

Instead they bring in attorneys who specialize in protecting the organizations.

Now they have Eric Volz on stage and communicating on their behalf.

As much as I liked this man’s sincere story— I truly believe he is clueless to the fact that he is a pawn in the hand of an ELT and Mike who simply don’t want true accountability and actual transparency.

Eric is good at talking and speaking sincerely.
But his goal is to protect his client because it’s now his job.

It’s all very concerning.

Barbara Vela Dec 19, 2023 @ 6:49am

I am so saddened by this, the big question is where do we go from here??? My heart gos out to so any young people and couples who are at ihop now questioning their future

Debbie McIntosh Dec 19, 2023 @ 5:38am

I pray the Lord would have mercy, bring healing and restoration to all involved. That He would be exalted and His Son would have a pure and spotless bride. Galatians 6:1

Chris Rowney Dec 19, 2023 @ 4:44am

I echo what Heather says above… and also thank you for your integrity and compassionate leadership.

Catty Dec 19, 2023 @ 2:26am

Paul Cain and Bob Jones had a hand in creating this movement, were they true disciples of Christ? Were their prophecies true prophecies?

Stephan Hinson Dec 19, 2023 @ 2:18am

It's been my position from the beginning that the leadership and Mike should never have gone to the firewalls outside the church walls, but since it made sense to hide guilt I still have this position, not just so that everybody can know what really happened, because there's blood in the water, but Mike also needs freedom of the guilt and that would help many others who are captives.

Reta Wetherall Dec 19, 2023 @ 1:30am

Thank you. The dodging, hiding, obfuscating and scheming has gone on for far too long. I am shocked at the leaders who have blatantly and without any evidence denied he ever did these things thereby hurting the women who have come forward. They have caused much damage to the entire shocked Body of Christ. I think it will be difficult in future to trust them and I am sorry to have to say that. They have ;lost their reputations by doing this.

Sheila Boland Dec 19, 2023 @ 12:11am

For you as a friend who need enemies? I hope someone never puts your alleged sins and splashes it all over the internet!!! You should be ashamed of yourself!

SJ Dec 19, 2023 @ 12:10am

Thank you for writing this. I had come across an article that you wrote years ago speaking to MB’s high character, and I had sent that to a friend when this all started to break out. So thank you for the update and for your prayers for the church during this time.

Valerie Fargas Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:52pm

You said you had no knowledge of Mike Bickle having any sin while you were serving with him at MCF. If you had no first hand knowledge, then you have no business becoming involved now, 23 years later. With no first hand knowlege sir, all you can offer is your opinion as hearsay, tale bearing. But you must know that your position and proximity to Mike Bickle during those years would make most people believe you. Even if by your opinion alone. Why are you being so careless with your word? Do you not understand God’s word, that destroying a man’s reputation is the same as murder? Wow, just please have MERCY Lord.

Klaw Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:43pm

Surprised. From my perspective, you did not share "Jane Doe" and others acquiesced in their "sin" and made a decision themselves to moral failure, and own their part. Surely one cannot confess the sin of others but only those who willing gave themselves in sexual impurity. One must own their mistake or "sin", punch through the shame, etc and move on at some point. From my own experience I know this to be true, regardless of the pain, rejection, hurt and sometimes abandonment. If all of this is true, as you wrote you "believe", believe is not truth in this context, as I hope you understand. I have no ties to IHOPKC or mr. Bickle. "Joe Doe" I hope she will confess her part for healing. Or she will live as a victim and needless suffering in her future. Self pity could become an anchor and is cases become bitter. I have no "dog in this fight". At my age of 77 I bring years of experience, failures in my life. Today I am a free man in God's mercy. I know the public's chatter won't stop on social media. Perhaps those who seem biased against Mr. Bickle are doing as much harm to gossip, blame etc. In the helping professions where I lived for many years, these folks are called, Enablers and do more harm that good. Being and Enabler is on both sides of the fence. Some call this "toxic faith" , on both sides "Jane doe" has her part to come clean of her part. Hopefully she find a safe place to forgive and repent. Please don't allow the hurt wonder lady to become a victim. Victims only "win' for a short time. When the show is over, she could be spiritual cripple and I would think this is not God's highest for her

Brent Detwiler Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:23pm

It is important that Mike Bickle confess to making up a false vision to seduce Jane Doe by telling her his wife would die and they would marry. He also requested that Jane Doe make up a false prophecy that the Holy Spirit said everything was fine if information got out about his sin. This is pure evil. He is using that which is sacred to advance and over up his immorality. Ananias and Sapphira did far less (Acts 5:1-10). I hope leaders will raise this audacious abuse of the gifts and wicked impersonation of the Holy Spirit. See my article where I raise these issues at BrentDetwiler.com.

David B Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:06pm

Thank you Sam. Thank you Michael.

Lydia Stephan Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:03pm

thankful for your transparency & your voice calling out for truth & repentance regarding this, peace to you both.

Brantley S. Dec 18, 2023 @ 9:55pm

do you still believe that Mr. Bickle has taken several trips to Heaven to have chats with Michael the Archangel and Jesus Himself?

Brent Detwiler Dec 18, 2023 @ 9:45pm

Mike must also be confronted on making up a false vision to seduce Jane Doe (i.e., God told me my wife will die and we will marry) and also instructing Jane Doe to make up a false prophecy so people think everything is fine. See my article at BrentDetwiler.com.

Lindsey Henningsen Dec 18, 2023 @ 8:19pm

So grateful for this. So thankful for your leadership and integrity, Sam. Thank you for speaking words or truth and healing. Praying constantly for your own healing in this too.

Lori Adams-Brown Dec 18, 2023 @ 7:53pm

Thank you for providing a space for Jane Doe to share, for believing her, for standing publicly with her, and calling for accountability for wrongs committed against her.

Travis Rosenthal Dec 18, 2023 @ 7:39pm

I appreciate your willingness to be a beacon of integrity and truth. I do also understand that Mike was a close friend of yours and that this event, difficult as it may be, has undoubtedly caused grief and emotional distress on you as friends of mike. I sincerely and praying that the Holy Spirit would comfort you and others who are dealing with hurt at this time. Thank you for being honest, and full of integrity.

Bridget Dec 18, 2023 @ 7:26pm

Your forthrightness and humility is exactly what is needed here. This is a hard thing to walk through with a friend and I thank you for humbly doing the right thing.
Having also walked through something similar in the last couple of years, I know God is bringing correction to His church which is hard but a precursor to revival in this nation.

Bruckler Joe Dec 18, 2023 @ 7:23pm

Thanks Sam, your ministry has blessed me tremendously. This is sad for Ihopkc and I don't know how Mike could continue to minister with this sin
in his life. Very sad for the body of Christ.

Jay Dec 18, 2023 @ 6:43pm

I SECOND this question. Just curious. . . do you still believe that Mr. Bickle has taken several trips to Heaven to have chats with Michael the Archangel and Jesus Himself?

Graham Dec 18, 2023 @ 6:31pm

Thank you Sam for sharing this. Blessing on you as you navigate this season.

Jill Hutchinson Dec 18, 2023 @ 6:09pm

Thank you for your Godly response to these circumstances. There has been so much silence from leaders in the Body of Christ…or those who have vehemently defended Mike and IHOP. I was beginning to wonder if there were any righteous shepherds other than those advocating for Jane Doe and the other women who have come forward. Thank you for giving us hope.

Amber Dec 18, 2023 @ 6:07pm

Thank you so much for this. Truly, thank you.

Thomas Dec 18, 2023 @ 5:31pm

Thanks for your wisdom and your honesty. What Mike has (sort of) confessed to is reprehensible. To have a friend entrust his teenage daughter to a 42-year-old pastor for internship and discipline, and then to twist that into a 3-year sexual affair with a teenage girl younger than your son should be the end of your career whether you're a pastor, teacher, counselor, or physician. The power/age differential places this in a special category of evil. That said, the Mike Bickle I THOUGHT I knew would have owned up to his failings in a straightforward, honest fashion and taken the low road of repentance and humility. Hiring lawyers, while having other leaders obfuscate and cover while you finally issue a rambling, meaningless "confession" to "bad judgment" is perhaps worse than the sin itself... if such a thing is possible.

Solomon Dec 18, 2023 @ 5:30pm

My heart aches deeply to read of these accounts via this critical blog article.
My prayers are to all those that are affected whether directly and indirectly.
Jesus help us!!!!

Steven and Donna Dec 18, 2023 @ 4:55pm

Thank you Sam, we appreciate you and Michael sharing your thoughts.

Benjamin R Wilson Dec 18, 2023 @ 4:38pm

Just curious. . . do you still believe that Mr. Bickle has taken several trips to Heaven to have chats with Michael the Archangel and Jesus Himself?

MH Dec 18, 2023 @ 4:08pm

You're actions and letter give me hope that not all pastors are wolves who love themselves more than Jesus' sheep. Thank you

Debbie Viani Brantley Dec 18, 2023 @ 4:08pm

Thank you, Sam and Michael. I attended MCF for 15 years while you two served there. You both were humble men whom I've trusted. Sam, you were kind enough to meet with me three different times in 1997 to listen to my concerns about MCF. You listened. You took my concerns seriously, and I have never forgotten your responses. Thank you, again. This letter was much needed.

Matt Harri Dec 18, 2023 @ 4:05pm

This may be the most important thing to come out yet, helping many on our way to healing. Thank you, Sam and Michael.

Nathan Rogers Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:58pm

Thank you, Sam, for publishing this on your blog. Many of my friends, and myself included, have been heartbroken and confused having to navigate through all of this… We all just want the truth by now. Thank you for providing further light on all of this.

Rick Simmons Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:41pm

Thank you Sam and Michael for taking this public stand.

harv Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:40pm

Excellent statement. I only wish it would have come sooner.

Bill Jobe Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:24pm

Well said Sam! Incredibly sad the way this has been handled.

Shelley Hundley Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:18pm

This must have been incredibly difficult to write but I thank you and Michael from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being men who are faithful and a shelter in this storm.

Tom Wilson Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:16pm

Sam, Well written and straightforward, and enlightening. Thank you for standing strong for the abused and calling for true repentance. How we wish it wasn’t so. May the fear of the lord return to the body of Christ, especially among our leaders.

Ruth L Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:11pm

These are the men I've been wanting to hear from, but knew they would not rush to make a statement. This is a godly response--and the kind of spiritual maturity I expected from MB. I have been thinking about how devastated these men must be, having been so close to MB. I look forward down the road to, especially Sam, helping us sort out the prophetic history and the very existience of IHOPKC from the beginning.

Heather Takavesi Dec 18, 2023 @ 3:06pm

Thank you, Sam and Michael. I have had both of you on my heart, not being able to comprehend the betrayal you both must feel yourself. As someone who was greatly impacted by both of you for years, please know that I have never lumped you together with him when finding these things out. And I never for a second would have believed that you knew and did nothing. I think I can speak for thousands. Thank you for being stand up, godly men and leaders. We love and appreciate you.

Peter Hartgerink Dec 18, 2023 @ 2:56pm

I don't know either of you, but I have followed Mike Bickle's ministry for years albeit mostly from a distance. I am very thankful for both the warm pastoral tone and firm fatherly counsel that characterize this much-needed message. Thank you both.

Ann Carr Dec 18, 2023 @ 2:38pm

This document covers the crisis on every level with love and confirms other witnesses and testimonies. Sadly we must face these as truth even though they are unexpected and unbelievable and lean into the fear of God for ourselves and those close to us. I hope this statement will be used to develop Guidelines for Preventing /Responding to all forms of dysfunctional, hurtful behavior by leaders, because so little is available.

Jim Mather Dec 18, 2023 @ 2:02pm

Protecting the sheep is vital in the aftermath of what has been revealed. There must be a commitment to not allowing a cover up of what has transpired. The longer there is a lack of transparency, the more harm will done to God's people. The leadership of Forerunner Church and IHOP KC have been entrusted with much and much is expected and required of them. God is watching and his love for the people of God is paramount.

Carolyn Sessom Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:57pm

This is godly. It is gracious. It is desperately needed in this fraught hour. Thank you, Sam and Michael, for speaking with clarity, conscientiousness, and care.

Julie Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:44pm

Thank you for your courage and integrity. Praying for all involved.

Mary Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:42pm

Thank you so very much for this important and timely letter to address this issue. Thank you for laying out what a godly leader should do and shining a light on the past and present day choices that disqualify him.

Mary Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:37pm

Thank you for speaking the truth

Greg Beel Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:24pm

My wife and I read this with many tears. For Mike. For Diane. For Jane Doe(s.) For the body of Christ. May God give us grace to be tender toward each other, may wounds heal, and may this cause our roots to go deeper into Jesus, the only One worthy.

Rebecca Fonseca Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:23pm

A heartfelt thanks for this much anticipated statement.

Tommy Hood Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:19pm

Thank you! This helps all of us who have been a part of IHOP-KC process and move forward with how to pray for this situation.

Wayne Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:18pm

First Paul Cain, then Bob Jones and now Bickle. 3 of the Kansas City Prophets, all fall into sexual sin.

Adam Short Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:17pm

Thank you Sam and Michael for having the courage and leadership to make this public statement. I hope other leaders across the body of Christ will do the same. Many people are hurting from this. As somebody was a part of MCF and All Nations in KC from 2004-2008, this has been very devastating personally to watch unfold.

Sunny Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:16pm

Thank you so much for your statement. It is comforting to see leaders standing for truth and valuing the sacred call upon their lives in midst of this painful time.

Aaron Smith Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:10pm

A clear message with grace and truth. I love IHOPkc to this day. Their call to the Body of Christ to pray and wait actively for the coming of the Bridegroom King was transformative in my life. This is controversial to say, but I still would stand with many members of the ELT, but it's clear that they are receiving poor guidance on how to respond to this crisis, on how to reform the Board with a proper code of ethics and reporting, and how to include policies for reporting and handling cases of abuse or harassment. Its not a sign of weakness to realize when you have areas that need to be strengthened.

David and Cheryl Monson Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:05pm

Thank you Sam and Michael.

R. MacDonald Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:02pm

So many voices and now one that is clear, succinct and highly credible. We know that mercy triumphs over justice but the two do, and must go hand in hand. We pray for God's justice followed closely by His grace and mercy. Thank you for writing this letter.

Pete Scheller Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:02pm

So sad Sam. My heart goes out to you and Michael, as well as the many victims of this. It must have been extremely painful to have to take this step. Thank you for everything you taught me over many years.

laura edmondson Dec 18, 2023 @ 12:09pm

Thank you very much for speaking. Truth is essential, and your voices carry years of integrity.

Krista Olsen Dec 18, 2023 @ 11:50am

Thank you both for your leadership.

Tim Fraim Dec 18, 2023 @ 11:25am

Thank you for this!

MZ Dec 18, 2023 @ 11:24am

Hi Sam, in your recent remnant radio series you were asked why Mike Bickle uniquely has so many prophetic experiences. You replied that Mike just may be a special anointed man of God that God wants to use.

In light of what you now know, do you have any reflections on your previous words?

Travis Mullen Dec 18, 2023 @ 11:05am

Thank you for your leadership in speaking to this matter. My generation and younger generations desire healthy expressions of Christianity, with a primary focus on the wonderful Gospel. We are over unhealthy expressions that hold a primary focus on things other than the Gospel (politics, end times, the prophetic, etc...).

Bob and Ray West Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:59am

After 30-40 years with Mike Bickle, we are deeply saddened and disallusiined.

A Dunning Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:48am

Sam and Michael, what a difficult time. I’m sure that you’re in deep grief. Thank you so much for lending your voice to truth in this matter.

Dale Jimmo Dec 18, 2023 @ 10:38am

Thank you, Sam. I've been waiting for this.

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