Retrospective Sharing Series: Mike Bickle
- Lisa Gay
- Jun 27, 2024
- 3 min read
In an effort to alleviate any tuition I owed the school I was attending last Spring, we were asked to write an article about someone we looked up to, admired and demonstrated exemplary leadership and what that means to me as a student leader. As I continue to process the events of the last year, I may choose to sharing my thoughts chronologically. In the meantime, On April 27, 2023, I composed this article:
Michael Leroy Bickle
I was recently looking into the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC). The ministry has blessed me over the past few months, and I wanted to learn more about its leadership. As I did my research, I learned of its founding leader Michael Leroy Bickle (Mike Bickle). I believe he is a phenomenal leader who continues to make a global impact for the kingdom of God. After researching him, I’d say he is every bit of a forerunner and humble. I believe these are the qualities that cause him to be a great leader of such an impactful ministry.
Mike Bickle has been able to take our mandate to worship, pair it with prayer as inspired by the prophetess Anna and make the “tabernacle of David” 24/7 worship a reality in Kansas City in my day. Not only so, but also livestreams, so the world has access. Ultimately, Jesus’ intention was for the church to be a house of prayer. There are few places where prayer has been made a priority. In fact, I have never seen something like IHOPKC. Mike Bickle has been able to capture the heart of the father, which most of us are able to do. But not only so, but he has been being able bring it into manifestation; and sustain it.
After facing attacks for ungodly practices, Mike Bickle submitted to a company of churches who would provide accountability for his ministry at the time (Kansas City Fellowship/Grace Ministries). Later on, Mike says “We were tempted to say that the attacks were all of the devil. In retrospect, we see that God’s hand in all of this - even using the things that came from Satan’s hand as well. Some of the criticisms were valid (especially concerning our pride); others were not." From his actions and comments, it appears as though Mike was aware that he did not demonstrate righteousness at every level of his leadership, but he was willing to admit that by voluntarily submitting to accountability. He allowed his flesh to die, at the risk of being shamed again. By doing so, he was able to carry on the work of the Lord more efficiently to accountability; and later on create something that I would have otherwise never seen in my generation, IHOPKC.
I plan to demonstrate these qualities as a forerunner and take a humble stance as Mike Bickle has demonstrated. As a student leader, I will offer up ideas that will advance the impact our school is already making in NYC and globally. In the same vein, I plan to serve Nyack with the highest level of humility by honoring my institutional leaders, fellow student leaders, current students, potential students and other connected to Nyack College; recognizing the honor it is to serve a school where the presence of the Lord is alive; and every connection is a divine opportunity to express the love of the father
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