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'''Mike Bickle''' is the president of the [[International House of Prayer]] (IHOP) and president of Friends of the Bridegroom, and co-founder of The Joseph Company of [[Kansas City, Missouri]]. He is married to Diane Bickle; they currently live in the Kansas City area.
'''Mike Bickle''' is the president,<ref>{{Citation
| last = Parrish
| first = John A. for IHOP
| date = May 14, 2007
| pages = 18
| title = IRS Form 990
| url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2006/742/938/2006-742938029-03165e82-9.pdf
|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-02-03}} Lists Bickle as president of IHOP.
</ref> and director,<ref>{{Citation
| title = Who we are, Mike Bickle
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=22497
| accessdate = 2008-02-03}} States Bickle is "director" of IHOP
</ref> of the [[International House of Prayer]] (IHOP), president of Friends of the Bridegroom (FOTB)<ref>{{Citation
| last = Parrish
| first = John A. for FOTB
| date = May 22, 2007
| pages = 5
| title = IRS Form 990
| url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2006/742/938/2006-742938033-03245726-9.pdf
|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-02-03}} Lists Bickle as president of FOTB.
</ref>, and co-founder of The Joseph Company of Kansas City.<ref>{{Citation
| title = The Joseph Company: Meet the Team
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?issn=1000021270 | accessdate = 2008-01-19}}
</ref> He currently is the most-featured speaker at Sunday worship services at Forerunner Christian Fellowship, the local church associated with IHOP,<ref>{{Citation
| title = Forerunner Christian Fellowship (FCF)
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?issn=1000000380| accessdate = 2008-02-07}} "FCF is a local church family...Mike Bickle and other IHOP leaders bring the 'now' word of the Lord..."</ref> and the Head of Prayer/Prayer Director <!-- used interchangeably --> of the international [http://god.tv/ GOD TV] television network.


==Christian ministry==
Bickle was formerly the pastor of the Kansas City Fellowship, which is now known as [http://www.metro-kc.org/ Metro Christian Fellowship]. In that role, during the 1980s and 1990s, he was senior pastor of the group known to detractors and supporters alike as the "[[Kansas City Prophets]]." This group included Bob Jones, [[John Paul Jackson]], [[Paul Cain]], and by some accounts Francis Frangipane. In regards to the moniker "Kansas City Prophets" Bickle is quoted as saying, "I hated that name."<ref>{{Citation
During the 1980s and 90s, Bickle was senior pastor of Kansas City Fellowship. During that time-period, the fellowship's group of pastors and ministers was known as the "[[Kansas City Prophets]]." The group included [[Bob Jones]], [[John Paul Jackson]], [[Paul Cain (minister)|Paul Cain]], and [[Francis Frangipane]].
| last = Hipp
| first = Deb
| date = October 10, 2002
| newspaper = The Pitch - Kansas City
| title = Return of the Prophets
| url = http://www.pitch.com/2002-10-10/news/return-of-the-prophets/3
| accessdate = 2008-02-03}}
</ref>


Along with others, Bickle founded the Kansas City International House of Prayer Missions Base in 1999. At its inception, IHOP facilitated prayer and Christian worship for 13 hours each day; it has since grown to allow for prayer and worship 24 hours a day, 7 days of week.<ref>http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000036203</ref>
While working 30 hours a week for IHOP,<ref>{{Citation
| last = Parrish
| first = John A. for IHOP
| date = May 14, 2007
| pages = 18
| title = IRS Form 990
| url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2006/742/938/2006-742938029-03165e82-9.pdf
|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-02-03}} Lists Bickle's average work week as 30 hours for IHOP</ref> and 30 hours a week for FOTB,<ref>{{Citation
| last = Parrish
| first = John A. for FOTB
| date = May 22, 2007
| pages = 5
| title = IRS Form 990
| url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2006/742/938/2006-742938033-03245726-9.pdf
|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-02-03}} Lists Bickle's average work week as 30 hours for FOTB</ref> Bickle has also authored or co-authored numerous books.


Bickle has authored and co-authored several books with topics in the areas of Christian propehcy, prayer, and fasting.<ref>http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mike+bickle</ref>
The primary focus of his teachings is to prepare the body of Christ for the last stage of human history and the return of Jesus. His teachings focus on growing in love for God, and encouraging people to live out New Testament Christianity. He is most well known for his teachings on the [[Song of Songs]] (Song of Solomon).


==Criticism==
With his involvement with IHOP, Bickle has been on the forefront of the restoration of 24/7 prayer and worship in the "spirit of the Tabernacle of David."<ref>{{Citation
Bickle's theology and methods have been criticized by other ministers and ministries as well as cult-watch groups.<ref>{{Citation
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| date = September 9, 2007
| pages = section I paragraph A.
| title = God’s Desire to Find a Resting Place on Earth
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/File.aspx?issn=1000004153 | accessdate = 2008-02-13}} "In the May 1983 Solemn Assembly (corporate 21 days of fasting), the Lord spoke audibly commissioning us, saying: 'I will release 24-hour prayer in the spirit of the Tabernacle of David'.” </ref> Regarding the Tabernacle of David, Bickle states "It's a prophecy about the victorious church in power. It's more than a prayer and worship ministry, but that's a key part of it. There's a priestly and a kingly dimension to it."<ref>{{Citation
| last = Walker
| first = Ken
| oclc = 132797310
| url = http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=537
| title = The Rise of Prophetic Worship
| newspaper = Ministry Today
| publisher = Strang Communications Company
| place = Lake Mary, FL
| date = Sept/October 1990}} The article goes on to state, Quoting Rob Stearns, "Amos 9:11-12 and Acts 15:16-17 both say that in the last days the tabernacle of David will be restored."</ref>

The Joseph Company, founded by Bickle, is a ministry to those that work in the marketplace, that operates in conjunction with IHOP. One of their goals is to encourage the ministry of "Treasure Bringers" within the church, whose "greatest joy is plundering the wealth of the world for their Lord."<ref>{{Citation
| last = Fraser
| first = Bob
| title = [http://web.archive.org/web/20041208215255/http://fotb.com/journals/pdf/FOTB+Missions+Base+Journal+July+04.pdf Six Kingdom Callings of Marketplace Christians]
| newspaper = FOTB Missions Base Journal
| date = July 2004
| pages = 14
| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20041208215255/http://fotb.com/journals/pdf/FOTB+Missions+Base+Journal+July+04.pdf
|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-02-03}}
</ref><ref>{{Citation
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| date = November 4, 2007
| pages = paragraph L.
| title = Financial Provision for the End Time Worship Movement
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/File.aspx?issn=1000004684 | accessdate = 2008-02-13}} Bickle mentions the "great transfer of wealth in the End-Times as God shakes the nations," a key doctrine of the Joseph Company.
</ref>

==Praise==
Bickle's theology and methods have been challenged by many in the church who assert that he is in error in some of his practices and beliefs.<ref>{{Citation
| last = Maudlin
| last = Maudlin
| first = Michael G.
| first = Michael G.
Line 100: Line 19:
| date = January 14, 1991
| date = January 14, 1991
| issn = 0009-5753
| issn = 0009-5753
}} "Several cult-watching groups have expressed apprehension, and a few, condemnation. Even some Vineyard churches have expressed grave concerns about the direction the prophets are taking them."</ref> Their criticism, warranted or not, focuses mainly on the basis of his theology, his allegorical interpretation of the [[Song of Songs]],<ref>{{Citation
}} "Several cult-watching groups have expressed apprehension, and a few, condemnation. Even some Vineyard churches have expressed grave concerns about the direction the prophets are taking them."</ref> Criticism of Bickle has spanned several decades, from contemporary critic Rev. Keith Gibson,<ref>{{Citation
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| title = Session 1 Introduction to the Song of Solomon
| year = 2007
| url = http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/File.aspx?issn=1000002054 | accessdate = 2008-02-03}}</ref> and the moral failings of some of the prophets that he has promoted, including Bob Jones<ref>{{Citation
| date = Fall, 1989
| publisher = (audiotape)
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| title = "Visions and Revelations" Mike Bickle interviews Bob Jones}} Background info on Bob Jones
</ref><ref>{{Citation
| title = Kansas City 'Prophet' Disciplined
| journal = Christianity Today
| last =
| first =
| volume = 36
| issue = 3
| date = March 9, 1992.
| issn = 0009-5753
| pages = 67}}"Vineyard leaders took strong steps recently to discipline well-known "prophet" Bob Jones after Jones admitted to "Sexual misconduct (not adultery)" with two women." "Vineyard leadership also is supporting the Joneses through regular counseling, visits by the Kansas City Metro Vineyard leadership, and monetary contributions."</ref> and [[Paul Cain]].<ref>{{Citation
| last = Joyner
| first = Rick
| last2 = Bickle
| first2 = Mike
| last3 = Deere
| first3 = Jack
| title = Special Bulletin, No. 37
| date = October 25, 2007
| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20041027045030/www.morningstarministries.org/pages/special_bulletins/SB_Current.html
| accessdate = 2008-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{Citation
| last = Grady
| first = J. Lee
| title = Prophetic Minister Paul Cain Issues Public Apology for Immoral Lifestyle
| publisher = Charisma and Christian Life
| location = Altamonte Springs, FL
| issn = 0279-0424
| date = March 2005
| url = http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=10627
| accessdate = 2008-01-28
| format = {{dead link|date=May 2009}} &ndash; <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=author%3AGrady+intitle%3AProphetic+Minister+Paul+Cain+Issues+Public+Apology+for+Immoral+Lifestyle&as_publication=&as_ylo=&as_yhi=&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>}}
</ref>

Criticism has spanned several decades, from contemporary critic Rev. Keith Gibson,<ref>{{Citation
| title = Speaking for God? A Response to the Apostolic and Prophetic Movement
| title = Speaking for God? A Response to the Apostolic and Prophetic Movement
| journal = Areopagus Journal
| journal = Areopagus Journal
Line 153: Line 29:
| date = May/June 2007.
| date = May/June 2007.


| pages = 67}}Gibson notes "To Bickle, apparently, the Trinity is one of those "lesser doctrines" around which a true prophet may be misinformed."</ref> director of the Kansas City office of the [http://arcapologetics.org/kansas-city-office.htm Apologetics Resource Center] to a Kansas City Pastor, Rev. Ernie Gruen<ref>{{Citation
| pages = 67}}Gibson notes "To Bickle, apparently, the Trinity is one of those "lesser doctrines" around which a true prophet may be misinformed."</ref> director of the Kansas City office of the Apologetics Resource Center to City Pastor, Rev. Ernie Gruen<ref>{{Citation
| last = Grady
| last = Grady
| first = J. Lee
| first = J. Lee
Line 170: Line 46:
| publisher = Zondervan
| publisher = Zondervan
| location = Grand Rapids, MI
| location = Grand Rapids, MI
| year = 1995}}</ref> in 1990. It was around this time that Bickle and his church affiliated with John Wimber and the Association of Vineyard Churches (AVC)<ref>{{Citation
| year = 1995}}</ref> in 1990. It was around this time that Bickle and his church affiliated with John Wimber and the [[Association of Vineyard Churches]] (AVC)<ref>{{Citation
| last = Grady
| last = Grady
| first = J. Lee
| first = J. Lee
Line 179: Line 55:
| publisher = Strang Communications Company
| publisher = Strang Communications Company
| place = Lake Mary, FL
| place = Lake Mary, FL
| date = Sept/October 1990}} "In a surprise announcement, he [Wimber] said that Bickle and his associates had agreed to submit themselves to his oversight and become part of Wimber's Vineyard Ministries. The KCF network of fellowships would become Vineyard churches."</ref> in part to address the issues raised by his critics.<ref>{{Citation
| date = Sept/October 1990}} "In a surprise announcement, he [Wimber] said that Bickle and his associates had agreed to submit themselves to his oversight and become part of Wimber's Vineyard Ministries. The KCF network of fellowships would become Vineyard churches."</ref><ref>{{Citation
| last = Poloma
| last = Poloma
| first = Margaret M.
| first = Margaret M.
Line 188: Line 64:
| publisher = AltaMira Press
| publisher = AltaMira Press
| location = Walnut Creek, CA
| location = Walnut Creek, CA
| year = 2003}} "Despite the accusations of 'false prophecy and misconduct' directed at Bickle, Wimber stood by the Kansas City prophets and encouraged Bickle to bring his church into the AVC."</ref> Regarding these issues, Bickle attempted to divert responsibility by saying "We were tempted to say that the attacks were all of the devil. In retrospect, we see that God’s hand in all of this - even using the things that came from Satan’s hand as well. Some of the criticisms were valid<ref>{{Citation
| year = 2003}} "Despite the accusations of 'false prophecy and misconduct' directed at Bickle, Wimber stood by the Kansas City prophets and encouraged Bickle to bring his church into the AVC."</ref>
| last = Maudlin
| first = Michael G.
| title = Seers in the Heartland
| journal = Christianity Today
| volume = 35
| issue = 1
| pages = 18–21
| date = January 14, 1991
| issn = 0009-5753
}} "To cap it all off, Mike Bickle received public correction (from Wimber) for exaggerating some prophecies, for allowing too much latitude with some prophetic ministers, and for unnecessarily provoking other Kansas City churches for making unwise statements about the role of KCF."</ref> (especially concerning our pride) others were not."<ref>{{Citation
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| last2 = Sullivant
| first2 = Michael
| title = Growing in the Prophetic
| isbn = 0884194264
| publisher = Charisma House
| location = Orlando, FL
| year = 1996}}
</ref>

Bickle's controversial end-times eschatology has aligned him with [[Latter Rain]] thinking, and especially the doctrine that emerged from it known as "[[Joel's Army]]." Bickle, in December 2008 was quoted as saying "We're not afraid of the [[great tribulation]], the judgment of God, we're releasing it. We're not victims that are fearful and helpless, we're participants. We're agents in God's hands, loosing through prayers of faith supernatural provisions for the saints and heavenly arsenals striking the power bases - the political and military and economic power bases across the world, the Holy Spirit will release Heavenly arsenal and strike and literally and physically destroy them through the prayers of faith of the unified body of Christ."<ref>{{Citation
| last = Bickle
| first = Mike
| title = PODCAST: The Great Role for this Generation
| publisher = IHOP Onething 08
| location = Kansas City, MO
| date = December 2008
| url = http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid3303595001/bclid3247442001/bctid45\
89051001
| accessdate = 2008-12-16}}
</ref> A [http://ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000050149 designated portion of the website] of the [[International House of Prayer]] addresses multiple doctrinal controversies surrounding Bickle and his ministry.

==Books==
'''Books written by Mike Bickle'''

* Dynamic Intercession by Mike Bickle [http://worldcat.org/oclc/29221301 ISBN 0850098068]
* Passion for Jesus: Perfecting Extravagant Love for God by Mike Bickle (1994) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/48539912 ISBN 088419258X]
* Growing in the Prophetic by Mike Bickle and Michael Sullivant (1996) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/45247529 ISBN 0884194264]
* The Pleasures of Loving God by Mike Bickle (2000) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/45429162 ISBN 0884196623]
* After God's Own Heart by Mike Bickle (2003) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/53131447 ISBN 1591852307]
* The Relevant Church by Jennifer Ashley, Mike Bickle and Mike Howerton (2004) [http://books.google.com/books?id=pCU-W4xfLG8C&dq=the+relevant+church+by+jennifer+ashley ISBN 097469424X] (one chapter)
* The Rewards of Fasting by Mike Bickle and Dana Candler (2005) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/163842759 ISBN 0977673812]
* The Seven Longings of the Human Heart by Mike Bickle and Deborah Hiebert (2006) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/76878137 ISBN 0977673847]
* Loving God by Mike Bickle (2007) [http://worldcat.org/oclc/123349851 ISBN 9781599791753]
* Passion for Jesus: Cultivating Extravagant Love for God by Mike Bickle (2007) [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/76786645 ISBN 9781599790602]

'''Forewords or Introductions by Mike Bickle'''

* Watch of the Lord by Mahesh Chavda and Bonnie Chavda (1989)
* The Singing God by Sam Storms (1998)
* Bridal Intercession by Gary Wiens (2001)
* Leaving Laodicea by Jeanne Terrell (2001)
* Enjoying God by S. J. Hill (2001)
* Praying the Bible by Wesley Campbell and Stacey Campbell (2003)
* Unrelenting Prayer by Bob Sorge (2004)
* Marketplace Christianity by Robert Fraser (2004)


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.mikebickle.org Mike Bickle official site]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Bickle, Mike}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bickle, Mike}}

Revision as of 21:06, 26 May 2010

Mike Bickle is the president of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and president of Friends of the Bridegroom, and co-founder of The Joseph Company of Kansas City, Missouri. He is married to Diane Bickle; they currently live in the Kansas City area.

Christian ministry

During the 1980s and 90s, Bickle was senior pastor of Kansas City Fellowship. During that time-period, the fellowship's group of pastors and ministers was known as the "Kansas City Prophets." The group included Bob Jones, John Paul Jackson, Paul Cain, and Francis Frangipane.

Along with others, Bickle founded the Kansas City International House of Prayer Missions Base in 1999. At its inception, IHOP facilitated prayer and Christian worship for 13 hours each day; it has since grown to allow for prayer and worship 24 hours a day, 7 days of week.[1]

Bickle has authored and co-authored several books with topics in the areas of Christian propehcy, prayer, and fasting.[2]

Criticism

Bickle's theology and methods have been criticized by other ministers and ministries as well as cult-watch groups.[3] Criticism of Bickle has spanned several decades, from contemporary critic Rev. Keith Gibson,[4] director of the Kansas City office of the Apologetics Resource Center to City Pastor, Rev. Ernie Gruen[5], who authored a report entitled "Documentation of the Aberrant Practices and Teaching of the Kansas City Fellowship (Grace Ministries)"[6] in 1990. It was around this time that Bickle and his church affiliated with John Wimber and the Association of Vineyard Churches (AVC)[7][8]

References

  1. ^ http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000036203
  2. ^ http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mike+bickle
  3. ^ Maudlin, Michael G. (January 14, 1991), "Seers in the Heartland", Christianity Today, 35 (1): 18–21, ISSN 0009-5753 "Several cult-watching groups have expressed apprehension, and a few, condemnation. Even some Vineyard churches have expressed grave concerns about the direction the prophets are taking them."
  4. ^ Gibson, Keith (May/June 2007.), "Speaking for God? A Response to the Apostolic and Prophetic Movement", Areopagus Journal, 7 (3): 67, ISSN 1542-040X {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)Gibson notes "To Bickle, apparently, the Trinity is one of those "lesser doctrines" around which a true prophet may be misinformed."
  5. ^ Grady, J. Lee (Sept/October 1990), "Resolving the Kansas City Prophecy Controversy", Ministries Today, Lake Mary, FL: Strang Communications Company, pp. pp. 50, OCLC 132797310 {{citation}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Check date values in: |date= (help) "Gruen says he first became troubled about some of KCF's doctrines after a disagreement with Bickle during a pastor's retreat in 1984."
  6. ^ Beverly, James A. (1995), Holy laughter and the Toronto blessing: an investigative report, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, p. 180, ISBN 9780310204978
  7. ^ Grady, J. Lee (Sept/October 1990), "Resolving the Kansas City Prophecy Controversy", Ministry Today, Lake Mary, FL: Strang Communications Company, pp. pp. 51, OCLC 132797310 {{citation}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Check date values in: |date= (help) "In a surprise announcement, he [Wimber] said that Bickle and his associates had agreed to submit themselves to his oversight and become part of Wimber's Vineyard Ministries. The KCF network of fellowships would become Vineyard churches."
  8. ^ Poloma, Margaret M. (2003), Main Street Mystics: The Toronto Blessing & Reviving Pentecostalism, Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, p. 151, ISBN 9780759103535 "Despite the accusations of 'false prophecy and misconduct' directed at Bickle, Wimber stood by the Kansas City prophets and encouraged Bickle to bring his church into the AVC."
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