Francis Chan Issues Stunning Public Apology for Endorsing Mike Bickle After Abuse Scandal Rocks the Church

Francis Chan Publicly Apologizes for Endorsing Mike Bickle and Disgraced Church Leaders

Pastor and bestselling author Francis Chan has issued a formal public apology for his past endorsements of ministry leaders who were later exposed for serious misconduct, including Mike Bickle, the founder of the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC).

In a statement published on March 6, 2026, through his Crazy Love Ministries website, Chan wrote that he has been convicted by Scripture warning that every person will give an account for "every careless word."

For the sake of clarity, please know that of course I do not continue to endorse people like Mike Bickle who have been caught in unrepentant immorality.

Chan specifically addressed a remark he made in 2021 where he called people "so foolish" for abandoning Bickle "because you heard something from a friend." He now admits the comment could have discouraged victims and those with legitimate concerns from speaking up.

I know that my endorsements of leaders who have later fallen have added to the hurt and heartbreak experienced by the Body, and for this, I sincerely apologize.

The apology comes after a devastating 68 page Firefly investigation report concluded that Bickle used "predatory tactics and spiritual manipulation to sexually abuse at least 17 females, including minors." The report also identified 16 additional IHOPKC staff members accused of sexual misconduct.

Bickle initially acknowledged "inappropriate behavior" in December 2023 but denied the most severe allegations. Chan also noted that Pastor Sam Storms, who publicly apologized in February 2025 for defending Bickle, was similarly unaware of the hidden moral failures.

Four elders from Chan's network, Kevin Kim, Rob Zabala, Sean Brakey, and Joe Moore, issued a supporting statement confirming Chan "did not have knowledge of hidden moral failure" when he made his earlier endorsements but acknowledged that his public words gave credibility to leaders who proved untrustworthy.

Bestselling Author Francis Chan Breaks Silence on Mike Bickle Scandal and Fallen Ministry Leaders

Chan's statement also addressed Chris Reed, another IHOPKC affiliated leader, clarifying that he never formally endorsed Reed. He acknowledged that his public associations nonetheless carried weight and influenced how believers viewed these leaders.

The pastor urged the Church to take seriously the biblical mandate of exposing sin among leaders, citing 1 Timothy 5:20 which states that elders who persist in sin should be rebuked publicly so that "the rest may stand in fear."

The Crusader's Opinion

Accountability in the Church is not optional. It is commanded by Scripture. For too long, the celebrity pastor culture has allowed men to build personal empires while the sheep they were supposed to protect suffered in silence. Francis Chan doing the right thing here should be commended, but let us be clear: 17 victims. Minors among them. Decades of spiritual manipulation and abuse covered up by people who were supposed to be shepherds.

The Church must stop treating famous pastors like untouchable idols and start treating them like what Scripture says they are: servants held to a higher standard who will face stricter judgment. Evil does not get a pass because it wears a clerical collar.

Take Action

• Read Francis Chan's full statement on Crazy Love Ministries and share it with your church community.
• If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy abuse, contact RAINN at 1 800 656 4673 for confidential support.
• Support the protection of persecuted and vulnerable Christians through The Shepherd's Shield.
• Encourage your church leadership to implement transparent accountability structures. Ask your pastor what safeguards are in place to prevent abuse.
• Pray for the 17 victims and their families. Pray for genuine repentance and healing within the IHOPKC community and the broader Body of Christ.