Francis Chan and Mike Bickle, Onething 2013
In 2013 Francis Chan spoke at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) apostasy fest Onething: Until the Fame of Jesus Fills the Earth annual event brought to us by false prophet Mike Bickle. Many well intentioned bloggers alerted Chan to the bizarre goings on at IHOP but, sadly, their warnings went unheeded.
In 2014 I penned a piece entitled The Prosperity Priestess and the Pied Piper of IHOP to inform readers that Word of Faith/Prosperity Preacher Joyce Meyer intended to join forces with Mike Bickle at Onething 2014. (Meyer ended up pulling out of the event at the last minute because of “unforeseen personal circumstances.”) In the referenced article I included a bit about Francis Chan’s professed love for Mike Bickle:
It’s important to note that last year Reformed pastor; author; conference speaker Francis Chan spoke at Onething where he declared “I love Mike Bickle.” Chan took a lot of heat for agreeing to speak at the conference. When friends and fans urged him to decline the invite, he admitted that he didn’t know much about Mike Bickle and IHOP so,
I kinda went on the Internet and started looking things up.
Whatever he found caused him to fall in love:
I go, man, there’s a lot of great things going on [at IHOP]. And today was the first time I ever met Mike Bickle. And, I love that guy. I do. And Mike knows – we talked about this – you know, there’s people who told me not to hang out with him.
Like, you know, words like “creepy” came up. And yet, I get to know this guy and I’m going, “Man, I love his heart. And I just want to publicly say I love Mike Bickle. (Source)
As you can see, Chan professed his love for the sort of person Jesus referred to as a ravenous wolf. (Mat. 7:15)
What Francis Chan failed to turn up in his investigation is that Mike Bickle has led countless young people astray. He’s a sort of a Pied Piper to those who journey to Kansas City from all over the globe to be a part of something “significant.” Once there, they stay for days, months…even years. You’ll find them in the prayer room praying. Prayer “led from a stage full of musicians and readers chanting repetitive phrasings of faith” goes on ’round the clock.
The false prophet has filled the young sojourners’ heads with untruths such as “an elite end-time church defeats God’s enemies, and Jesus is ‘held in the heavens’ until it happens.” So they most “go forth and make ready.”
Now I learn from John Lanagan that Francis Chan will be speaking at Onething 2015. He’ll be there with several IHOP apostates as well as evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, and one of Bethel Church’s music family, Amanda Cook. More speakers will be added.
Even after receiving a lot of flak for speaking at the 2013 event, Chan once again failed to do a background check on IHOP. Either that or he checked it out and has no problem with IHOP’s affiliation with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) aka Dominionism and Bickle’s affinity for unbiblical contemplative/centering prayer.
Over the years what is deemed the “signs and wonders” movement has had many names to include Third Wave; Kingdom Now; Latter Rain; Joel’s Army; and Manifest Sons of God. It matters not what they call themselves; what matters is what they believe and teach – their theology. I’ve provided several links for those who wish to know more about the NAR’s warped theology, as I don’t have the space to do that here. As you become acquainted with the dominionist movers and shakers (literally) and learn of their plans for this planet, you’ll understand why discernment bloggers have been sounding the alarm.
In a nutshell, the NAR has been working non-stop and pretty much unhindered for decades in their effort to transform society into their vision of the kingdom of God on earth. Their aim is control. In order to accomplish what they’ve set out to do, they must first gain control of the “Seven Mountains,” or “Seven Spheres” of society. These spheres are: 1) Arts and Entertainment; 2) Business/Economy; 3) Education; 4) Family; 5) Government; 6) Media; 7) Religion. Its leaders teach that as the anointed ones rid the world of evil, things will get better and better and then Jesus Christ will return to rule and reign over His earthly kingdom.
In the early years, when it was known as the Latter Rain, it was a fringe movement that most Christians didn’t know about and those who did paid little attention to. But the NAR is no longer on the fringe. In recent years its leaders have wormed their way into the seven mountains of society. Through their worldwide mission outreach, the movement that introduced us to breaking down demonic strongholds, casting out demons, healing the sick and raising the dead and other so-called “signs and wonders” has become mainstream. Who’s to blame for the mainstreaming of NAR apostasy? The blame lies squarely with our Christian leaders, clergy, authors, entertainers, so-called Christian media outlets, blogs, and last but not least, pro-family leaders who profess a belief in Jesus Christ. Many of the people Christians look to for leadership and guidance are not Bible believers and a large number of them are involved in outright apostasy, even heresy. So how can they possibly have spiritual discernment?
What exactly is discernment? According to blogger Tim Challies:
Discernment is the ability to properly discriminate or make determinations. It is related to wisdom. The Word of God itself is said to discern the thoughts and intentions of one’s heart (Hebrews 4:12).
A discerning mind demonstrates wisdom and insight that go beyond what is seen and heard. For example, God’s Word is “spiritually discerned.” To the human mind without the Spirit, the things of God are “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Spirit, then, gives us spiritual discernment. (Source)
Getting back to addressing Pastor Chan’s participation in Onething 2015. Many in the Christian community wondered about his discernment or lack thereof, when he spoke at the 2013 event — there was a big brouhaha over it. Even so he has agreed to return to the scene of the crime, so to speak. It seems impossible that researching the NAR and Mike Bickle would result in anything other than an ample understanding of the highly unbiblical nature of the movement. So it’s obvious that he hasn’t done the research…. or perhaps he has. Inquiring minds want to know. Finally, it’s concerning that during his talk in 2013 he joked about warnings from friends and discernment bloggers when he snickered, “there’s people who told me not to hang out with him [Bickle]” But even worse than that, hearing a highly regarded Christian leader proclaim his love for a false prophet was upsetting, to say the least.
Hopefully Pastor Chan will do as Joyce Meyer did in 2014 and cancel his speaking gig.
Research sites:
Former IHOP Member Explains Why IHOP (International House of Prayer) Is A Cult
CARM lists some of the main offenses of IHOP:
- Cultic origin, worship style, and goals
- Emotionalism
- Mysticism
- Gnosticism
- The IHOP dilemma
- False Prophecies
- Effective Denial of Sola Scriptura
- Opposition by multiple Godly Christian Groups
Copyright by Marsha West. All rights reserved.
Matthew 12:22-32
James 4:11-12
Isaiah 5:20
I’m not usually one to comment on things like this but these kind of posts make me uneasy for the writer. Our God is a lot bigger than any of us think we have figured out, including yourself,if you’ll sit back and think hard about it. We should be very careful when we slander and condemn other believers (our brothers and sisters) with a judgement that is not ours to begin with. I don’t have a dog in the hunt here other than how it pains me to see such destructive behavior on the part of other believers. How about doing something positive for the Kingdom of God? How much fruit actually comes from attacking other believers? If these things aren’t fruitful, they’ll see their own end. I think God can handle it, don’t you?
Well said, K Gray. I agree.
K Gray, I also agree. I live in NY, but have family in KC and visited in Oct. 2014. The Prayer Room is AMAZING! You could feel the presence on the Holy Spirit as the singers sang and prayed. There are no earthy words for how the Lord Himself was working the room, but mostly, the kindness and love radiating out from everyone was palatable. I brought a skeptic with me, and she was on her knees worshiping within minutes of our arrival! God is moving, changing lives, healing and saving at the International House of Prayer.
The Apostle Paul named names when he noted some not standing as he had taught them to do. Paul also named men who were leading Christians astray. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is speak the truth in love… <3
While I agree with much of the condemnation here laid at the feet of IHOP, the writer does a disservice to his readers by lumping all third wavers, those who teach about divine healing and exorcisms into one big homogenous block of people. Classical Pentecostals and many (if not most) “third wavers” believe in healing, casting out demons, gift of tongues, while decrying dominionism also — holding to premillennialism. I think there have been some folks eager to lump them all in together with this heresy because they equate continualusm with heresy and cessationism with orthodoxy. That’s a sleight of hand in my opinion — distinguish between the various groups for accuracy.
Having recently visited IHOP I know some comments are bearing false witness. For instance repetitive chanting? Are all musical refrains repetitive chanting ? I also heard them say holy holy holy is the … ” a few times to music – is that a repetitive chant? . There is a boatload of
Printed materials from IHOP. — why no direct quotes or references? there may be some truth somewhere in here but thus smells of contentious yeast.
I read your article on Mike Bickle and Francis Chan. I understand what you are trying to do but I think u r going about it in the wrong way. False Prophets are in the world, they are apart of Gods plan, it’s foretold in scripture. I think your article could have been from a place if love, God’s love….. Rather than a hate filled rant. We as Christians or followers of Christ are called to pray and keep accountable our brothers and sisters in Christ. You cannot do Gods work through bitterness, resentment or hate. No matter how wrong this man Mike Bickle may be. Please don’t destroy your own path by trying to expose someone else . The battle is the Lords, my friend. In prayer for you. Kim Edwards.
A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent. – John Calvin
Jesus said that in the days prior to His coming for His church, many false prophets, many false teachers would deceive many. And if it were possible, even His elect would be deceived.
The only remedy against being in that Matthew 7:21-23 group who appeal to their works (casting out demons, prophesying, doing many mighty works) is to know that one day God will indeed separate the sheep from the goats, the false brethren from the true brethren. The most telling sign in this year’s One Thing Conference at Kansas City is the lack of call to separation. Instead of separating from heretics, these at the very least deceived brethren (and I say that with much pity and grief, not with a heart of hate) are joining hand in hand with heretics. We are to admonish heretics, not embrace them. In fact, God’s love is so very deep and wide and faithful that He tell us we are to TWICE admonish a heretic before we reject him. There is a system of religion in this earth today, a false faith that is bringing many into its “fold.” It has called those of us who once protested their doctrines of a co-redeemer assisting Christ Jesus in our atonement, or Christ being crucified afresh every time their faithful join to partake of the symbolic elements of the cup and the bread. This false system now calls us to no longer protest these heresies, but understand and become tolerant of our differences, all for the sake of “peace.” There is no peace of God to the wicked. And to join with this lying religious system on a platform and celebrate our “oneness?” We are called to come out from among them, hating this evil, and to have absolutely no fellowship with these workers of darkness, but instead? Instead we are called to reprove them. These are the commands of Christ Jesus. And if we truly are HIS disciples? We know that we prove that by our obedience to all the commands of God. I hate evil. And unbelief and deception is evil. I hate compromise. And to join hand in hand with sinners who profess to know God and yet in works deny Him? We are called to separate from all that is defiling, to sound the trumpet and warn every man. And we must continue to do this until we are no longer here to prevent a single soul from erring because they didn’t hear the truth. One day, we will be taken out of the way entirely because we are a voice of restraint. We are a voice of separation from all that is unclean. And we are being hated just as Jesus was hated. Of all men for His name’s sake. Let all who take the Name of Jesus in their lips and proclaim to be a Christian? Let each of us have grace to depart from all iniquity — and to do so now! Don’t go to join in these “spiritual” experiences. They are indeed authored and orchestrated by spirits — but not the Holy Spirit. For if they speak not according to the word of God? There is no light in them. Depart from darkness. While there is yet time, if you profess to be a disciple of Christ Jesus, fulfill 2 Cor. 6:14-18. Don’t partake of this table of devils. For that is what is behind this, the very spirit of antichrist. And he is soon to make his appearance in the very form of a man, just as Satan filled Judas. Except what lies ahead after this is far more terrifying than any one of us wants to allow in our thoughts. God is a God of love. God is a God of power. He will prove that power to all living on this earth when Jesus comes to catch away a small and getting-smaller number of those who are looking for Him to come, who have this blessed hope in their hearts and who are living only to purify themselves as JESUS is pure. Be holy as HE is HOLY. Be separate from all sin and do not join hand in hand with heretics. Look up the false religious events that are promoted by KC leaders, endorsed by them and being brought right alongside their other lies promoted as truth. God help us continue to proclaim your truth and cry out, knowing the terror of Lord who is coming in His holy wrath — knowing the true terror ahead, let us persuade men to consider who they are folllowing by taking every single word and experience to the Scripture and studying to show ourselves approved only of you. Not trying to to where they say “God is showing up!” For without a single shred or speck of doubt, this is NOT GOD, this is not the HOLY SPIRIT. And these words are cried out by one who is a Spirit-filled believer, who prays in tongues and who had the privileged of laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover. So I don’t deny the power of God. But I do deny lying signs and wonders that accompany evil, false, wicked spirits of this one world religious system. In Jesus’ Name
I do not know where you get your info from, but you are WRONG about IHOP. Everything they stand for comes directly from the BIBLE. The very word of GOD. Maybe you should study the Bible and attend a one thing conference, before setting yourself as god, thinking you have the right to judge any body. These people are not a cult. You are. These people are living the Bible out, not perfectly mind you, but they are at least trying to. Something that the rest of the so called Christian churches and so called Christians in america refuse to do. This group is the farthest from a cult. If they are then the Apostles, JESUS and the rest of his disciples were. Where do you stand, on what do you stand. These people and I stand GOD’s word, and HIS truth, not man’s, the world’s, or some whacked out major denominational church’s mumbo jumbo, which by the way has driven more people away from CHRIST than anything. So maybe you should do some serious research before you make these wild, biased,unjustified, and untrue accusations.
I am Jewish.
While visiting I got a profound healing at IHOP-KC
Several years later I was just visiting IHOP-KC and my Dad (who is a doctor) called while I was sitting in the last row of the prayer room relaxing. He said had cancer and had 60 days to live.
To put it simply, God spoke to me and said, No.
My Dad lived about 4 more years and died…of old age. He was going to turn 93.
Play nice and enjoy each other…and if all else fails…pray
Thanks for reading…
(oh, by the way, …me and Jesus are way cool with each other now…He`s jewish ya know. harharhar)
May I have permission to make a copy of the article to give to a friend who is a fan of Francis Chan?
You don’t have to agree with Mike Bickle’s teaching but I-HOP is not a cult. I was an intern there when I was 18 years old and I turned out just fine. Each ministry may be different but as long as we agree Jesus Christ is Lord and that He is coming back,. Shouldn’t we about unity and building up the body of Christ. I think Francis Chan coming to speak at One-thing conference is exactly that kind of thing.
Thank you for this article and bringing this to the light. I pray God will open more eyes to this as He has done for me regarding IHOP and these popular and sensual “Christian” artists. May Jesus bless you.