Francis Chan Apologizes For Past Endorsment of Mike Bickle

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California-based pastor and New York Times best-selling author Francis issued a public apology regarding his longtime endorsement of International House of Prayer of Kansas City founder Mike Bickle and other church leaders involved in scandals over the years. 

In a lengthy statement released last Friday, Chan stated he no longer endorses Bickle, who alleged of sexual abuse and abuse of power in the fall of 2023, The Christian Post reported. 

“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 said. 

At the same time, however, he contended that he doesn’t believe it is a "biblical mandate" for everyone to "weigh in" every time a ministry scandal takes place and that if he issued a public statement each time he realized he had trusted someone wrongly, the list would be “very, very long.

"I understand that some people see it as apathetic or irresponsible to refrain from commenting on these situations," Chan stated. "But I would ask you to consider that after issues have been disclosed about someone, there may be some of us who remain silent, not because we don't care, but because we believe there is already too much focus and discussion about these people. I've seen leaders get pressured by others to say things that God may not be leading them to say. I have fallen into this trap as well."

Chan also apologized for his past support of leaders who have fallen into scandal, as it has hurt Christians.

“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,” he said.

The Crazy Love author also regretted calling people who retracted their support “so foolish” back in 2021 while clarifying that his comment had to do with theological disagreements that were taking place at the time. Chan also acknowledged now that his remarks can also have discouraged people with legitimate concerns. 

In addition to Chan’s apology, an apology was also issued by Kevin Kim, Rob Zabala, Sean Brakey, and Joe Moore, who serve as the network elders of We Are Church, an entity founded by Chan, where they contended Chan had no knowledge of hidden moral failure during his association of the leaders involved.

Additionally, Sam Storms, pastor emeritus of Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City and issued a public apology in February 2025 for his support of Bickle, whom he considered a longtime friend.

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Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.