In a candid acknowledgment of his past mistakes, Sam Storms, pastor emeritus of Bridgeway Church, has publicly apologized for his long-standing support of Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC), following revelations of Bickle's involvement in sexual misconduct and abuse of power.

According to the Christian Post,  Storms issued a formal apology after allegations against Bickle and others at IHOPKC became widely known last year.

Sam Storms first met Mike Bickle in 1991 and had served as an associate pastor under his leadership. Over the decades, Storms became one of Bickle’s staunchest defenders, often passionately rebuking accusations against him and promoting the work of IHOPKC. Storms described Bickle as not just a ministry colleague but a close personal friend whose integrity he had vehemently defended.

This defense continued until August of 2023 when Storms was confronted with serious accusations directly from one of Bickle’s alleged victims, Deborah Perkins. These revelations forced Storms to reevaluate his long-held beliefs about Bickle and the ministry they both served. He admitted the allegations were far more severe than "indiscretions," reflecting a deep-seated abuse of power and trust.

Detailed Report Exposes Widespread Abuses at IHOPKC

The extent of the abuse was further highlighted in a 2025 investigative report by Firefly, which detailed not only Bickle's wrongdoings but also implicated 16 other staff members at IHOPKC in various acts of sexual misconduct. This shocked the community and those who had upheld the IHOPKC for years as a place of spiritual refuge and devout practice.

Storms’ apology comes as a response to these harrowing revelations, acknowledging his role in endorsing a man and a ministry now seen in a completely different light. "Most of you are undoubtedly aware of the horrible events that have been revealed concerning the predatory sexual misconduct of Mike Bickle," wrote Storms in his statement, signaling the gravity of the issue at hand.

Storms’s Apology Addressed to Multiple Victim Groups

In his public statement, Storms offered apologies to several groups adversely affected by his endorsement of Bickle and IHOPKC. He specifically addressed those who suffered under the abusive leadership and those who endured sexual victimization, acknowledging that his support may have influenced their trust and, consequently, their exposure to harm at IHOPKC.

He also noted the spiritual fallout experienced by many, saying, "It grieves me beyond words that some of you have walked away from the Lord and his church because Bickle betrayed all of us." His words painted a picture of deep personal and communal betrayal, felt not just by those directly victimized but by the wider Christian community.

Continued Repentance and Accountability Promised

Storms committed to continued soul-searching and accountability, aware that his past actions contributed to a problematic system that enabled misconduct. "I will continue to search my soul for insight on this, and whenever I discover other ways in which I misled you concerning Bickle and IHOPKC… I will quickly and sincerely repent and ask your forgiveness," he asserted.

This promise of ongoing repentance suggests a long-term commitment to rectifying the past, a crucial step in mending the fractures within the community and beyond. His statement also acknowledges that some may retain positive memories of their time at IHOPKC, despite the scandal, highlighting the complex nature of the issue.

As Storms navigates the repercussions of his past endorsements, the broader Christian community watches closely. His public repentance and call for accountability are seen as essential steps in addressing the significant trust breach caused by the scandal at IHOPKC. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities leaders hold and the pervasive impact their words and endorsements can have on their followers.