Addressing IHOP + cult Googlers … again
As I’ve said before, I get a lot of hits from searches that often include “IHOP” and “cult” as keywords. Let me speak to you searchers for a moment.
There is a lot of information on the Internet about the International House of Prayer. Most of the information is related to IHOP–KC’s past history in the ’80s and ’90s. Be aware that much of the criticism of the Kansas City Prophets era is biased one way or the other (mostly toward the negative). The events and beliefs back then tend to be polarizing. I want to direct you to this page, in which IHOP outlines their theology, beliefs and controversies, including:
- The Manifest Sons of God theology
- The Latter Rain
- Dominion Theology
- Joel’s Army
- The use of Prophecy
- The Tabernacle of David
- The End Times (discussion includes the Rapture, the Millennial Kingdom, and common views of eschatology)
- The Bridal Paradigm
- Interpreting the Song of Solomon
Critics will interpret IHOP’s theology differently. So I encourage you to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Examine both sides of the issue with an open mind. Poke around the Onething forums if you have questions. Consider what other people say and what IHOP says, and measure both against what the Bible says. And then decide for yourself.
Edit note: I have written a new post on IHOP apologetics; you can read it here. No more comments will be accepted on this post, though I will leave past ones on it.
You’re mention of IHOP+cult googlers made me try that search awhile back. It was…interesting.
And I really like that page on the IHOP website. I directed my super-theologically-oriented friend there a few weeks ago. He’s been busy with finals and final projects though, so I haven’t been able to discuss with him.
Jenn, I don’t have time to look at the stuff yet (one paper left!), but I really like the way you’re talking about this. Your challenge was, I think, worded very well.
You might want to consider why so many people google “IHOP + Cult”. Of course the info found on the web is biased because it is based on peoples personal experiences. Your website is biased because it is your website. There is even more info on the net in regards to Mike Bickle that I found startling. I have been to IHOP myself and have heard Mike Bickle preach. I am very familiar with ONETHING, and currently know many people that are there in KC now. I have come to this conclusion. It is obvious there are beleivers there that are truly led by the spirit and follow the teachings of Jesus. However, it was even more obvious that there were some practices going on that were to say they least scary. The totalitarian mantality that occurs in Mike Bickles church, and it’s affiliates certainly matches to a degree the definition of what cult is. It is a rude awakening when you do thorough research(not just on the net), and find out that the majority of cults are Christian based. I fear for a relative that is there now, but know that I can only pray from afar that the Lord will bring clarity to her, and send a breakthrough to the church as a whole to “wake up” and see what is going on. Approaching anyone that is currently there is a waste of time because they are trained to think that anyone that would question is enemy driven.
@ Angel: Thank you for your comment. I want to respond in kind and clear some things up.
By “biased,” I meant to say that the person who holds the bias is usually unwilling or unable to consider the other side’s point of view, dismissing it out of hand. It is rare to find a neutral examination of the theologies and practices of IHOP–KC. I have found that most of the people who address those issues have some sort of history, positive or negative, with IHOP or a sister ministry. Therefore, I simply wanted to ask the searchers to have a Berean attitude, to be aware of the viewpoint from which much of the information on the Internet was written, and to give the House of Prayer a chance to speak for itself. You are absolutely free to draw your own conclusions. If you conclude that IHOP is a cult, I would disagree, but you have the right to your own opinion and so do I. I would just ask that both of us would be open to each other’s concerns and facts.
I’ll admit that there are some things about the House of Prayer that worry or bother me. So I am careful to weigh the teachings and practices against the Bible. Yet I find it encouraging that I so often hear the leadership here say, “We don’t have all the answers; we see and know in part. We don’t want you to blindly accept what we say. Search it out in the Scriptures and ask the L-rd about it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We are not afraid to change things because we want to be more Scripturally accurate.” Of course there are still weirdos here, a fringe element that believes weird things, takes everything the leadership says as Scriptural without testing it for themselves, etc. But I think this ministry has matured a lot in such a short time. My hope is for those who are here to mature as well; out of genuine zeal for the L-rd, young believers (in any denomination) can make mistakes and say things that turn off observers. I do not know how old your relative and your friends here are, but I hope you will allow them some room for spiritual maturation.
As for a “totalitarian mentality” typical to a cult, I don’t see that here. I’ve had a chance to get to know some of those in leadership. Their hearts are first and foremost for loving the L-rd and learning His Word. They are jealous for me to have that same thing, to have time in the prayer room alone with G-d studying His Word. They want my attention to be on Jesus rather than on their reputation or IHOP’s reputation. If I have differences with them, they’re willing to talk it out and agree to disagree, as long as we agree on core theology like the Cross and the Resurrection. These are some of the least prideful, least controlling people I’ve ever met. I could name eight to ten leaders here who could have national ministries of their own. But they have chosen to stay here not because the HOP has a controlling spirit and is pressuring them to stay “close to the fold.” Rather, they want to serve in humility and hiddenness. And they know that if/when they choose to leave, they can go off to do their own thing and will still be welcomed if they choose to visit. I think IHOP did have some problems back in the day in relating to other ministries, but they’ve since learned to value differences, learned to impart their knowledge and experience without trying to have oversight of other ministries.
It is sad that many cults are based on some bit of Christianity. But the devil loves to deceive; if there is some way he can twist and alter the truth so as to keep people from worshiping the true G-d, he’ll do it. And you are right; the Church as a whole needs to be zealous about the truths of the faith … we need to return to the first commandment and love Him first, letting our lifestyles and choices reflect Him. I think the main thing when studying a group/potential cult is to examine their core beliefs. If they believe that Y’shua is the Son of G-d, died and was resurrected for our sins, and is the only way to salvation (through grace), — does it really matter if you think the Rapture will take place post-Tribulation and they thinks it’ll happen pre-Trib?
Thanks again for taking the time to write. I hope you will continue praying for your relative and your friends here, and that you would be open to dialogue with them. I don’t think they would view your questions as from the enemy at all. I think they know that you truly love them and are concerned for their relationship with the L-rd. May you be blessed and draw closer to Him.
I am one who came to this site by searching for IHOP and Cult. I’ll quickly admit to being very suspicious of that particular…church (?). I only came to be aware of the church when I started noticing how many of it’s members also worked at the Grandview Community Center. I’ve overheard them in conversation with what I would call recruits, and also among themselves. There is a zeal among them that struck me as unhealthy on its face.
I have considered, though, that I’m Catholic and that all the jumping, dancing and what I’d label as “talking in tongues madness” of protestants is always somewhat suspicious to me. Rock N’ Roll churches, as a genre, are suspicious to me.
So, I wanted to see if others felt as though IHOP was a cult, and if they were anything to worry about. I’ve got two children who I’ve got to look out for, and we share a neighborhood with IHOP, so I definately want to know if I’ve got anything to fear.
@ PoorBoy: As you said, some of your concern is probably due to cultural differences and theology. Many nationally-recognized denominations include speaking in tongues, praying for healing, prophecy, etc. IHOP follows this charismatic tradition. Its activities and messages probably seem strange to anyone not familiar with the charismatic movement. My personal position on denominational differences is this: as long as you agree on the core doctrines—the Cross and Resurrection, the Trinity, Y’shua as fully Man and fully G-d, the Second Coming, etc.—and look to Y’shua first in everything, you’re okay. You’re brothers and sisters in Messiah, and He looks at the heart first anyway, not on whether your pastor wears vestments or blue jeans or if you’re pre- or post-Millennial. (For another perspective on how to love each other and have freedom in the midst of “rock n’ roll” in church, read this article.)
But the zeal that you noticed in IHOPers does set us apart from denominations with similar theology. It seems worrisome because it doesn’t seem logical. Why would you give up all of your free time and your job to sit in a room with a couple hundred people and pray all day of your own free will?
The answer to their zeal is actually easily explained. Simply put, these people love Jesus. They will not be satisfied with anything else. And they are desperate to know Him better. They are hungry to exalt Jesus’ name and to serve as He served. They take the Sermon on the Mount literally. The Sermon on the Mount lifestyle looks weird: prayer, fasting, tithing, and serving. It is biblical—but it’s rare in the Church these days.
Which is not to say that anyone not living the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle isn’t a Christian. But people who aren’t living that lifestyle are often offended by people who are living that way. They think that they are being judged because they don’t fast or because they only pray an hour a week.
But this lifestyle is not about elitism; it’s not about group-think; it’s not about drinking the Kool-Aid. Y’shua should be first and foremost in our hearts. If you feel the L-rd is calling you to pray three hours a day or give 25% of your income as tithe, go for it. If He’s calling you to something different, that’s great. It doesn’t matter what other people are doing. At the end of the day, He judges the intentions and desires in our heart.
However, as you have noted, many of the younger members are very outwardly zealous in their speech and actions. Part of that is the zeal of youth, which I am sure you know about with two children. Part of that is that they think the environment at IHOP is really cool because of the way they are constantly encouraged to focus on Jesus above all. And so a big part of this zeal is their love for their Savior. They love talking about Him and about how to live in a manner worthy of His calling. They want others to live lives of wholehearted devotion to G-d. In their minds, the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle is a really good way to do so, and IHOP is a great environment in which to do so. If you love something or someone, you talk about the subject a lot. that’s what they’re doing.
Of course you have other environments and venues in which to love the L-rd: the home, the workplace, your church, your car, working out, on a walk, etc. And you should never feel pressured into “IHOP’s way or the highway.” I do hope the people you’ve overheard haven’t been pressuring people that way. I think they’re simply excited about Jesus, love Him a ton, and want other people to share their excitement too.
I find it funny that so many people are combining IHOP and cult. The whole reason I did was because I just watched a show on cults and IHOP was in the back of my mind. To be fair all relations for considered to be cults. I don’t know if IHOP is a dangerous cult one that should be feared by the public so far there is no evidence to support that IHOP wants any thing but to be closer to God.
I have been to IHOP KC and for about a year loved the whole IHOP movement. Praying 24/7 and the pursuit of holiness are wonderful things. It’s how they choose to pursue this holiness that we should be concerned about. I know many friends at IHOP KC and a lot more here in Jacksonville that still fallow IHOP. I don’t because I don’t agree with the idea that we have to make the world ready for Christ to come again or some of the things they practice.
My advise to any one looking at IHOP to do research both from those who support them and those who don’t.