Karli Venable

I don’t even know what to say today about #ihopkc (or #sbc et al). Except for this: it shouldn’t be this hard. Is it too much to ask as a woman (or a child or *anyone*) to want to feel safe? Is it really too much to want to be free from harassment, abuse, assault, and violence? And when these things do happen, is it then too much to hope that we will be heard, believed, acknowledged, respected, helped, and treated with compassion and concern? Is it really that outrageous that we’d want the assailants or abusers to be held to account and somehow stopped so that no one else is hurt? We are mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, brothers, sons, co-laborers, and friends… not to mention image bearers and children of God. Please just try to consider this when someone, anyone at all, comes forward with a testimony of abuse, rape, harassment, and/or domestic violence. #survivors

This is so important. I have already submitted my written testimony for the committee since I can’t be there tomorrow. But everyone — please write these Senators! We need this legislation to pass. It’s a vital step toward justice. (All info is in the post below from Cherish).

@AlyssaDegraff Also I can’t stand when men use “feminine” like it’s a dirty word or low blow. Women are awesome. Nothing about us is “weak.” I’d like to see him last 2 days (or 2 min) with even half of what we experience & endure in our lives & bodies. He’d be crying for his mommy (ironically).

@AlyssaDegraff It’s stuff like this that makes me wonder what he would say if he met Jesus in real life (Jesus of the Gospels). I genuinely question whether he’d even like Jesus at all (he might even disdain Him 🤷🏻‍♀️) — which then makes me wonder who he thinks he’s worshipping. Just curious- idk.

When you’re more offended by men you perceive as “weak” than those who have completely abused their strength 🚩 And the best slur you can come up with is calling them “feminine” as though being a woman is inherently bad (or weak, for that matter.)

@rbohlender I had a 280z in high school and loved it! I guess that reveals that I’m super old too.

Old enough? I drove one. I hate this app.

@JacobsRacq69529 @AlyssaDegraff Same. Stephen & I both felt this way (when we looked at Grace report on FAI) too. I really liked Jim, personally, and felt very safe & affirmed by him. I honestly think it was mostly about manpower (aka money) for the huge scope & a rushed timeline more than anything else. 😞💔

@AlyssaDegraff It was really hard to compare it to the GRACE report on FAI. So much more thorough.

I guess it's my turn to address the elephant in the room... The IHOPKC Investigative Report (This will be long) The Report will serve its purpose as a credible account of the predatory, abusive, and longstanding practices of Mike Bickle, and as a broad stroke nod to IHOPKC’s systemic dysfunction. The world has again been warned, in less detail than before, but with more weight. And with the accounts of 17 women whose courage was rewarded with the option of anonymity. I am beyond proud of those women, and what I say next in no way diminishes their importance or the overall credibility of what’s contained in the report. The second half was an utter travesty. I have not gotten clear answers on whether this was caused by pressure to move on to Dr. Brown, cost, scope, etc. I believe it was technically Firefly's responsibility to recommend extensions, and I don't know if that happened. But I will confidently say - there is NO excuse for how incomplete it was. Interviews were completed (over 200.) Information was submitted (over 6000 documents.) The job was not finished. And in that, many victims who participated have now been re-traumatized by what was advertised as a trauma-informed process. I know for many, the weight of what's included is already too much to bear, but the reality is things were far worse. And the survivors who spent energy they did not have were harmed by this process in a way that I don't know is fixable. I think it's important to pause and ask ourselves what the purpose of these investigations is. Do we so badly want evil exposed that victims are merely a vehicle for that process? I have viewed investigations as a safe and confidential path forward - an affirming step towards justice and healing, but what actually makes one any more victim-centered than a defense attorney? Is an empathetic ear enough? After this, I would say no. Victims deserve a careful and methodical process that sets expectations well. In this case, victims did not receive follow-ups or clarifications on how they were going to be ID'd, whether their abuser would be named, and whether basic facts were correct. Followups could have easily been done with the 32 identified abuse survivors. This critical gap in care left many in utter shock when they saw the deepest wound of their life reduced to 1-3 sad sentences, or omitted entirely. A trauma-informed process anticipates how high stakes this moment can be - some of these victims may choose to never tell their stories again 😭 I've sat with the devastation of this for a full week, my inner drive for justice bracing against the tension of "How can I address this without discrediting the whole thing?" But as it stands, the second half of this report is a win for IHOP, which is why I'm not afraid to say any of this. Sixteen persons alleged of sexual misconduct were not even named, including Brad Tebutt. And there were very few dates or ages to even determine criminal or legal concerns. It feels neutered, and I have more thoughts about that for another day. For now, these culminating factors have only affirmed the fear many had from the beginning - that non-Bickle victims would not be prioritized. I personally shared this concern with Jim Holler back in September when I pressed for scope clarifications. While I do believe IHOPKC is a uniquely complex case to take on, I cannot let another group of survivors go through what I just witnessed - perhaps Firefly can listen and make drastic changes, but until they do, this cannot become an acceptable standard of victim care.

@reachjulieroys What’s really funny that he thinks he is a “common sense Christian.” 🤔

I have no idea where Sean gets this stuff. The Roys Report has never received any government money. Why I’m tagged in this is beyond me.

@AlyssaDegraff @sheilagregoire Maybe start from a place of humility with your own issues? Do men never talk to their parents or buddies about their spouses? If he was genuinely concerned about the third person gossip issue, he could’ve said it a lot differently.

@AlyssaDegraff @sheilagregoire Already tells me everything I need to know when men / pastors make “if your wife is doing…” type statements like this. The dude sitting around thinking up stuff his wife or his friends wives have done wrong so he can post it on X or preach about it is just cringe to begin with.

This screenshot of my words to Mark Driscoll went viral on Facebook a few weeks ago. I watched it unfold, in absolute tears, as hundreds of women who'd experienced DV/coercive control responded saying they felt validated 😭 Some of my heroes like @sheilagregoire weighed in as well. It was one of my few "wins" this year, and I treasure it. Now it is going viral here among Christian men, and it's truly wild to see the conversation that is taking place.

International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder Mike Bickle committed sexual abuse or misconduct against 17 women — including minors — over decades, amid a thriving culture of systematic abuse and coverups, an independent investigation has found. kansascity.com/news/local/art…

tikkunglobal.org/_files/ugd/c39… FIREFLY INVESTIGATION INTO MIKE BICKLE AND IHOPKC — CONCLUSION (PAGES 54-55) “Based on the documented statements of victims and witnesses interviewed and the evidence in the form of documents and correspondence with the accused, this investigation concludes that BICKLE has committed spiritual, emotional, and sexual abuse within IHOPKC. BICKLE'S reported abuse was an ongoing course of action and patterned behavior starting as early as the 1970s based on victim accounts. Through the identified IHOPKC programs, BICKLE systematically groomed and developed inappropriate relationships with women in the congregation while using "Matthew 18 Meetings" to conceal, minimize, and silence victims of sexual abuse within the church. In further support of the above, victim accounts show BICKLE'S repeated behavior in using prophetic language to speak to victims, isolating victims from others, purchasing gifts, frequent visits to church-supplied apartments where victims resided, controlling behavior, public praise and attention, frequent touching of victim's bodies, kissing victims, and creating circumstances where victims would observe him undressed and aroused. BICKLE'S correspondence on December 12, 2023, acknowledges his "inappropriate behavior" but attempts to minimize it by stating it occurred decades ago and was not the "... more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting." Regardless of the intensity, BICKLE'S grooming, sexual solicitation, and abusive misconduct involving seventeen (17) women, some of whom were minors, is evident and should not be downplayed. This behavior has caused significant harm and trauma to the victims, and it is crucial to recognize the severity of his actions. By minimizing his misconduct, BICKLE not only undermines the experiences of the survivors but also perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity. It is essential to hold him accountable and ensure that such behavior is not tolerated. Furthermore, this report finds a deliberate indifference by BICKLE and the ELT in minimizing reports of sexual abuse, requiring victims to confront their offenders, and discouraging victims from seeking law enforcement assistance. Their actions, or lack thereof, contributed to an environment where victims felt unsupported and vulnerable. By downplaying the severity of the abuse and failing to take appropriate measures, BICKLE and the ELT failed to protect the victims and uphold their duty of care. This indifference not only exacerbated the trauma experienced by the victims but also allowed the perpetrators to evade accountability and continue their misconduct.”

Umm yeah… what she said. Psycho.

LAST DAY to vote for your favorite tight end 🏹 Retweet to help @tkelce win the #WPMOYChallenge!

@jburn I seriously cannot. 🤢

Hybrids and werewolves are totally a real thing, but apparent not trauma. Make it make sense.

After almost a year, a true independent investigation has finally been launched into the allegations of sexual misconduct perpetrated by Mike Bickle and other IHOPKC leaders. This investigation will also be looking into reports that sexual abuse was covered up by IHOPKC leadership. Investigator Jim Holler and his team at Firefly Investigations are experienced, thorough, unbiased, and trauma-informed. I'm so happy that abuse survivors will finally have the opportunity to step forward to share their profoundly painful experiences in a safe space with investigators who know what they're doing. I strongly encourage anyone with information about sexual abuse or cover-up at IHOPKC to participate in this independent investigation. You can start by taking this short confidential survey. fireflyisai.com/ihopkc

Clergy sexual abuse is not an affair; pedophilia is not about struggling with difficult circumstances; molesting adolescents is not about a struggling marriage. Such things must be called by their right names- the abuser needs to be held responsible for his/her abusive behavior.

This is horrifying. Wherever there is fundamentalism, women are a threat. Wherever there is fundamentalism, they believe women talk too much and don't belong at the table. Wherever there is fundamentalism, they try to make women invisible.

An “independent investigator” who has previously represented churches or Christian organizations in sexual abuse claims is not “independent” and cannot be trusted.  Your abuse experience has immeasurable importance and value…please only share it with those who have earned your trust.

@JustinWern1993 Thank you for your inestimable courage and your voice, Justin. There are no words, but know that we stand with you.

@JacobsRacq69529 @AlyssaDegraff He was 100% on staff and in leadership. I cannot even imagine what he was thinking saying that. He may have done more itinerant traveling after the awakening… like several others… but he was always on staff as a leader. Everyone knows that.

@AlyssaDegraff I’d love to hear where he was working during that time? Because does even one person remember him not being on staff? A pay stub or W2 from this other ministry? Any evidence?

Sliker denying being on leadership for 4 years is wild. Even if his defense is he worked with IHOPU and not IHOPKC leadership… IHOPU has never been a separate org. It has always only been a DBA underneath an IHOP entity.