Originally from here.

Firefly, a Pennsylvania company with law enforcement expertise, said 210 people were interviewed during its 4 1⁄2-month investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at IHOPKC and cover-up by its leaders. Every survivor and witness included in the report came forward voluntarily to share their stories, it said. In addition to the allegations against Bickle, the report said the investigation turned up 16 cases of sexual abuse and misconduct perpetrated by people associated with IHOPKC but not directly related to Bickle. “These findings highlight a broader issue within the organization that requires immediate attention and action,” it said.

Among the investigation’s findings:

1. Bickle used prophetic language to speak to victims, isolated them from others, bought them gifts, visited them in church-supplied apartments where they lived, frequently touched and kissed them and created circumstances in which they would see him undressed and aroused.

2. Abuse was allowed to persist unchecked, often with perpetrators being protected rather than held accountable.

3. Many victims were subjected to “Matthew 18” meetings, a reference to a conflict resolution procedure laid out in the Gospel of Matthew. In those meetings, the victims “were pressured into face-to-face confrontations with their accusers to determine who was lying.” “These meetings not only compounded the emotional distress of the victims but also undermined the integrity of the investigation process,” the report said. “Many victims felt intimidated and coerced, which led to further trauma and a sense of injustice. As a result, the credibility of the testimonies collected during these meetings was compromised.”

4. Bickle committed spiritual, emotional and sexual abuse starting as early as the 1970s, grooming and developing inappropriate relationships with women “while using ‘Matthew 18 Meetings’ to conceal, minimize, and silence victims of sexual abuse within the church.”

5. Bickle and IHOPKC’s Executive Leadership Team downplayed reports of sexual abuse, forced victims to confront their offenders and discouraged them from going to law enforcement authorities. “Their actions, or lack thereof, contributed to an environment where victims felt unsupported and vulnerable,” the report said. “This indifference not only exacerbated the trauma experienced by the victims but also allowed the perpetrators to evade accountability and continue their misconduct.”

6. Instead of being supported, staff members who reported sexual abuse of others to their supervisors often faced retaliation, such as being transferred to other positions or having their work hours reduced. Firefly said it reviewed more than 6,000 documents directly related to the case, and a Firefly representative visited IHOPKC to observe worship and praise activities.