IHOP is Growing fast! Should we be Concerned?

[Richie_2uk]

Something I recently learnt about is the growth of IHOP " International House of Prayer " I heard many people say how good it is and a lot of how bad it is. So i decided to do a little research and had a sneak peek in this growing group.

About IHOP. I have had a very quick look and research into this IHOP growth. And I personally never of heard of it till someone mentioned it to in a convosation. According to many people, and other resources, it either sounds good or bad to them. From what I read about it. I did honestly felt they were doing something good, but I felt there was something sinister about it too. Im not sure what it is. But all I can say it reminds me of that saying a wolf in sheep skin if you get what I mean. But for you to have a little more info on it. Here is a good reliable website that seems to know of the origins of IHOP and the inner workings of it all.

https://carm.org/ihop

After reading about this. I feel excatly like how carm.org has explained it. Thats me personally. How you feel about it? well thats to your own thoughts and concerns on this matter. But I want to encourage you to read about it, so that you can get the full knowledge of this IHOP thing, and perhaps you may be challenged to pray against it or for it. but mainly I posted this as a warning to those who are thinking of joining such thing, and to at least prepare them to read about it first before jumping into something they may or possibly will regret.

A quick review of IHOP "International House of Prayer" offenses include:

1. Cultic origin, worship style, and goals
2. Emotionalism
3. Mysticism
4. Gnosticism
5. The IHOP dilemma
6. False Prophecies
7. Effective Denial of Sola Scriptura
8. Opposition by multiple Godly Christian Groups

Now if you feel that you belong in any of the catagories above as a true Christian. then think again. Though it may seem like a place that is on fire and passionate for God, this is simply not the case. Many of the people that do go there are sincere Christians, but they have been overcome by the lies and experiences they have there. In short, the people I have communicated with ignore the things above and simply hold on to what they have experienced and point the finger at me saying, “you don’t know about us.” Unfortunately I do know, and I hope this article persuades or helps you convince someone else who is going down a destructive path. It breaks my heart to see so many young people fall victim to this place, and all the people who waste their lives and God given talents to expand IHOP’s kingdom and not God’s Kingdom.

 

[Willie-T]

I was going to read your post with interest till I saw you were just parroting Matt Slick.

IHOP is not cool, no doubt. But you are just being led to tilt at windmills. They are nothing new in history, and places like that will always exist. Frankly, I think CARM is just about as divisive.

 

[kaylagrl]

Something I recently learnt about is the growth of IHOP " International House of Prayer " I heard many people say how good it is and a lot of how bad it is. So i decided to do a little research and had a sneak peek in this growing group.

About IHOP. I have had a very quick look and research into this IHOP growth. And I personally never of heard of it till someone mentioned it to in a convosation. According to many people, and other resources, it either sounds good or bad to them. From what I read about it. I did honestly felt they were doing something good, but I felt there was something sinister about it too. Im not sure what it is. But all I can say it reminds me of that saying a wolf in sheep skin if you get what I mean. But for you to have a little more info on it. Here is a good reliable website that seems to know of the origins of IHOP and the inner workings of it all.

https://carm.org/ihop

After reading about this. I feel excatly like how carm.org has explained it. Thats me personally. How you feel about it? well thats to your own thoughts and concerns on this matter. But I want to encourage you to read about it, so that you can get the full knowledge of this IHOP thing, and perhaps you may be challenged to pray against it or for it. but mainly I posted this as a warning to those who are thinking of joining such thing, and to at least prepare them to read about it first before jumping into something they may or possibly will regret.

A quick review of IHOP "International House of Prayer" offenses include:

1. Cultic origin, worship style, and goals
2. Emotionalism
3. Mysticism
4. Gnosticism
5. The IHOP dilemma
6. False Prophecies
7. Effective Denial of Sola Scriptura
8. Opposition by multiple Godly Christian Groups

Now if you feel that you belong in any of the catagories above as a true Christian. then think again. Though it may seem like a place that is on fire and passionate for God, this is simply not the case. Many of the people that do go there are sincere Christians, but they have been overcome by the lies and experiences they have there. In short, the people I have communicated with ignore the things above and simply hold on to what they have experienced and point the finger at me saying, “you don’t know about us.” Unfortunately I do know, and I hope this article persuades or helps you convince someone else who is going down a destructive path. It breaks my heart to see so many young people fall victim to this place, and all the people who waste their lives and God given talents to expand IHOP’s kingdom and not God’s Kingdom.

Well theres what I know about it.I thought you were talking about IHOP the restaurant.I was like "whats he got against pancakes?"

 

[DesiredHaven]

Well theres what I know about it.I thought you were talking about IHOP the restaurant.I was like "whats he got against pancakes?"

LOL! I thought the same thing!

 

[Willie-T]

My step brother and sisters went to school with Mike (He runs IHOP), and he was in our church for a year, or so, and although I think he is a misguided control freak, I can assure you, he doesn't have horns coming out of his forehead.

 

[jb]

Well theres what I know about it.I thought you were talking about IHOP the restaurant.I was like "whats he got against pancakes?"

And Shrove Tuesday is just past!

 

[1still_waters]

I'd have to look further at this before deciding if they're really that dangerous. Discernment ministries have really helped me, but I have also noticed how easily they can create a crisis by weaving together various source statements with different levels of conjecture.

From what I have observed of IHOP it's just a bunch of people gathering 24/7 to praise and worship.

Something isn't automatically "gnostic" or "mystical" just because someone has a spiritual experience.
"Emotionalism" can also be very subjective. So they get a bit happy clappy, and have liver shivers, that doesn't necessarily mean we've entered a theological crisis.

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

Something I recently learnt about is the growth of IHOP " International House of Prayer "

This group is buying up property all over South Kansas City and the suburb just west of me, Grandview. No one knows what they're planning, but no one in the Christian community around here thinks they're up to any good.

They are the remnant of the "Kansas City Prophets" which rose up in the 1970s and 80s before being absorbed in the Vineyard Movement and leading them astray. A lot of them were too far out there to even be accepted by Vineyard, and IHOP is the result.

I don't think they're dangerous, except in the spiritual sense. They have a huge following, and it is, unfortunately, spreading, as the OP's article says. The real crime is that they have a tremendous influence over two very susceptible communities: The poor, and ex-offenders. Their heresy is easily accepted by the most hopeless among those seeking a way out of their problems, addictions, financial difficulties, and sinful behaviors.

Christians need to be aware of this movement, but I think most people will recognize their false teachings immediately. What we need to do is make sure we reach the more desperate in our own communities and make sure they hear the truth, and not some bizarre cultish teaching like IHOP pushes.

 

[Willie-T]

I'd have to look further at this before deciding if they're really that dangerous. Discernment ministries have really helped me, but I have also noticed how easily they can create a crisis by weaving together various source statements with different levels of conjecture.

From what I have observed of IHOP it's just a bunch of people gathering 24/7 to praise and worship.

Something isn't automatically "gnostic" or "mystical" just because someone has a spiritual experience.
"Emotionalism" can also be very subjective. So they get a bit happy clappy, and have liver shivers, that doesn't necessarily mean we've entered a theological crisis.

Well, in all honesty, it is far more than that. Mike holds a tight rein on thousands of very young and impressionable kids who live a very controlled lifestyle in his university and dorms.

But my point in all this is that every minute we take our eyes off Jesus, and start chasing after all the distractions of weird groups and churches with doctrines we have been told we are to hate (along with the members), is one minute less we will be doing what Jesus told us to do.... going through our world, telling people about Him and the kingdom.

 

[andypro]

I read a great article on this kind of stuff once, but I can't find it. I'll summarize:

Basically, the author was saying that it's God that brings these types of false teachers into the church, and the reason He does so is to prove who truly belongs to him. (this wasn't an opinion piece, he backed with scriptures - wish I could find it).

Think of it this way, let's say your church has 80% content people, willing to learn and grow and serve, etc; but 20% of your church is always complaining, moaning that the church isn't spiritual enough (you know, like IHOP), and stealing large amounts of time from the Pastor, Elders, etc.

Well, then Todd Bentley or IHOP or whatever comes to town, they all go chase after it, and then they are no longer satisfied with your dumb old church, and they complain louder for a bit, and then they leave.

To me, that sounds like a win/win. Now your church has 100% content people, willing to learn and grow and serve, etc. (if only)

Anyway, the point of the article is that while it might not be good for those who left in the long run, it's good for your church in the long run, and that's why God allows it.

 

[Willie-T]

I'd have to look further at this before deciding if they're really that dangerous. Discernment ministries have really helped me, but I have also noticed how easily they can create a crisis by weaving together various source statements with different levels of conjecture.

From what I have observed of IHOP it's just a bunch of people gathering 24/7 to praise and worship.

Something isn't automatically "gnostic" or "mystical" just because someone has a spiritual experience.
"Emotionalism" can also be very subjective. So they get a bit happy clappy, and have liver shivers, that doesn't necessarily mean we've entered a theological crisis.

I'll tell you the truth. I was in the emotionless CoC for 12 years, and I have experienced plenty of Pentecostal craziness. I now attend the "in-between those two extremes" Vineyard church. I could never go back to either of the former churches.... but I also cannot imagine worshiping God without emotional expression.

 

[kennethcadwell]

Well, in all honesty, it is far more than that. Mike holds a tight rein on thousands of very young and impressionable kids who live a very controlled lifestyle in his university and dorms.

But my point in all this is that every minute we take our eyes off Jesus, and start chasing after all the distractions of weird groups and churches with doctrines we have been told we are to hate (along with the members), is one minute less we will be doing what Jesus told us to do.... going through our world, telling people about Him and the kingdom.

Who is the one's who teach a hate message, as that would be those who are lead in a false teaching as well.
For the Lord our God does not teach to hate others, and He even says we are to love our enemies and pray and do good to them. Anybody lead or teaching a hate message, or Christians can have hatred toward others is living a false message and being lead astray as well.
They may or may not be doing properly as I have not fully looked into them even though I have seen one of their IHOP buildings of 71 highway in Grandview. But if they are teaching falsely we are to handle it like we should also handle those of the Catholic faith. Show them love and truth from scripture, God's word. Not with belittling, unloving, and unedifying tactics toward them.

 

[Willie-T]

This group is buying up property all over South Kansas City and the suburb just west of me, Grandview. No one knows what they're planning, but no one in the Christian community around here thinks they're up to any good.

They are the remnant of the "Kansas City Prophets" which rose up in the 1970s and 80s before being absorbed in the Vineyard Movement and leading them astray. A lot of them were too far out there to even be accepted by Vineyard, and IHOP is the result.

I don't think they're dangerous, except in the spiritual sense. They have a huge following, and it is, unfortunately, spreading, as the OP's article says. The real crime is that they have a tremendous influence over two very susceptible communities: The poor, and ex-offenders. Their heresy is easily accepted by the most hopeless among those seeking a way out of their problems, addictions, financial difficulties, and sinful behaviors.

Christians need to be aware of this movement, but I think most people will recognize their false teachings immediately. What we need to do is make sure we reach the more desperate in our own communities and make sure they hear the truth, and not some bizarre cultish teaching like IHOP pushes.

I know we'd all feel more comfortable if they just stayed up there on the hill in that little shopping center. But so they are buying up the whole valley South of there.... that doesn't effect anyone except those who would seek them out if they were somewhere out on the Kansas prairies anyway.

Keep your eyes where God told us to keep them.

 

[andypro]

If you're a pastor, elder, leader, etc. at your church, often times someone in the church will come up to you and say that you have to see this group, or this preacher, or this guy who is doing all the healings and people are falling over, etc.

This stuff happens a lot, and your regular old church leaders don't know what to do. Should we go see for ourselves? Should we read up on the internet? What should we do? This also applies if you aren't a leader and just have a friend who's starting to get in to something 'new'.

There is actually only one thing you need to do in this situation, and it's to ask this question:

WHAT DO THEY TEACH?

Very simple. No need to get into discussions and debates about whether the miracles, or healings, or feelings were real, just focus on what they teach.

If churches would understand this principle, there would be a lot less running after organizations like IHOP.

 

[RachelBibleStudent]

I'd have to look further at this before deciding if they're really that dangerous. Discernment ministries have really helped me, but I have also noticed how easily they can create a crisis by weaving together various source statements with different levels of conjecture.

From what I have observed of IHOP it's just a bunch of people gathering 24/7 to praise and worship.

Something isn't automatically "gnostic" or "mystical" just because someone has a spiritual experience.
"Emotionalism" can also be very subjective. So they get a bit happy clappy, and have liver shivers, that doesn't necessarily mean we've entered a theological crisis.

i agree with this...i don't agree with some of the things IHOP teaches...but in general what i see is bickering over nonessential doctrines and distortions of what people believe about essential doctrines...

and i will say that the 'online discernment movement' itself represented by groups such as CARM can sometimes be a little cult of their own...thriving on a culture of fear mongering sensationalism and targeting and exclusion...

 

[dcontroversal]

My step brother and sisters went to school with Mike (He runs IHOP), and he was in our church for a year, or so, and although I think he is a misguided control freak, I can assure you, he doesn't have horns coming out of his forehead.

Would this make you bias toward his views and or his beliefs? I am pretty sure el diablo does not have horns sticking out of his head and or a pointed tail either....!

 

[Angela53510]

I had some friends get involved in this group a few years back. They were really pressuring us to get involved and how great all the miracles and healings were. They wanted me to come and be healed.

Which was all very nice, except it was pretty obvious the wife was in the early stages of Alzheimer's. I am pretty sure she needed healing more than I did. And the husband was using hearing aids, and wasn't healed either.

Now those things are really here nor there. But they did give me a book or manual to look at, which I read and immediately freaked out. Sadly, I have blocked it from my mind. I just know it was major doctrinal issues, and the fanaticism of these people, oh yes, who had a 46 year old son living in the basement who had never worked made me think they were not walking the talk with this group.

And yes, I thought we were into a recipe thread about pancakes and the best types they serve. LOL

 

[tribesman]

Something I recently learnt about is the growth of IHOP " International House of Prayer " I heard many people say how good it is and a lot of how bad it is...

I haven't even heard of "IHOP" before reading your post here. I used to be pretty updated on the new sects on the scene, but missed this one. At least they are not here where I am at, as far as I know. Anyways...seems they are just another hyper-charismatic group of the plenty. But I'll look more into them. Thanks for sharing.

 

[crossnote]

Sociological cults can be just as dangerous as theological ones. IHOP, at least from what I'm hearing here sounds like a sociological cult.

 

[dcontroversal]

Sociological cults can be just as dangerous as theological ones. IHOP, at least from what I'm hearing here sounds like a sociological cult.

I suppose a cult is a cult is a cult right?