The Restore 2025 conference hosted one of the most powerful and eye-opening discussions to date—a panel featuring victims of Mike Bickle, survivors and advocates speaking out about the abuse allegations against Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC).
This session was deeply moving, filled with clarity, conviction, and a call to accountability within faith communities. I had the privilege of speaking with these courageous women before the event, and I knew their stories would be impactful. Their words resonated deeply, and I pray this discussion challenges, encourages, and empowers you.
However, to fully grasp the extent of the abuse and corruption surrounding Mike Bickle and IHOPKC, you have to listen to the entire panel discussion. No summary can fully convey the depth of manipulation, betrayal, and cover-ups that these survivors and advocates expose.
Victims of Mike Bickle – The IHOPKC Abuse Panel: A Story of Truth, Power, and Accountability
For years, Mike Bickle was regarded as a spiritual leader and a pillar of the global prayer movement through IHOPKC. However, in recent months, serious allegations of misconduct and abuse have surfaced, shaking the foundations of the charismatic movement. This panel discussion shed light on the patterns of manipulation, abuse of power, and the immense courage it takes for survivors to speak out.
Meet the Panelists: Voices of Strength and Resilience
- Deborah Perkins – The first survivor to publicly share her story of alleged abuse by Mike Bickle. Her testimony became the catalyst for others to step forward.
- Tammy Woods – A survivor whose abuse began when she was a minor. She found the strength to speak out after hearing Deborah’s story.
- Elizabeth Herder – A key advocate for the survivors, who played an instrumental role in ensuring their voices were heard and holding IHOPKC leadership accountable.
These women, each with a deeply personal story of betrayal, courage, and healing, have now become truth-tellers and champions for justice.
How Mike Bickle Allegedly Used Spiritual Authority to Manipulate and Control
Both Deborah Perkins and Tammy Woods, (victims of Mike Bickle) shared strikingly similar experiences of how Mike Bickle allegedly groomed them over time, not just as individuals, but by first gaining trust within their families.
- Deborah Perkins described how, at the age of 12, she and her family became deeply involved with IHOPKC, seeing Mike Bickle as a spiritual mentor and leader. Over time, this trust led to manipulation and control, culminating in what she later recognized as abuse of power and personal boundaries.
- Tammy Woods revealed that her alleged grooming by Bickle began at just 14 years old. He befriended her parents, integrated himself into their family life, and established himself as a trusted spiritual guide—all while allegedly manipulating and isolating her.
Both survivors shared how Bickle allegedly used theology, prophetic words, and spiritual language to justify his actions. This pattern is a hallmark of clergy abuse, where faith and trust are weaponized against vulnerable individuals.
Victims of Mike Bickle – Breaking the Silence: How the Truth Came to Light
Deborah Perkins was the first survivor to come forward publicly, but she did not do so alone. She was met with immediate support from trusted allies, including her husband, advocates like Elizabeth Herder, and former IHOPKC leaders who refused to stay silent.
Key Moments That Led to Exposure
- The “Shelf Breaking” Moment – Deborah described how hearing another survivor’s testimony (from a completely unrelated case) suddenly made her recognize the patterns of abuse she had endured. This moment was the turning point that led her to speak out.
- Confronting Mike Bickle Directly – Deborah’s husband, Murray, courageously confronted Bickle, only to be met with denial, manipulation, and subtle threats. This further confirmed the depth of deception at play.
- The Role of the Advocate Group (AG) – A network of former IHOPKC leaders and insiders rallied behind survivors, refusing to let denial and cover-ups continue.
One of the most insidious tactics often used in religious institutions is demanding survivors follow Matthew 18, which instructs believers to confront their offender privately. In cases of abuse, this is deeply harmful and manipulative. IHOPKC reportedly used this argument to pressure survivors into silence, insisting that each woman had to meet with Bickle directly.
Thankfully, the advocates and supporters saw through this tactic and refused to comply.
The Impact of Speaking Out: More Survivors Came Forward
When Deborah’s story went public, more survivors and victims of Mike Bickle broke their silence.
- Tammy Woods realized she was not alone and decided to share her own experience, despite fearing judgment, disbelief, and retaliation.
- As the truth spread, more than 17 survivors came forward with allegations against Mike Bickle in an independent investigation.
- Survivors who had been silenced for decades began to find their voice, recognizing the power of collective truth-telling.
Tammy described reading Deborah’s public statement as the moment her own “internal detonator” went off—breaking through years of confusion and denial. This is why speaking out matters.
A Call to the Church: The Importance of Courage and Accountability
One of the most striking takeaways from the panel discussion was the importance of courage.
- Many within faith communities mistake morality for passivity—believing that as long as they live a quiet, sin-free life, they are doing enough.
- However, real morality requires action—especially when faced with injustice.
- The Church must move beyond silence and complicity to actively protect, defend, and advocate for survivors.
The IHOPKC abuse scandal should be a wake-up call to every believer and faith-based organization: charisma and influence do not equal integrity.
What Comes Next?
While the panel discussion at Restore 2025 was powerful, this is just the beginning. Survivors are still seeking justice, healing, and reform.
How You Can Help
- Listen to survivors. If someone shares their story, take the time to listen without judgment.
- Demand accountability. Churches and ministries must implement safeguards to prevent future abuse.
- Support advocacy efforts. Organizations and individuals fighting for truth need the Church’s collective voice behind them.
This conversation is far from over. The IHOPKC abuse allegations against Mike Bickle should not be forgotten, ignored, or dismissed.
To truly understand the depth of what has happened—the grooming, the manipulation, the cover-ups—you must listen to the full panel discussion. The courage of these women and their advocates is something that every Christian leader, churchgoer, and believer needs to hear.
Truth and justice must prevail.
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