As Bicklegate continues to spiral out of control we still see Dr. Michael Brown trying to save IHOP. The Purpose Driven Industrial Complex is in full protect the brand mode now. Brown has gone from refusing to believe, to distancing himself from IHOP leadership when they reneged on bringing in an outside investigative organization, to covering for his boss Steven Strang to now advocating for a Todd Bentley-esque clown car of supposed respected leaders to adjudicate all IHOP matters. The problem he refuses to publicly admit is that the leadership at IHOP is just as corrupt and God is exposing them as well. As such, IHOP leadership is not playing nice so now we have yet another statement from Brown, who submits this statement along with seven other "leaders", because there is perceived safety in numbers These are, Jack Deere, Dan Juster, Patricia King, Joseph Mattera, Sam Storms, Michael Sullivant, Terri Sullivant. I can only comment on the few I know. Joseph Mattera is Brown's dominionist friend and "apostle." They have jointly put out a statement regarding the church and Christian nationalism, trying to make the case that we should somehow be Christian nationalists. I responded to their tortured logic and poor understanding of English and the bible in a different devotional. Patricia King is as false as they come and let me quote Sam Storms on Mike Bickle, just months before Bicklegate blew open:
"I know this man to the depths of his soul. I cannot think of a more biblically orthodox, humble, Christ exalting individual who lives an incredibly simple lifestyle. So, when I hear people say that he is a false teacher it angers me because I know the individual. I know the man personally. And he is not NAR that has been claimed by so many. He has openly defied it." - Sam Storms
As I said before, how's that quote aging for you Sam? Bottom line is maybe Storms, Brown and company are the wrong people to be advising us on someone who completely duped them. The arrogance of thinking people care about what Patricia King's opinion is about Mike Bickle is simply staggering. Nonetheless, onward Christian soldier, let us reason together once more:
"As elders in the Body, our hearts are broken by the allegations of spiritual and emotional devastation caused by the scandal surrounding Mike Bickle and IHOPKC. Some of us have called for an independent judicial council to hear all the evidence and responses and then render a decision. The situation is too large for the IHOPKC leadership, who have lost credibility in the eyes of many, and external leaders are needed to help judge the situation impartially. We will continue to press for this independent judicial council to be constituted." - The Bicklegate Eight
Render a decision? Regarding what? The IHOP leadership has lost all credibility with everyone not trying to protect the brand. In typical Brown fashion, he tries to downplay and deflect. Instead of saying unequivocally that the IHOP leadership is corrupt, he parses it by saying only "some" believe they are not credible. The bottom line here is that we do NOT need another clown car of alleged leaders to tell us what we already know. Mike Bickle is a serial predator covering decades. He has been enabled, protected and covered up for the entire time. The problem with leadership figures is they still will take into consideration the ministry as somehow being salvageable. Pay attention! God is destroying IHOP! All of it! Not just Mike Bickle. The 24-7 prayer model has always been unbiblical, and God is tearing that down as well. Prayer is needed but forced prayer, prayer for college credit, Kundalini prayer, eastern Mysticism, and transcendental prayer? Yeah, God is saying no. Instead, IHOP needs to bring in a truly independent investigative source, not the compromised congregant they leveraged, and have them investigate the entire organization, put out a report, make restitution to the victims, and shutter IHOP for good.
"However, since this has still not happened, despite major steps being taken to bring these leaders together, even involving some members of this team, we believe a statement is now in order. From the time that the charges were first brought against Mike, while addressing this scandal on different levels within our own circles of ministry and in various public settings, we have been waiting for proper investigations to take place and all charges to be known before making final, definitive statements. Some of us have also been working behind the scenes over these months to help ensure that a proper investigation takes place. But since this process has dragged on for so long, we can wait no longer and feel a sacred responsibility to make this unequivocal, joint statement." - The Bicklegate Eight
This is just to cover their own butts for why this is being released so late in the game. People with discernment have known IHOP was on fire since November. Brown and his gaggle of false cohorts simply did not want to believe it. I understand. It is embarrassing to have to admit you have been fooled once again by a man preaching holiness for decades while leading a secret life. If this was such a sacred responsibility though, why is it just coming out now? Dr. Brown knew in December that the leadership was corrupted which is why he stepped away from direct involvement. No, this smells like they are concerned the narrative is getting away from them. So, they want to pretend that they have all been working feverishly behind the scenes because I am sure they will be advocating for salvaging IHOP and the fake prayer ministry. Let us continue:
