Korean American Brian Kim accused of gaslighting, misconduct, and enabling abuse at Denver church
Pastor abuse allegations against a high-profile Korean American minister have sparked public outrage within the U.S. Christian community. Pastor Brian Kim, once a rising figure in multi-ethnic ministry, is accused of verbally abusing church members, gaslighting staff, and concealing financial operations during his leadership at Denver House Church.
The controversy, which began nearly a year ago, escalated after a public petition was posted on housedenveraccountability.com, outlining detailed accusations against Kim, his wife, and several elders. The petition has since drawn national attention.
190 individuals demand independent probe
As of April 15, 190 current and former members affiliated with Denver House, the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), and the ACTS church planting training center have signed the petition. The document calls for a third-party investigation into Kim’s alleged misconduct spanning over a decade.
The petition also connects Kim to former ministry partner Mike Bickle, founder of IHOPKC, who was previously charged with sexually assaulting 17 women, including minors. According to the petition, Kim allowed Bickle to serve in a church oversight position despite knowing about the abuse allegations.
11 allegations include abuse and financial opacity
The petition outlines 11 specific claims of wrongdoing by Kim:
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Gaslighting and making inappropriate and insulting remarks to staff and congregants.
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Ignoring sexual misconduct by a worship leader and allowing the individual to continue working.
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Removing roles and responsibilities from church members who raised concerns.
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Permitting Mike Bickle to remain in leadership despite knowing about sexual abuse allegations.
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Concealing ownership of three nonprofits and one LLC from the church elders.
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Withholding financial disclosures, including the handling of a $1 million donation.
In addition, petitioners argue that Pastor Kim’s leadership style involved authoritarian control, misleading church governance, and intentional suppression of transparency.
Church rejects claims, refuses external review
In a formal statement, Denver House Church dismissed the petition’s contents as “fabricated” and accused the petitioners of promoting distrust and division. The church expressed regret that members chose to make the issue public and rejected the request for an independent investigation.
Despite growing pressure, church leadership maintains that the allegations are untrue and claims that their internal governance remains sound.
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
