We are going to feature in our column today an article by Evangelist Don Boys. But first we want to make a few introductory remarks.

 

We receive no joy in filing this present article in this issue of Freedom’s Phoenix. The article speaks for itself so we will not elaborate except to say once again, “There but for the grace of God there go I and all the rest of us.” There are those in the clergy that will say, why bring attention to these things any more than has already been said which has been much. Front page articles in the Hammond Times, USA Today, CBS TV News, etc. and many more. First the Bible did not hide the sin of its greatest men. The first man that God created rebelled in the greatest environment that man has ever enjoyed and became a traitor to the greatest friend a man ever had. And then the Bible is an entire text book on the sin of the greatest of men. Adam’s oldest son killed his own brother, Noah built an Ark and saved the world and then laid down drunk after it was all over. King David wrote the grandest literature in the Psalms that has ever been written and committed adultery with another man’s wife, and then had him killed in battle to cover it up. In the moment when our Lord needed a friend in the worst way, Peter, the leader of the little band of disciples cursed like a sailor, denied that he knew him and sneaked off like a cur dog.

 

But the Bible is also about the power of redemption and forgiveness through the blood of Christ and the power of His resurrection from the grave. And the story of men who fell, picking themselves up from the ashes of despair and shame and triumphing over their sins and weaknesses to become great warriors for God and righteousness. It is in this spirit that we submit the media report from First Baptist Church of Hammond. The internet link to the Wednesday night services August 1, led by Attorney David Gibbs of the Christian Law Association and the Satirical but poignant article by Evangelist Don Boys.

 

 

Our Official Statement

First Baptist Church Pastor Dismissed

July 31, 2012

 

Hammond, IN–At this time, we deeply regret the need to announce that First Baptist Church has dismissed our pastor, Dr. Jack Schaap, due to a sin that has caused him to forfeit his right to be our pastor. First Baptist Church is in full cooperation with our local authorities in their investigation of this matter. Our church grieves over the need to take this action and the impact it will have on our people.

We ask that everyone pray for the families involved and pray that the situation will be handled in a Christ honoring manner. We look forward to the days ahead as we continue to service the needs of our surrounding community and the Chicago area.

 

For any media-related questions, please contact First Baptist Church spokesman, Eddie Wilson at (219) 945-6475.

Source: First Baptist Church Pastor Dismissed

http://www.fbchammond.com/news/2012/our-official-statement/

 

Don Boys, Ph.D.

 

I think there is a strange, new virus going around that gravitates to church leadership that almost requires them to think immorality is normal, acceptable, and almost commendable.

 

Another Fundamentalist pastor has dishonored his family, damaged his church, disgraced his calling, disobeyed the Scriptures, destroyed his reputation, demeaned all Christians, and deflowered (do they still use that term) an unknown number of young girls.  The deacon board of First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana quickly fired him and agreed to work with the authorities. The disgraced pastor is the son-in-law of former pastor, Dr. Jack Hyles, a deceased friend of mine.

 

First Baptist was an early megachurch and was considered by many fundamental Baptists to be their flagship church. There are hundreds of Independent Baptist Churches that still mention “Hyles” on their websites to give a message where they stand on various issues even though Hyles died in 2001. Moreover, he died under a dark cloud of accusation of immorality.

 

Long before accusations against Hyles, I preached in his church in the late 70s while I was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. Some church members and the pastor were very helpful in my legislative work helping with busloads of people for political rallies and finances. Hyles told me I could count on him to produce a thousand dollars and a thousand people whenever needed. While I was there, preaching in the church and in their college, I met his future son-in-law and his successor (now admitted adulterer), but he did not make much of an impression on me. Nor I on him evidently!

 

Why do so many men in responsible places of leadership succumb to illicit relationships? Some seem to think it goes with their other perks. I wrote in one of my early books that some pastors seem to think that sleeping with the church secretary is one of their perks like 401 K plans, gas allowance, and parsonage. A pastor got angry at me for writing that since it seemed to demean preachers. I told him he was living in a cave if he thought laymen did not know of all the immorality going on in the pulpits. Well, maybe not in the pulpit, but you know. Within a year, he was accused of improper relations.

 

It seems that power, position, and prestige are a strong aphrodisiac, far more powerful than the new drugs now available. Many pastors cultivate the image that they are different from normal men. They always have it together, never are unsure, always are in control, and never succumb to temptation–almost as if they are above temptation. But then, our Savior was tempted in all points as are all mortal men.

 

Furthermore, pastors have college and seminary training and are titled professionals. They are Rev. (a title that most evangelical and fundamental leaders shun), Doctor (usually honorary), Rabbi, Elder, Bishop, Archbishop, Monsignor, Cardinal, and Pope. Wow, those are impressive titles and almost convey upon the holder some unusual privilege.  But not the privilege to engage in immorality.

 

All pastors should realize that they are capable of doing anything they preach against. Satan seems to target preachers knowing the bigger they are the bigger the fall and the more damage done to the churches, families, and society in general. No preacher should ever, I say ever, permit himself to be alone with the opposite sex. All church offices should be windowed so no accusation can be made and any tempttemptation would be lessened.

 

Of course, all religious denominations have an outrageous number of pathetic preachers who have zipper problems. While all people are susceptible, it is more egregious in the ministry because preachers deal with character, values, principles, godly living, and family while providing general and specific guidelines for right living. When a preacher falls, it is devastating to everyone because of his unique position of telling others how to live.

 

When a preacher serves in a large, influential church, his fall (or is it a jump?) is often catastrophic like a huge sequoia that falls in the northwest because of lightning or infestation. It never falls alone but takes a hundred smaller trees with it.

 

My Baptist critics will jump on me with hobnailed boots (are those things still around?) for being critical, taking the side of the enemy; however, I’m not on anyone’s side but Truth. As a young man, I promised God I would teach, preach, and write the truth if it led to my mother’s front door. Today, again, I am ashamed to be an Independent Baptist.  But, I’ll get over it. (Not being a Baptist but being ashamed.)

 

With this latest case in Hammond, I wondered if maybe the water supply is contaminated but I’m afraid not. It is a world-wide problem. The contamination is in the human heart, for God told us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. “Who can know it?” And out of the heart “come the issues of life.” Men break their marriage vows and destroy their homes and churches because it is in their hearts. They have not dealt with sin when it first raises its ugly head. That sin must be strangled in the cradle before it becomes a monster that destroys everything of value in one’s life.

 

My son (a very successful pastor in Texas) sent me an email today with a link to an Indiana newspaper reporting on the Hammond scandal. I wrote him back, “Yes, I heard about it yesterday. At least the church acted quickly and unequivocally. Maybe all preachers should be castrated at their ordination service. I suppose we would have to "grandfather" present preachers. I hope so. Love you, Dad”

 

As I reflect on my message to my son, I realize that my tongue was placed firmly in cheek when I wrote that. However, as I relax my tongue slightly, I’m willing to consider the possibility as long as we “grandfather in” present preachers.

 

Copyright 2012, Don Boys, Ph.D.

(Dr. Don Boys is a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives, author of 14 books, frequent guest on television and radio talk shows, and wrote columns for USA Today for 8 years. Three years ago, the second edition of ISLAM: America's Trojan Horse! was published, and his new eBook, The God Haters is available for $9.99 from www.thegodhaters.com. These columns go to newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations. His other web sites are www.cstnews.com and www.Muslimfact.com. Contact Don for an interview or talk show.) 

 

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