DEAR PARTNERS,

On September 19th, we marked 25 continuous years of 24/7 prayer in Kansas City. We almost did not make it.

A little over a year ago, revelations about an area of hidden sin in the life of Mike Bickle, the Founder of IHOPKC, left many feeling shattered and betrayed. Many considered Mike a spiritual father and even an apostolic figure in the Church. When we made a complete and permanent separation from him, our pastoral systems were unprepared to handle the weight and emotional complexity of our spiritual community’s corporate trauma.

As a friend and partner of IHOPKC, you experienced the pain firsthand. At a time when we should have found a way to gather you closer to grieve and unite in support and prayer for one another, mistakes were made, such as turning off the webstream without explanation and communicating too infrequently. You deserved better in those early stages, and we hope you have recognized our efforts to improve in these areas over the last six months.

I realize this is unlike any other letter you have received from IHOPKC. Being tasked with leading this spiritual community has been the biggest challenge and honor of my life. I dare say it has been the same for many others who have accepted the mantle of responsibility to form a new generation of leadership - one dedicated to understanding and addressing issues and misdeeds of the past and forging a more resilient, safe, and healthy present and future at IHOPKC.

There is no blueprint for times such as these. But with the Lord’s help, we have identified key lessons and actions that we have taken or are in the process of walking out.

Permanent Separation from Mike Bickle - In December, as additional details came out, it became clear that Mike had not been entirely forthright in confessing all that had gone on in his past. This led us to make a statement about permanent separation from him as a ministry. A year later, some are trying to paint a picture that this is untrue. We assure you that Mike has no influence on the decisions made at IHOPKC today.

Board Structure & Accountability - We have strengthened our board structure, oversight, and accountability structures across the organization. In 2025, we plan to reapply to join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and begin certification with the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP) to demonstrate our commitment to excellence in both areas.

Character & Integrity - Moving forward, we are emphasizing character (who we are) and integrity (how we get there) over activity and vision, as well as depth of love for one another over ministry size or reach.

Training & Communication - We are rolling out systems of regular feedback and ongoing training for staff to continually improve their skills. While this can seem tedious, it brings us all onto the same page together and keeps us all going in the same direction. We have also implemented a “concentric circles”
communication model and work to ensure that everyone hears the same message across the ministry rather than playing the game of telephone.

What has not changed at IHOPKC is our commitment to 24/7 prayer, intercession for and standing with God’s purposes for Israel, and equipping the body of Christ for the return of Jesus.

This last year, we have learned to lean on the Holy Spirit for help and guidance and to remind each other daily of who we are as intercessory missionaries and how it is to act like Jesus despite the unthinkable pressures we have faced as a community.

I am so proud of our community, which has shown remarkable resilience in the face of these challenges. As hard as it has been, the Lord has a redemptive plan for us through it. He has not abandoned us, and we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

We are more resolved and confident than ever that the Lord is the One who has established 24/7 prayer. He is worthy of night and day worship. He is the great intercessor (Hebrews 7:25) who is filled with zeal for Zion (Isaiah 62:1), and He will not relent until He has installed His King in Jerusalem (Psalm 2:6-8).

The road ahead is long, and much work remains to be done.
And we cannot do it without your help.

We are committed to sustaining an altar of unceasing worship and prayer as a testimony to the nations of Jesus’ beauty and worth. We will continue to stand as watchmen on the wall for Israel, contending for God’s redemptive plans to come forth as declared in the scriptures. We remain faithful to our mission to proclaim the beauty of Jesus and His glorious return.

Further, we are committed to building a safe environment for all our staff and community to participate and for youth and children to be safe and protected.

We can only do this vital mission with your help and support, and the need at this hour is great.

Your partnership through giving and prayer is necessary now more than ever to ensure that 24/7 prayer never ceases in Kansas City. Your gift to IHOPKC directly funds the work of the 24/7 prayer room and webstream and allows us to continue to fund the singers & musicians, as well as other missionaries who serve here so fearlessly.

Would you pray and ask the Lord what part He would have you play in sustaining 24/7 prayer?

Any contribution, whether $100 or $10,000, represents more than money. It's a statement of belief in our ongoing journey of restoration and dedication to unceasing prayer.

Please consider giving a special year-end gift to stand with us as we rebuild the walls of intercession to stand as watchmen for Israel (Isaiah 62:6) and proclaim the beauty of Jesus and His glorious return. Thank you!

Until He Returns,

Joseph Taylor
Executive Director, IHOPKC

Give your year-end gift today to sustain 24/7 prayer in Kansas City.

If you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to answer them. Please feel free to reach out to us at partners@ihopkc.org.