God is not only exposing IHOP and Mike Bickle beloved. He is exposing the culture of false prophecy and false prayer that has been the charismatic identity of IHOP all along. He is exposing the sycophants who would rather defend their good ole boy then care about the victims abused in the name of Jesus. Just two weeks ago, Steven Strang used his false media platform to claim that the exposure of Bickle's abuse was just a spiritual attack and that Satan wants to burn the IHOP ministry to the ground. It seems that Strang is confusing Satan and Mike Bickle, and I understand why that mistake could be made. Strang also said he hopes Bickle emerges in ministry "stronger than before." He also said that this "persecution" is coming from within the Christian community and that the advocate group has been just waiting for this to burn the ministry to the ground. So, there is no one Steven Strang will not smear and bear false witness against to protect his friend. I would call Steven Strang disgusting but that does a disservice to the word disgusting. Strang said that the Bickle accusers and advocates are offended and have an axe to grind. Are you kidding me?
Beloved, this situation brings no one any joy but do not lose sight of what is going on. One man has sexually abused multiple women over a period of five decades. He founded IHOPKC based upon lies and false prophecies, indicating that IHOP in its entirety has never been of God. The leadership of IHOPKC, who clearly is protecting themselves and the brand, have tried to bad mouth the victims, smear the former IHOP leaders from the advocacy group, and deflect and delay trying to ride out the scandal. The scandal just kept giving though because God kept revealing more and more. There are now two cases that allege underage abuse, which may carry criminal problems for Bickle as well. IHOP leadership has finally apologized because the true scope is being revealed and they can no longer pretend this is just about Jane Doe number one not speaking with their sham investigator. Now, the shift will be for everyone to forgive them as they promise to do better in the future. Better than what? Covering up for a decades long serial sexual abuser? I should hope so. The truth however is that God did not build IHOP and He will not rebuild it either. People need to learn not only from the grievous sins of Mike Bickle but how they themselves were so duped and taken in by so much false theology. God never asked for a 24-7 prayer room that forces kids to pray and keep journals to provide a pious covering.
Lastly, God is using this to expose Steven Strang and Charisma News, who has done nothing but provide cover for Bickle while disparaging the victims, and slandering the advocate group members. If people like Dr. Michael Brown, wish to truly lead, he will lead the exodus from Charisma News in the name of human decency and for preserving the witness for Jesus Christ. What happened here is not a mistake. It is not an oopsie. There are real people whose lives were completely victimized, and they deserve spiritual redress. It is time to stop protecting the wolves and the brand they make popular. Strang declared Mike Bickle exonerated in December! Exonerated! It is time to mark and avoid as the bible implores us in the key verses. Mike Bickle has brought division into the body of Christ through his heretical teachings built upon his sexual abuse and false prophecies. There is little doubt now that Bickle used smooth talk to deceive the hearts of the naïve both in his personal life and his ministerial efforts. Pray for his victims and for those in the community as a whole that remain under Bickle's deception. Thank God, He is exposing what we often refuse to want to see.
Reverend Anthony Wade - February 14, 2024
