Mike Bickle is the founder and leader of the International House of Prayer (IHOP), a ministry and worship center based in Kansas City, Missouri. Established in 1999, IHOP is known for its 24/7 prayer and worship model, charismatic practices, and emphasis on prophetic revelations and supernatural experiences. Bickle, originally from the United States, has been involved in charismatic and Pentecostal circles for decades and has built a large following through his teachings, conferences, and the IHOP ministry. IHOP has become influential in certain segments of the evangelical and charismatic communities, particularly among young adults seeking an intense and experiential form of Christianity.
Why Mike Bickle/IHOP Should Be Regarded as a False Teacher and Avoided
1. Emphasizing Extra-Biblical Revelations Over Scriptural Authority
One of the most concerning aspects of Mike Bickle’s teachings is his heavy emphasis on extra-biblical revelations, dreams, visions, and prophetic words as sources of spiritual guidance and truth. Bickle often speaks of receiving direct revelations from God and encourages others to seek similar supernatural experiences. This emphasis suggests that believers should expect God to communicate with them outside of Scripture, leading to a dependence on subjective experiences rather than the objective truth of God’s Word.
The Bible teaches that Scripture is sufficient and complete for guiding believers in all matters of faith and practice. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word is the ultimate authority, and we are warned not to add to or take away from it (Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). By encouraging the pursuit of extra-biblical revelations, Bickle leads people away from the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, creating an environment where subjective experiences are placed above God’s clear and unchanging truth.
2. Promoting Unbiblical and Sensational Practices
The teachings and practices at IHOP, under Mike Bickle’s leadership, often involve unbiblical and sensational practices, such as "prophetic singing," "prayer tunnels," and an overemphasis on spiritual warfare. These practices are often presented as necessary for achieving a higher level of spirituality or intimacy with God. The culture at IHOP frequently encourages believers to engage in repetitive chanting, altered states of consciousness, and extended periods of emotional, ecstatic worship as a means of encountering God’s presence.
However, such practices are not found in Scripture and often resemble pagan or mystical rituals more than biblical forms of worship. Jesus Himself warned against the use of repetitive phrases and empty rituals in prayer, saying, "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words" (Matthew 6:7). True worship is to be grounded in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and should not rely on emotional manipulation or unbiblical practices. By promoting these sensational practices, Bickle and IHOP lead people into a form of worship that is based on emotional experiences rather than the truth of God’s Word.
3. Aligning with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) Movement
Mike Bickle and IHOP are closely associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement that emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets who claim to have authority and revelation comparable to the original apostles of the New Testament. NAR teachings often focus on establishing God's kingdom on earth through the leadership of these modern apostles and prophets, with the belief that they have unique insight and power to bring about a global revival.
However, the Bible teaches that the foundation of the church has already been laid by "the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). There is no biblical basis for the idea that modern apostles or prophets carry the same authority or receive new revelations as the original apostles did. The teachings of the NAR elevate human leaders and undermine the completed revelation of God’s Word. By aligning with the NAR and promoting its teachings, Bickle fosters an unbiblical understanding of church authority and the role of prophecy.
4. Misinterpreting and Distorting Scripture
Mike Bickle frequently misinterprets and distorts Scripture to fit his teachings, particularly when it comes to eschatology (the study of end times) and the role of the church in bringing about God’s kingdom on earth. Bickle often presents speculative and sensational interpretations of biblical prophecy, which are not grounded in sound hermeneutics or the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation. For example, his teachings on end-times events and his emphasis on "forerunner" ministries can lead to an unhealthy obsession with eschatological speculation rather than a balanced and faithful study of Scripture.
The Bible warns against those who twist God’s Word for their own purposes, and Peter wrote that some people "twist [the Scriptures] to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). Paul instructed Timothy to "rightly handle the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), emphasizing the importance of accurately and faithfully interpreting Scripture. By distorting the Bible to fit his theological agenda, Bickle leads people into error and encourages them to adopt teachings that are not rooted in the clear meaning of God’s Word.
5. Focusing on Experiences Over the Gospel of Christ
Mike Bickle’s ministry and the culture of IHOP place a heavy emphasis on supernatural experiences, prophetic encounters, and intense emotional worship as evidence of spiritual maturity and closeness to God. This emphasis can lead believers to seek experiences rather than pursuing a deep understanding of the Gospel, repentance, and growth in Christlikeness. When spiritual experiences become the central focus, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls people to repentance, faith, and obedience, is often overshadowed or diminished.
The Bible teaches that the central message of Christianity is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Paul wrote, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). The Christian life is not about chasing after supernatural experiences or emotional highs but about growing in holiness, faith, and obedience to God’s Word. By prioritizing experiences over sound doctrine and the Gospel, Bickle and IHOP lead people into a shallow, experience-driven faith that lacks the depth and stability of true biblical Christianity.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns believers to be vigilant against false teachers who distort the truth and lead others astray with unbiblical practices, teachings, and experiences. The apostle Paul warned that "the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3). Mike Bickle’s emphasis on extra-biblical revelations, sensational practices, and alignment with the NAR reflects this kind of teaching, which appeals to those who are looking for something more than the simplicity and sufficiency of God’s Word.
Jesus Himself warned about false prophets who would come in "sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). True teachers of God’s Word always point people to Christ, call them to repentance, and uphold the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. By contrast, Bickle’s teachings often direct people toward subjective experiences, unbiblical practices, and human authority.
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, Mike Bickle and IHOP should be regarded as promoting false teachings, and their practices should be avoided. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of God’s grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It calls us to live lives of holiness, obedience, and submission to the Lordship of Christ, not to seek after unbiblical experiences, mystical encounters, or modern-day apostles. Therefore, believers should reject Bickle's teachings and practices, and remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God's Word, which offers the way to eternal life and true spiritual growth in Christ.
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