Before I begin to engage with the subject of IHOP and the reaction concerning the death of Bethany Deaton, I feel that it is imperative to give my own journey and background concerning this issue.  With many accusations being flung across the avenues of social media, it is crucial that when discussing situations of this magnitude and scope, one needs to engage with it honestly and personally.  This is my own personal journey with IHOP and the current conversation about the way in which it was mishandled and continues to be.

I was part of the International House of Prayer for five and a half years, from the fall of 2005 to the spring of 2011.  I spent my entire tenure on the Nightwatch and did both the Fire in the Night Internship and affiliated Bible school.  Centered on the importance of night and day worship and prayer, I lived…