Photo credit: International House of Prayer. (2024, June 25). In Wikipedia.
Leaders of the International House of Prayer-Kansas City (IHOPKC) failed to intervene when a minor boy was subjected to harassment, abuse, and bullying at a youth retreat in Oklahoma last fall, according to a new lawsuit reported on by the Kansas City Star per Yahoo News.
Filed Tuesday in Jackson County Circuit Court on behalf of the minor, the lawsuit names IHOPKC and its parent organization, the International House of Prayer-Forerunner Christian Fellowship (IHOPKC-FCF), as defendants. This marks the first legal case against IHOPKC following allegations of misconduct involving founder Mike Bickle that surfaced in late 2023.
The lawsuit coincides with an ongoing third-party investigation into allegations of misconduct and cover-ups within the organization.
“During the same weekend allegations against Mike Bickle were coming to light, our young client attended a youth retreat hosted by IHOPKC,” said Boz Tchividjian, an attorney representing the plaintiff. “While there, the client experienced repeated abuse from another participant and reported it to church leaders. Sadly, no meaningful action was taken, allowing the situation to escalate.”
IHOPKC leadership did not respond to requests for comment as of Wednesday.
Abuse Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit, the Missouri-based minor attended a youth retreat at Sky Ranch in Quapaw, Oklahoma, from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2023. The retreat was promoted as an event designed for fun, spiritual growth, and community building for teens.
However, the minor experienced escalating sexual harassment and abuse from another attendee. The incidents described in the lawsuit included unwelcome physical contact, invasive actions, and public humiliation. The suit further alleges that the perpetrator had a known history of concerning behavior, yet IHOPKC leadership allowed them to attend the retreat without taking preventive measures.
As the minor reported the incidents, church leaders allegedly promised to address the issues but failed to intervene. The lawsuit asserts that this inaction allowed the situation to worsen, causing the plaintiff significant emotional and psychological harm.
Alleged Leadership Failures
The lawsuit emphasizes that IHOPKC leaders were aware of the perpetrator’s prior behavior but did not take sufficient precautions. Leaders allegedly witnessed several of the incidents but did not intervene or provide support to the plaintiff. The inaction, the lawsuit claims, caused the minor to suffer lasting emotional distress and other damages.
“Rather than ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, IHOPKC’s leadership failed to take even basic steps to protect a vulnerable individual,” the lawsuit states.
Broader Context
This case surfaces amid broader scrutiny of IHOPKC’s handling of abuse allegations. In October 2023, allegations of misconduct against founder Mike Bickle came to light, prompting IHOPKC to sever ties with him. Bickle has since acknowledged “moral failures” but has not addressed the specifics of the accusations.
The timing of the youth retreat—held the same weekend the Bickle allegations were announced—further underscores systemic issues within the organization, according to advocates.
While IHOPKC has over 2,000 members, it does not meet the common threshold for megachurches, which is generally defined as having a weekly attendance of 2,000 or more at worship services. IHOPKC is unique in that it holds continuous 24/7 prayer and worship sessions rather than large-scale weekly congregational gatherings. But like mega-churches, IHOPKC operates with limited oversight and hierarchical structures that centralize power among a few leaders.
Seeking Justice
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages, citing the plaintiff’s ongoing emotional and psychological distress. A case management conference is scheduled for March 10.
This case highlights the importance of accountability and protective measures within organizations that work with youth. Advocates for abuse survivors hope this lawsuit will lead to systemic changes in how such cases are handled.
For those looking to take action, survivors and allies can advocate for improved safeguards and accountability in faith-based organizations by reaching out to policymakers and supporting organizations working to prevent abuse.