Mike Bickle & New Apostolic Reformation
Is there a connection with Mike Bickle & New Apostolic Reformation doctrine?
Mike Bickle of IHOP formally denies dominionism, postmillennialism and the modern office of apostle and prophet, yet he embraces other aspects of NAR teaching. Mike Bickle’s past involvement in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is seen in his participation in “The New Millennium Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders” in 1999. Bickle sat on the council under the leadership of C. Peter Wagner (the one who coined the phrase “New Apostolic Reformation”). Bill Hamon and other strong NAR advocates had seats as well. A report of the “prophetic” proceedings was submitted at the close of the council which read:
The Government of God [sic] kingdom will be established through the apostolic and prophetic authorities in cities and nations. … We will see tremendous transfers of wealth into the Kingdom of God through the ministry of market apostles (those with apostolic anointing for business and other areas of society).1
There is no indication that Bickle was in disagreement with his council at that time.
Mike Bickle and Latter Rain
In that same year (1999), Bill Jackson devoted an entire chapter to Bickle in his book The Quest for the Radical Middle: A History of the Vineyard , chapter 11). Jackson affirmed that Bickle believed a “move of God will bring about a reformation in the church that will be integrally linked to the restoration of a mature apostolic and prophetic ministry” (loc. 2614-2615). Jackson confirmed that Bickle held to some or most of the Latter Rain doctrine. He stated Bickle believed “God was now going to restore the offices of apostle and prophet to lay the foundation for a new and glorious church (2523-2524). He added that Bickle’s belief was “consistent with the restorationist thesis that began in the Latter Rain.” (loc. 2615.) Bickel apparently approved of Jackson’s description of him, as he “read at least two drafts” of the manuscript and offered feedback (loc. 55).
Mike Bickle promoting NAR leaders
Mike Bickle continues to feature strong NAR teachers on his stage (e.g., Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson) and promotes their teaching in his bookstores (e.g., Bill Hamon, C. Peter Wagner). For example, Rick Joyner is a repeated speaker at at IHOP who said “The apostolic ministry that opened the church age will be raised up at the end to complete it. The Lord is restoring the apostolic authority to the church, and soon this will become a major emphasis” (Joyner, Mobilizing the Army of God, 215). Joyner’s belief in Kingdom Now theology is evidenced by his statement: “Those who live in the reality and power of His kingdom now will preach the message of the kingdom. We do not wait for the millennium for Jesus to reign over us. His kingdom is already ‘at hand.’” (Joyner, A Prophetic Vision for the 21st Century, 163, emphasis his.)
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1. See “Entering the New Millennium,” The Elijah List, December 18, 1999, http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word/257
2. See “What Is IHOPKC’s Stance On the New Apostolic Reformation?,” International House of Prayer, accessed July 8, 2018, https://www.ihopkc.org/press-center/faq/ihopkc-part-new-apostolic-reformation