Lecture Notes: Allegations Against IHOP and Mike Bickel

Overview

• Discussion on allegations against Mike Bickel and his leadership at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City.
• Focus on cult-like tactics allegedly used by Bickel, impacting his victims.
• Guest speaker: Shelley Hunley, former IHOP member, detailing her experiences and insights.

Key Individuals

• Mike Bickel: Accused of using manipulative tactics to control and abuse women.
• Shelley Hunley: Former IHOP member, shares her journey and experiences with abuse culture.
• Deborah Perkins: One of Bickel’s victims, her abuse story is central to the discussion.
• Misty Edwards: Mentioned as a prominent worship leader at IHOP.

Key Concepts

Allegations Against Mike Bickel

• Accused of grooming women for sexual abuse under the guise of spiritual leadership.
• Used prophetic words to entrap women and earn the trust of their families.
• Created a culture where his approval was sought after and dissent was not tolerated.

Cult-Like Tactics

• Bickel allegedly created a culture that idolized him and discouraged questioning.
• His influence extended deeply, creating emotional and spiritual dependency among followers.
• Alleged that he used "father-daughter" dynamics to manipulate and control victims.

Shelley's Background

• Missionary Family: Grew up in Colombia; her father was a sexual abuser.
• Experience at IHOP: Thought to be spiritually healing by Bickel, later realized it was grooming.

Structural and Cultural Issues at IHOP

• Spiritual Abuse: Misuse of prophetic gifts for manipulation.
• Dependency Culture: Followers felt they needed Bickel's approval for personal decisions.
• Isolation: Individuals who left IHOP experienced shunning, cutting them off from community.

Personal Experiences

• Shelley’s Internal Conflict: Initially saw Bickel as a father figure, later realized the manipulation.
• Role in IHOP: Worked as a conference director, experienced the cult-like control firsthand.
• Emotional Manipulation: Bickel’s control over personal and spiritual lives of members.

Reflections on Abuse and Recovery

• Crisis of Faith: Many members experienced deep spiritual crises due to abuse revelations.
• Counseling and Healing: Emphasis on the complexity of healing from spiritual abuse.

Recommendations for Victims

• Encouragement for victims to seek counseling and support externally.
• Emphasis on separating from the toxic environment to find healing.
• Acknowledgement of the profound and lasting impact of spiritual manipulation.

Conclusion

• The discussion sheds light on the destructive nature of spiritual abuse in religious organizations.
• Highlights the need for awareness, support for victims, and systemic change to prevent future abuse.