Why was my comment deleted?
The anti-Christian bias at the Pitch is so obvious. Every twisted lifestyle is celebrated in your publication, but let someone defend a local church from distortions that you made, and they get censored. I am not surprised in the least.
People have a right to their beliefs, even if you think they are illogical.
I was baptized at IHOP. With that bit of disclosure, I will proceed.
You may consider the young people at IHOP naive and sheltered, but that is because they believe the world is sinful, and that many of the things considered normal to most in the U.S. are evil. These young people desperately want to make a difference, and are willing to devote their time to ministry work. They are not obsessed with video games, partying, or pornography, they are actively trying to do what they think is right, and not passively waiting. Are they all perfect? No, far from it. They are people just like you and me who make mistakes. But they are making an effort.
Also Jesus made this statement:
"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." �Matthew 18:3-4
This is not to say that IHOP people avoid the community, quite the opposite. They engage people wherever and whenever they find them. The fact they are holding an open forum is evidence that they seek good relations with the community.
Your article sites someone who claimed 17 kids lived in one residence. IHOP seeks to obey all laws, and has internal rules about this sort of thing. They do have conferences where people come for visits, and more than likely some of these young attendees couch surf.
Mike Bickle does not believe in pre-tribulation rapture doctrine that was popularized by the Left Behind series of books. The biggest reason why I don't think this is a cult, is members make no attempt to get you to stay. I haven't been to service there in a while, and I have felt no pressure. Also Mike Bickle often says that if you think he is wrong on an interpretation of the scripture, then to bring it up. He tells people, NOT to just believe what he says, but to find out for themselves. How many cult leaders make such statements?
I will finish with this, I have been to more rock shows than most members of this forum would even dream about, and the IHOP music ministry is nothing short of amazing. The Prayer Room on Redbridge has a band going 24/7/365. Logistically this is not easy. Most of these bands are similar in talent to what you might see in some local venues like Davey's Uptown, but some exceed this standard. I have never really been a Christian Rock fan, but some of these bands blend gospel, R&B, and pop into a straight up jam. They are encouraged to improvise, and usually have a experienced leader who sort of directs the flow. IHOP has a school that teaches music ministry, and when they take a collection at the Prayer Room, the musicians get it. Sort of like passing the hat. If you are a skeptic, go check it out. I have insomnia and have walked in there at 3AM to hear a band jamming. That alone is cool. There is a guy named Jay Thomas who plays with Cory Asbury's group, and he looks and sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder, but has his own vibe. I challenge any music lover to listen to that band and not walk away impressed.
The question you should ask yourself is that if you saw kids (or even people in general)dedicated to another cause that was perhaps more in line with your worldview, would you be so judgmental towards them?
Why does liberal "tolerence" draw the line when it comes to Christian groups?
Re: “Single File: ACB's 'Boy Like Me'”
See video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...