IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle addressed sexual misconduct allegations

The founder of an International House of Prayer based in Kansas City admitted to “inappropriate behavior” and “moral failures” following explosive sexual misconduct allegations against the spiritual leader.

Mike Bickle addressed the scandal in a vague, rambling statement Tuesday where he acknowledged “past sins” but denied “more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting.”

“I am anguished that my past sins have caused great pain for my wife and family along with the IHOPKC family, and others,” wrote Bickle, who founded the evangelical missions organization in 1999.

“I am deeply sorry that my sin put the IHOPKC leadership and community in a very painful and difficult position. I asked my family for forgiveness,” he added. “I now asked for forgiveness from the IHOPKC family and in the body of Christ.”

Leadership told members of the organization in an October meeting that Bickle was facing allegations of misconduct, though details were not revealed, the Kansas City Star reported.

Three former IHOPKC leaders said in an ensuing statement the allegations involved sexual abuse by Bickle, according to the newspaper.

The leaders said the leadership team found “these allegations of clergy sexual abuse by Mike Bickle to be credible and long-standing.”

Bickle said he was addressing the allegations 20 years after they apparently happened because he was recently confronted about them. He pleaded for members to pray for himself and his family.

“I ask that my family and friends do not defend me,” he said in his long statement. “I have confidence that the Lord will speak concerning what He sees and says about me in His timing.

“Please do not engage in debates on social media to defend me and please do not criticize those who are voicing their disdain for me.”

The house of prayer hired a third-party firm to probe the allegations against Bickle, leaders told congregants Sunday morning, the Kansas City Star reported.

The action was announced by IHOPKC Executive Director Stuart Greaves and its new spokesperson Eric Volz. Leaders have vowed the probe would be independent.