BROKEN TRUST – Processing the effect of Mike Bickle & IHOPKC leadership’s actions.
As the IHOPKC drama unfolded, the picture we had of Mike Bickle - will affect our emotions. And more importantly, it affects our spiritual lives. In most cases, all of us will deal with the BROKEN TRUST, since we trusted Mike or we would not have followed his leadership. This would also include trusting those in the ELT or other IHOP leaders.
I have seen many men fall throughout my years in the ministry. So, I did not have high expectations of IHOPKC but I also did not expect the deception or the disobedience. I know some people who pictured Mike next to Elijah and Jesus. I have learned to NEVER put anyone on a pedestal. WISE leaders never let anyone put them on a pedestal.
It is important to process our forgiveness. But to do that we must review the FACTS. The 12 discussions in this paper may help you do that. Since many church leaders teach, “It is better to not say anything…” Doctrine. This treats the Body of Christ as if they do not have the Holy Spirit to convict them of sinful speech... IHOPKC was cult-like and has tried to stop all talking.
A good pastor wants everyone he is overseeing to be able to speak freely about their thoughts when a tragic event happens. This includes speech that might be labeled gossip. By speaking to other leaders and friends, we may find that we are not “gossiping”, but we are actually finding and accepting the TRUTH. Most people also process their emotions by talking about events.
We should learn how to speak correctly with graciousness and boldness, by SPEAKING. Not by keeping silent. Most humans do not like confrontation. Sometimes, our silence comes from a BAD religious spirit that is based on fear or self-interest. We don’t want to upset someone, so we remain quiet when we should be reviewing the FACTS and forgiving when necessary.
No matter what part of the accusations you believe are true - the following seems to be true.
1. Mike Bickle did not stand up before the people he taught and REPENT
2. The ELT lied to the church about dates, times and other details.
3. Mike planned a cover up for years and put people in positions of leadership who had been lying and covering up past abuse and problems. For example, some questioned, “Why is Steward being given top leadership positions?” We now know.
4. There was a lack of outside oversight by seasoned ministries and the lack of an independent investigation of IHOPKC confirms that there is something still being hidden. Either due to legal counsel or protection of the “brand” IHOPKC.
If you were deceived by IHOPKC leadership or Mike’s teachings, it is spiritually healthy to review Mike’s actions and repent as needed. If you were young, there is no protection when your spiritual fathers lie to you. If you are an adult and overlooked behavior that was questionable, it is time to repent. If you were deceived and followed men instead of Jesus, repent and clearly open your eyes.
An example of this in scripture would be the FACT that no one in the religious, God worshipping Israel of the 1st Century had confronted the corruption and sin in the temple. When Jesus came on the scene He confronted the leaders of the Temple. Jesus’ first public miracle was immediately followed by His confronting “church” leadership at the time of the Passover.
This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple John 2:11-15a NASB 1995
I would suggest talking to a trusted and wise Christian leader about how to process forgiveness toward all those who lied and deceived. Restoration to leadership should NOT be in our thoughts at this time. Since we have loved IHOPKC leaders, it is a humanistic desire to restore.
The Holy Spirit will COMFORT you as He gives you more understanding of what happened and how it impacted you. This is different for each individual and family. Since we want to follow Jesus and be healed and wiser, this process is very important.
It is a fact that each of us must deal with the impact of IHOPKC’s leadership betrayals and errors of doctrine and practice. To do this, we should understand WHAT MAY HAVE GONE WRONG. Not as a judge but as a seeker of truth and a person who does not promote unrighteousness.
(Back to Title Page - https://www.gregorygrinstead.com/post/12-ihopkc-doctrines-practices-to-examine)
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