WND Columnists Try To Defend Evangelical Minister — While Refusing To Describe His Alleged Sexual Misconduct

WND has been a big fan of evangelical lerader Mike Bickle — in particular, columnist Larry Tomczak. In a 2021 column, for example, Tomczak listed him among the “men and women of God” who offered “insights to help us navigate these tumultuous times.” In another 2021 column, Tomczak touted how “Mike Bickle shared in humility his own challenges and those of the International House of Prayer community in responding to the radical reset God is calling us to in preparing His Bride for His return.” In a column from last February, Tomczak promoted the movie “The Jesus Revolution,” noting that some leaders who came from that movement were Bickle and fellow WND columnist Michael Brown.

But in October, allegations surfaced that Bickle was involved with sexual misconduct involving several women over decades in his ministry in Kansas City, where he currently leads the International House of Prayer. The first WND columnist to address the controversy was not Tomczak but, rather, Brown, whose Nov. 1 column discussed the fallout but wouldn’t mention exactly what Bickle was accused of doing, offering only a link to them instead:

It was absolutely shocking to learn this past weekend that serious allegations had been brought against Mike Bickle, senior leader of IHOPKC. (This stands for International House of Prayer, Kansas City.) Mike is a personal friend and, to my knowledge, a beautiful example of devotion to Jesus. He spent hours daily in prayer and the Word, lived very simply, donating large amounts of money to the Gospel, and always embraced a message of repentance and purity. How could the charges be true?

Right now, we must pray for everything to come to light through proper, due process, and no conclusions should be drawn until then.

If the charges are true, focus must first be put on the victims themselves, working for their full restoration and healing. They are often forgotten at times like this, which only adds sin to sin and hurt to hurt. As for Mike, if he were found guilty, the focus should be on his personal, spiritual restoration, not on discussion about ministry restoration.

As for everyone else affected, let me speak as a father and elder, knowing how much mercy the Lord has had on me and knowing that none of us can boast in our own righteousness. All of us stand by grace, and none of us is too big to fall.

Brown then tried to spin things away from Bickle by claiming that other people’s faith shouldn’t be affected:

No matter who falls short, God remains the same – perfect in His goodness, His righteousness, His justice, His mercy, and His love. Only God is God!

If Mike’s writings helped you draw closer to Jesus, be thankful for that. The closeness you enjoy is real.

If Mike’s example motivated you to live sacrificially and devote thousands of hours to prayer and worship, be glad. Your prayers were not in vain. (And they were directed to the Lord, not to people.) Your worship did reach the throne of heaven. (You weren’t worshiping Mike; you were adoring the Creator and Redeemer.) Your sincerity has not changed.

[…]

As to whether you can trust your pastors or elders or spiritual leaders (after all, you think, if it turns out Mike Bickle was leading a double life, how do I know that others are not?), let me say three things.

First, the great majority of leaders are not involved in sexual or moral scandals. If they were, the church would have collapsed and died centuries ago. It makes good sense to believe the best unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Second, trust the leaders to the extent they have earned your trust. As far as they have modeled a godly life before you (or, before those who know them best), you can trust them accordingly. As Hebrews states, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7; see also 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

Third, don’t exalt people. Don’t make servants of the Lord into superstars. Don’t give them status that belongs only to the Lord.

It was nearly another month before Tomczak weighed in on the Bickle scandal, in his Nov, 28 column — and like Brown, he would be euphemistic, saying only that Bickle is alleged to have “conducted himself in untoward ways, requiring investigation and possible disciplinary measures” and tried to suggest the allegations were false:

I’ve known Mike for over 40 years as a very close friend. I also state at the outset that any established wrongdoing should never be covered over but examined and dealt with according to Scripture. In 51 years of ministry, I’ve seen the “good, bad and ugly” in similar situations. “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter” (Matthew 26:31). The “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10) knows this.

A classic episode of “The Twilight Zone” once depicted alien beings infiltrating a community to engage in a campaign of personal and community destruction by whispering subtle morsels of evil reports that eventually brought citizens to blows. The aliens watched gleefully from the hillside, basking in their success.

Dante’s “Inferno” listed levels in hell, and the very bottom was reserved for those involved in treachery and betrayal. The reason is probably due to the horrible repercussions that result when people damage others’ lives and reputations.

“There are six things the Lord hates … a false witness who speaks lies … and he who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19). Discernment is critical.

“Do not listen to an accusation against an elder, unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19 ESV).

“The first to present his case, seems right until another comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). This is called “due process” – innocent until proven guilty – and it’s the basis for our legal system (which is opposite of England where a person is guilty until proven innocent).

Months ago, I was in a room where a person referred to a Christian leader as a “sexual predator.” I cautioned the person and later got back to him with accurate facts after an in-depth conversation with the leader and an attorney. The tragedy is that damage had been done with false reports that circulated and a reputation ruined from slander.

After attacking the alleged victims, Tomczak stood by Bickle:

Here’s the deal: In 4-plus decades of relationship with Mike Bickle, I stand with him as a man who puts character before charisma. He lives in a modest home with a most generous heart. He’s affirming, winsome and authentic. When he was transitioning from pastor to establish the International House of Prayer, he invited me to lead the church and was ever so gracious when I finally declined. While planting our church in a rented facility, I remember Mike (our featured speaker) helping our takedown crew loading up the van. On another occasion, after ministering for a weekend in our church, he gave his entire honorarium to our 20-year-old son in the parking lot so he could get engaged! Facing opposition from a combative local leader, Mike humbly called me for advice. My wife (Mike’s her favorite Bible teacher) was blown away when he sent me home from Kansas City with a beautiful portrait of heaven. Every Friday for years I put out in our kitchen a picture of me with Mike and Diane to inspire me for my weekly “Bridal Fast.”

I say all the above praying for God’s perfect will to be done. I reiterate that accountability is essential. If the careful investigation reveals wrongdoing, I’m confident it will be handled biblically and redemptively with discipline and God’s plan for restoration of this man of God who is a gift to the Body of Christ worldwide. He needs our intercession at this critical time. May he emerge stronger than ever to finish well. We love and appreciate you, Mike!

After Bickle admitted at least some of the accusations were true, Tomacak played defense in his Dec. 13 column:

In his personal statement, Mike shared that he was “deeply grieved” about “my past sins” of “20+ years ago. …” “I asked for forgiveness” [from his wife, family, and now church community and the body of Christ].

He sincerely believed these things “were dealt with and under the blood of Jesus,” but “since this has now become public,” Mike explained, “I want to repent publicly.”

With today’s “open season” in social media, Mike mentioned that some accusations “are out of context, greatly exaggerated or blatantly false” … but exhorted, “Please do not criticize those who are voicing their disdain for me. Please only speak blessing to them and about them” (Matthew 5:44).

He said that he would not be engaging in “public preaching ministry” and sees this as “God’s delayed loving discipline on my life” (Hebrews 12:6, 11), saying he will “look to other leaders to determine how long this season will last – it may be long and it may even be permanent. I will only reengage in my public preaching ministry if God confirms it through others.”

Tomczak concluded with more defense: “With everything that has surfaced with our brother Mike Bickle, and the inspiring International House of Prayer, may their cutting-edge prophetic ministry emerge even sharper than ever before through this experience.”

A couple weeks later, IHOPKC cut ties with Bickle. Neither Brown nor Tomczak have mentioned that development.