Biography

Mike Bickle (full name Michael Leroy Bickle, born July 17, 1955) is a prominent evangelical Christian leader known for founding the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) in Kansas City. He established IHOPKC in 1999, launching a movement centered around 24/7 prayer and worship, along with a Bible school, missionary training, and justice-oriented outreach. Bickle is also an author — his books include Passion for Jesus, Growing in the Prophetic, After God’s Own Heart, and Growing in Prayer. MorningStar Ministries. His theology emphasizes intimacy with God, prophecy, and eschatology (end-times teaching). However, in late 2023, Bickle came under serious scandal: he faced multiple long-standing sexual misconduct allegations. As a result, IHOPKC leadership permanently severed ties with him in December 2023. A 2025 report by a pastoral team further stated that Bickle is “permanently disqualified” from holding high church office.