13 important updates from The Star’s coverage of the IHOPKC sex abuse scandal
The Star’s ongoing coverage of the International House of Prayer-Kansas City began with reporting on sexual abuse allegations against the organization’s founder Mike Bickle. Our reporters continue to cover the organization’s financial struggles, upheaval and investigations into wrongdoing.
Former IHOPKC leaders, known as the Advocate Group, have called for a third-party investigation into the handling of abuse claims, citing credibility issues with internal investigations. In response, IHOPKC has announced restructuring efforts and the hiring of a law firm to examine past misconduct and overhaul current policies.
Meanwhile, followers remain split, with some expressing deep hurt and betrayal while others continue to maintain their faith in the organization.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists at The Star. All stories below were reported, written and edited by Star journalists.
Woman says IHOPKC founder groomed, sexually abused her when she was 14 in the 1980s
A Michigan woman has come forward with allegations that International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle sexually abused her starting when she was 14 and before he formed the Kansas City ministry. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
IHOPKC founder made video about sex abuse claims, sent script to accuser to review
A week before Tammy Woods came forward with allegations that the International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder sexually abused her starting when she was 14, Mike Bickle sent her the script for a video he’d made about his “failures” and asked her to review it, she said. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
Prophecy promoted by IHOPKC founder is based on incorrect information, document shows
A decades-old prophecy promoted by embattled IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle that has been repeatedly recited by charismatic leaders to rally believers was based on information that isn’t true, The Star has learned. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
IHOPKC founder ‘more likely than not’ engaged in clergy misconduct, investigation finds
International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder Mike Bickle’s behavior was “an abuse of power for a person in a position of trust and leadership,” an investigation has found. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
What is IHOPKC? The controversial KC Christian organization closing, leaked report said
The International House of Prayer of Kansas City – IHOPKC – is a Christian prayer organization that draws people from around the world to its headquarters on Red Bridge Road in South Kansas City. | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash
Former IHOPKC leaders release explosive videos with new details of sex abuse allegations
A group of former International House of Prayer-Kansas City leaders has released a series of explosive videos that include members discussing the sexual abuse allegations against founder Mike Bickle and how they say current leadership is mishandling the issue. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
IHOPKC says Mike Bickle’s actions ‘predatory,’ apologizes for handling of abuse claims
International House of Prayer-Kansas City leaders say they believe that founder Mike Bickle sexually abused two women — one as a minor — calling his actions “predatory” and “sick” and apologizing for how they’ve addressed the allegations. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
‘Prophet’ with close ties to embattled IHOPKC founder is a ‘complete fraud,’ son says
A man known in charismatic circles for his prophetic ministry who has close ties to embattled International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder Mike Bickle is a con artist and a fraud, his son said. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
Besieged by scandals and sex abuse allegations, IHOPKC to close, form new organization
The International House of Prayer-Kansas City, plagued for months by sexual abuse allegations against its founder Mike Bickle, plans to close its doors and open a new, smaller organization. “The leadership feels the best way to resolve the issues is to close IHOPKC as an organization and shift to a more missional church structure in the future. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas, Laura Bauer and Katie Moore
New misconduct reports at IHOPKC ‘very swiftly dealt with and addressed,’ spokesman says
The International House of Prayer of Kansas City has received new misconduct reports, a spokesman said as the 24/7 prayer ministry continues to investigate sex abuse allegations against its founder. “There have actually been a few new reports of misconduct that have come in in the last three weeks, and they were very swiftly dealt with and addressed,” said Eric Volz, updating followers about the case during IHOPKC’s Forerunner Church service in Grandview. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
‘I had to step away’: IHOPKC board member resigns over stalled sex abuse investigation
After six months of serving on the International House of Prayer-Kansas City board of directors, Shane Holden decided that his work with the beleaguered ministry was done. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
IHOPKC says outside firm to examine handling of abuse claims. Is it truly independent?
When the investigation into how it handled sexual misconduct allegations is complete, IHOPKC said, “important findings” will be made public. | Read Full Story by Judy L. Thomas
Shaken by scandal, hurt and betrayal, these members of IHOPKC ministry look to heaven
“Human beings can make mistakes. We just see God,” said one IHOPKC follower. | Read Full Story by Eric Adler
This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
This story was originally published September 6, 2024 at 9:45 AM.