Shepherd Ministry
From founding a global prayer movement to dismissal after decades of alleged abuse.
Michael Leroy Bickle (born July 17, 1955) is a former American evangelical leader and the founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). Once leading a vast network of ministries and a Bible school, his tenure ended in December 2023 following a confession to sexual misconduct. Bickle established IHOPKC in 1999 after leaving Metro Christian Fellowship, creating an organization known for its continuous 24-hour prayer meetings, which began after the prayer room launched on September 19, 1999. At its peak, the ministry supported approximately 2,000 full-time staff members, students, and interns, hosting massive annual Onething conferences that drew around 20,000–22,000 young adults by 2010.
- Affiliation
- None
- Base of Operations
- Kansas City
- Status
- Defunct (as a ministry under Bickle)
- Public Perception
- Formerly Respected, now Suspicious
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Bickle’s ministry grew from his conversion at age fifteen during a Fellowship of Christian Athletes conference in Colorado. He claimed supernatural encounters, including hearing God's audible voice and being taken to heaven twice, though these accounts were disputed after his confession. Theologically, he focused on eschatology, prayer, fasting, and the Song of Songs as an allegory for the church's relationship with God. He also taught on Israel's spiritual purposes and prayed for Jewish salvation. Before founding IHOPKC in 1999, Bickle was affiliated with John Wimber’s Vineyard movement until 1996, a period that included criticism regarding 'aberrant practices' reported by Ernest Gruen in 1990.
In Their Own Story
The ministry faced a dramatic collapse starting October 28, 2023, when allegations of sexual abuse from women spanning decades surfaced. Bickle was placed on administrative leave, and an investigation initially contracted to Stinson LLP was moved to a local Kansas City firm following criticism. On December 12, 2023, Bickle confessed to past misconduct while denying some specific claims. By December 22, IHOPKC confirmed the findings of 'inappropriate behavior' and permanently severed ties on December 23. Further revelations emerged in February 2024 via The Kansas City Star, detailing the grooming of Tammy Woods starting when she was 14 in the 1980s. A March 2025 report by Tikkun Global stated that 17 people came forward reporting abuse dating to the mid-1970s, including incidents involving minors.
Reader's Guide
Bickle’s legacy is defined by both his prolific writing and subsequent removal from ministry. He authored numerous books such as 'Passion for Jesus' (1994) and 'Growing in Prayer' (2014). His leadership style was controversial, criticized for the sexual activities of connected ministers like Bob Jones and Paul Cain in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite this, Bickle continued to praise Jones as late as 2017. The organization he built ceased its Bible college and internship programs after his dismissal. Survivors, including Tammy Woods, testified before Missouri lawmakers in March 2025 to support legislation eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, contributing to the passage of Trey's Law in June 2025.
Did You Know?
- Bickle claimed to have been taken to heaven twice during his ministry.
- The final Onething conference was held in December 2019.
- In 2010, the annual conference attracted approximately 20,000–22,000 young adults.
- A 2023 independent investigation report (by Guidepost Solutions) documented 17 allegations of abuse by Bickle dating back to the 1980s.
More in Factions & Groups
Elsewhere in the Firefly universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record