IDOL

…whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.  Phil. 1:18b

One of the most lionized Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) icons of the last century was Jack Hyles, the “toast” of IFB power-centers (e.g., Sword of the Lord) and pastor of the largest Baptist Church in America (weekly attendance: 20,000; membership: 100,000). Whether directly, through the ministries of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana; or indirectly, through his copious literary output and pastoral training center (Hyles-Anderson), his impact upon the Christian public was undeniably ENORMOUS.

It is now recognized, however, that the man was monstrously corrupt. Whether through his personal sexcapades with his secretary, or through the cultivation of a similar culture of indecency that rippled throughout the ministry (involving his son, David, and son-and-law, Jack Schaap), the moral climate of First Baptist was rotten to the core, leaving a legacy of pain, bewilderment, and disillusionment. 

But Hammond First Baptist isn’t alone. In recent years, we’ve seen a well-publicized epidemic of downfalls, involving even unexpected figures like Steve Lawson and Ravi Zacharias.

How should we digest all of this? First, let this stand as a warning unto vigilance for us all (1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12). Second, let us be slow to turn our leaders—who possess a sin nature—into celebrity idols that can fail us! Note that the only perfect man in the Bible is JESUS! Third, let us note that while First Baptist left behind a legacy of disillusionment, that wasn’t its ONLY legacy. Under God’s providence, some people really DID get saved at that church, and had their lives turned around—despite the failures of Jack Hyles! The Gospel remains true, even when those who handle it prove untrue (Philippians 1:15-18), and it remains powerful, even when our pastors prove weak!

Terry L. Reese