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The First Baptist Church of Hammond is a fundamentalist Independent Baptist church in Hammond, Indiana. It is the largest church in the state of Indiana and one of the largest churches in the United States. Though founded in 1887, it was under Jack Hyles' leadership from 1959-2001 that it became a megachurch, one of the first megachurches in the United States. It has a steady weekly attendance of around 20,000. It also operates Hyles-Anderson College, a non-accredited institution, and two K-12 schools, called City Baptist Schools (for children of the bus route of the church) and Hammond Baptist Schools (for children of the members of the church). Jack Schaap, Hyles' son-in-law, succeeded as pastor after Hyles' death in 2001.

The church has been involved in a few controversies during its first 50 years, including a conviction of sexual molestation by one of its deacons in 1993, and accusations of adultery and financial misconduct made by a former employee.

History

First Baptist Church was founded in November 1887 by Allen Hill of Jennings County, Indiana. Its first meeting was on 14 November 1887 with 12 members on the 28th. However, it originally met in the Morton House Hotel which stood on what is currently the 100 block of Willow Court. Allen Hill's pastorate was short lived at approximately 4 months.

By April 1888, B.P. Hewitt became the church's permanent pastor and Allen Hill went on to start several other churches. Needing more room, Hewitt moved the church's meeting place to the Hohman Opera House at the corner of State and Hohman. In 1889, the church erected its own structure for $2,358 when Marcus Towle, Hammond's first mayor and member of FBC, donated land on Sibley Street to the church.

Subsequently, on 3 January 1901 Pastor E.T. Carter proposed a new building, and the first service was held on 14 April 1901. On 27 November of that same year, Pastor Carter announced his resignation for a job at the Central Baptist Orphanage in Michigan.

In July 2006, the Church Report magazine named First Baptist number 24 on its list of the 50 most influential churches in the United States.

Activities

First Baptist Church has several outreach ministries, including Hyles Publications, Hyles-Anderson College, Fundamental Baptist Missions International, Hammond Baptist Schools, City Baptist Schools, Chicago Baptist Academy, Memory Lane Cemetery, Christian Womanhood Magazine, First Baptist Church Little League, Nursing Home Ministry, Sailor Ministry, Truck Driver's Ministry, Bus Ministry, Blind Ministry, Pathfinder Ministry (Educable Slow), Homeless Ministry, Rescue Mission, Public School Ministry, Inner City Chapel Ministry, and Deaf Ministry. The church also has several services in Spanish and some Asian languages.

First Baptist Church also hosts three national conferences. The first Pastors' School invites pastors, assistant pastors, Christian leaders, school administrators, and Christian laymen to a week of training and learning. Its Youth Conference is held in mid-July and is for the youth and teenagers of Christian churches nationally. The final conference of the year, held every October, is the Christian Womenhood Spectacular for Christian women of all ages.

The Church With a Heart

The "Old Church Downtown" became known as the "Church With a Heart" under the ministry of Dr. Jack Hyles. When he arrived at this old-fashioned Baptist church, a number of ministries were already in place, but the Lord was prompting him to reach those no one else was reaching. That vision continues today under the leadership of our present pastor, Dr. Jack Schaap. The heart of this "Church With a Heart" is proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. This goal is being reached through the ministries and people represented by First Baptist Church.

A Heart for God's Word

At the First Baptist Church, preaching takes precedence. On an average Sunday, 21 preaching services are held simultaneously, with a total of 55 on any given Sunday. Our pastor has a heart for God and a vision for reaching the world for Christ.

In addition to preaching services, beautiful wedding ceremonies and the Lord's Supper services are performed by Pastor Schaap with the assistance of the staff and deacons. Christ and His Word are also uplifted through ordination services and beautiful funerals performed for the Homegoings of our loved ones. Special services are also held on Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve.

By magnifying God's Word, Pastor Schaap's preaching has stirred thousands of members to be a part of the "Church With a Heart" and to be "People of the Book." Whether it is a preaching service on Sunday morning or Sunday evening or a Bible study on Wednesday night, the pulpit at the First Baptist Church is always "hot." People are saved and baptized each week, and lives are changed through the preaching of God's Word.

A Servant's Heart

Jesus said, But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11) It is no wonder that the First Baptist Church has become known as the "Church With a Heart" because of the servant's heart of both Pastor and people. From volunteers who clean our facilities weekly to the band of men in the Aaron and Hur Ministry who hold our Pastor up in prayer as he preaches God's eternal message, First Baptist Church perpetuates the heart of a servant. A valet parking team serves our senior citizens, and a host of parking lot and door greeters are given to the hospitality of our church. The Seams Like Heaven club sews everything from baptismal gowns to the Pastors' School outfits. A first-rate medical team is always on hand during church services to handle any emergency that may arise on our properties. Our PA men, media team, and graphics art department faithfully operate the equipment dedicated to promoting Christ through preaching, radio, billboards, printing, direct mail, Web, and even television. The First Baptist Church Watchmen meet dozens of times throughout the week in organized prayer meetings to plead for the heart of God upon our church. Our qualified team of security guards handles traffic flow, safety issues, and a variety of needs that arise, working hand-in-hand with our local law enforcement.

Big Days Show the Heart of Our Church

To anyone who is not a member of First Baptist Church, the words "Big Day" do not mean much; but to those who have been a part of this church for any time at all, those words mean a whole lot--a whole lot of work! Each spring and fall our church has what it called the Spring and Fall Programs--several weeks in which the bringing of visitors, the boosting of attendance, and the salvation of souls is emphasized. Usually during each of the programs, one or two weeks are designated as "Big Days," and all the stops are pulled out to reach a noble goal--souls saved and lives changed. To create excitement and motivation, a theme is chosen for each program; and special awards are offered for those who work the hardest. Some of our themes have included "I'll Tell the World That I'm a Christian," "I Pledge Allegiance," "You've Got a Friend in FBC," Triumph and Tragedy," and "Increase My Vision." Our entire church family and new parents anticipate our annual Baby Dedication Sunday held each year on Mother's Day.

A Heart for the Right Music

We have a vibrant music program. Music sets the spirit of the service and prepares hearts for preaching. Because the right kind of music is vital, our church has opportunities for all ages to participate in choirs and special groups. Under Bro. Schaap's leadership, we now have a full church orchestra, a large adult choir, three grand pianos, and an organ to add to the spirit of our church services. Through our music program, generations have learned to love the precious old hymns and spiritual songs and to lift up their voices to God.

A Sunday School With a Heart

The "Church With a Heart" seeks to follow Christ's admonition to bring people of all ages to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We offer state-of-the-art nursery facilities for children birth through three years of age, graded children and teen classes, and dozens of adult classes. Hundreds of dedicated nursery workers and Sunday school teachers nurture, discipline, and influence people of all ages daily as the book of Acts teaches. At First Baptist Church, for newborns through senior citizens, there are hundreds of classes to help people in each season of life to grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Heart for the Infirmed

Our church has a heart for the infirmed, and we show this heart on a daily basis. Associate Pastor Johnny Colsten has been showing our heart for these people for more than three decades. Nearly seven days a week, Bro. Colsten visits those who are in the local area hospitals and those who are ill at home. Another one of our adept assistant pastors, Dr. Roy Moffitt, visits those who are in hospitals outside of Lake County, Indiana, and those who need that special pastoral care during late evening or early morning hours. Miss Maxine Jeffries, one of our church staff members, visits the shut-ins of our membership. She, along with the ladies of our Women's Missionary Society, visits these people every month and brings them a little sunlight of love and compassion and a glimpse of current events at the church while they are bedridden or otherwise incapable of attending church on a regular basis. Yes, even those who are ill, hurting, or lonely are part of our church's heart focus.

A Heart for Those With Special Needs

This "Church With a Heart" does more than love with words; it loves with deed. Real love is to do for others when they lack the power to compensate the giver. Our Pathfinder Department, under the leadership of Tom and Genevieve Atchinson, is for developmentally disabled adults; and our Sunbeam Department, under the direction of Lana Siemer, provides a Sunday school class for developmentally disabled children.

The "Church With a Heart" has a place for all people, and what some might consider limitations, God has turned around for His glory and purpose. We have broken down the barriers of darkness and silence by establishing ministries for the blind and deaf. Our Dear and Blind Ministries provide classes for all ages. Public services are interpreted for the deaf, and our qualified deaf staff provides the experience, assistance, and cultural awareness for our deaf and heart-of-hearing.

A Heart for Our Region

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.... (Acts 1:8) Since its inception, the First Baptist Church of Hammond has been known as a church that strives to fulfill that Great Commission. After 120 years, that soul-winning zeal has not been lessened but rather grown by leaps and bounds. In a recept week of soul-winning emphasis, the members of First Baptist Church were responsible for seeing 24,587 souls saved. Men, women, teenagers, and children are continually being trained to lead people down the Romans Road to salvation. The Fishermen's Club, a Phoster Club, Candle of the Lord (Sunshine Ladies), Teen Soul Winning, and fifteen other 90-minute soul-winning groups meet on a weekly basis. Our Asian Ministry, Servicemen's Ministry, Responsibility USA, Truck Drivers', Chapel Ministry, and Sunday Afternoon Programs for Chicago teenagers provide extensive outreach and influence throughout the Calumet and Chicagoland regions.

A Heart for the International Communities

Here at First Baptist Church of Hammond, we have a heart for all people of all nationalities. We are honored to have members from countries all around the globe--including 70 nationalities!

Our Spanish Department has its own Sunday School, bus ministry, and outreach programs. The Spanish Department also holds services each Sunday morning and evening, as well as each Wednesday evening. The warm family atmosphere so inherent to the Spanish people can certainly be felt and enjoyed here at First Baptist Church. If the Spanish Department were considered a separate church, it would be the second largest independent Baptist Church in the state of Indiana! Para todas las personas que pueden hablar Espanol, bienvienidos a la Departmento Hispano!

Our Inner-City Chapel Ministry takes good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many who have been overlooked by other churches throughout our area. Their gracious hearts and spirits have been overlooked by other churches throughout our area. Their gracious hearts and spirits bring a real sense of joy to us here at First Baptist Church of Hammond. Many of these people struggle with difficult economic situations, but God promises grace to deal with the obstacles everyone encounters! Many of the children reached through the Inner-City Chapel Ministry are able to attend one of our schools, City Baptist Schools, located here in Hammond. Through this ministry we currently hold services in several different locations throughout the area.

Our Asian Ministry has a chapel which holds services in Chicago, in addition to the Sunday school and junior church classes held here at our church location in Hammond. They also have a strong outreach to Asian students attending colleges and universities throughout the Chicagoland area.

A Heart for the Addicted

There are millions that suffer from addictions every day. They hit the bottom; they lose their value and respect in the world; their life is stolen away. Their problem is not the addiction; it is the lack of Jesus Christ in their life. Reformers Unanimous, using the tools of the Word of God and prayer, helps them break the chains of addiction by helping them find new life in Jesus Christ. "RU" meets on Friday nights and also has a Spanish chapter. First Baptist Church also has an RU Hoe (formerly the Hammond City Rescue Mission), helping men to overcome obstacles to reach their potential for Christ.

A Heart for the Neglected

For years, First Baptist Church members have been visiting the Chicagoland area nursing homes and holding services at the homes weekly. In 2002, the Nursing Home Ministry began bringing area residents, including handicapped residents, by bus to church where they enjoy the morning service and an afternoon program along with a meal. Every Friday the Candle of the Lord Club, a ladies' group nicknamed "The Sunshine Ladies" by visiting the area nursing homes, brightens the lives of the residents by singing and telling the wonderful story of Jesus. Every week hundreds of nursing home residents are reached with the Gospel with scores being saved and many being baptized.

The Lighthouse Ministry ministers to the thousands of homeless men and women of Chicago. Every Sunday workers go to Chicago before sunrise to start inviting the homeless to church from missions, streets, and hospitals. Our church provides breakfast and lunch and transportation to and from church for an average of 60 to 70 people each week with 8 to 12 people are saved and baptized weekly.

The Gospel League is a mission for homeless women in Chicago. Every Sunday morning workers pick up the ladies and their children for church, provide them lunch, and bring them back after the evening service. Many ladies' lives are changed, starting with salvation and baptism at First Baptist.

For years, our church has also visited the jails of the Chicagoland area, reaching thousands for Christ. Currently we have preaching services or RU programs in several different facilities every week, averaging 500 in attendance and 200 salvations per week.

A Heart for Children

Luke 18:16 says, "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." That's the best reason of all for the First Baptist Church to have an exciting children's program so that young lives are reached while they can still be molded. First Baptist Church believes that Christian growth should occur in all facets of life--not just in the church pew and the classrooms, but in special activities as well. Children will learn character and discipline on the ball fields. Children will get a firm spiritual foundation in clubs such as Far Above Rubies, Blue Denim and Lace, and Baptist Boys Battalion. These are ministries where kids catch the fundamentals because they are taught the fundamentals. The children also enjoy junior camp and Vacation Bible School and attend junior activities, and boys entering first through twelfth grades can participate in our summer youth baseball leagues.

A Heart for Teenagers

First Baptist Church has a youth program that challenges, motivates, and inspires. Today's teenagers are the future of our world, and their hearts must be captured if they are to live lives set apart for God. First Baptist Church has a well-rounded youth program with Sunday School classes, exciting activities, a youth choir, various singing groups, and a teenage outreach program. There are also specific clubs for preacher boys, junior high girls, and high school young ladies. The CORE program is for those looking to take their walk with God to the next level. On one day in 2006, over 300 First Baptist Church teenagers led nearly 7,000 people to the Lord.

A Heart for Adults

The idea behind our adult program is to create an atmosphere of "family." In a church our size, the challenge is to provide a small-church feel in a large-church structure. We know people want to be actively involved. That the adult program focuses on spiritual mentoring goes without saying, but human beings are more than spiritual--we are social beings as well.

There are many different activities-for adults from 18 years of age to senior saints, from single-adults to longtime married couples, from married with children to single parents--in which people can get involved. From the annual Mother/Daughter Banquet to our 12-team men's softball league to men's golf outings and a variety of adult banquets, there are many social events in which to participate.

The Women's Missionary Society is a ladies' group that has a general meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. They are dedicated to serving our missionaries, shut-ins, and bereaved and to fulfilling any other needs that arise. In addition to general meetings, small group circles meet at various times throughout the month to help with care packages or any other special projects.

We have ice cream and watermelon socials, our very own "Taste on State" with dozens of food booths, "dinner on the grounds," Friday night sings, and singles takeovers at local food establishments. We get involved in local civic activities. Our senior saints travel to out-of-the-way destinations for getaways that have included cruises and road trips to Washiongton D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. Each adult class sponsors frequent outings at their homes or in parks in the Northwest Indiana area.

A Heart for Counseling & Training

At First Baptist Church, we believe in investing in each believer and cultivating his gifts and talents for the glory of God and for His service in the local church as taught in Ephesians Chapter 4. First Baptist Church offers training for all ages on Sunday evenings to equip the saints of God through the Teaching and Training time. In addition to our T 'n' T program, a wide variety of training and counseling programs are available to help meet the needs of people and increase each Christian's potential.

Our financial counseling office and our Stewardship Department help people to bring under the control of one of the main causes of friction in life. One-on-one appointments can be set up with one of the church's financial counselors or through our Stewardship Department for any type of financial need.

Scores of capable adult Sunday school teachers, along with Pastor Schaap and his pastoral staff, are committed to counseling any marriage that is struggling and searching for answers.

Crisis counseling is also available to help people deal with hurts and tragedies and the snares and baggage of life. Sound medical advice is also available through some of these counselors and through our health counseling office, helping people get control of their health in order to get more out of life and have strength to serve.

A Heart for Providing Christian Resources

Hyles Publications has provided Christian resources to church and homes for over 40 years. Named after its founder, Dr. Jack Hyles, and based out of the First Baptist Church, thousands of books, pamphlets, CDs, and DVDs have been published and produced. These resources may be purchased online at www.hylespublications.com or by visiting The FBC Bookstore. It is located northwest of the Main Auditorium, just across State Street. The FBC Bookstore also provides refreshments in a cafe environment.

Christian Womanhood Publications was founded by the late Marlene Evans. Christian Womanhood was America's first newspaper designated to meet the needs of women and girls, with the goal of inspiring and instructing them to be used of God in the home and in the local, fundamental, Bible-believing church.

Christian Womanhood is a magazine designed to strengthen the Christian walk of ladies all over the world so that they might have a profound and positive influence on their husbands, families, and local churches.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - Hammond Baptist Schools

The Hammond Baptist Schools were established to meet the spiritual and academic needs of suburban families and their children. The schools offer a K-4 through twelfth-grade curriculum that finds each teacher stressing the importance of a Christian education. Hammond Baptist Schools also includes a curriculum for those with special needs. Throughout its history, the schools have excelled and grown in every aspect. Although the academic record speaks for itself, it is the teachers that take us to the next level. From the principal to the maintenance staff, there is a loving and caring spirit on campus that penetrates to the hearts of the individual student. It is that same spirit that centers around everything done at the schools. From that first day in August when a four-year-old is dropped off for the first time, to that day when he accepts his high school diploma, he will find that Hammond Baptist Schools truly are a place for a superb education.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - City Baptist Schools

Only the Lord Himself knew the miraculous outcome of Bro. Hyles' famous statement, "I'll take the bus kids!" City Baptist was designed to give inner-city kids a chance and a hope. Since its inception, this school system has gone from taping its potential to giving the youth of Chicago a place where they can walk with God. Scores of City Baptist kids have gone to serve the Lord full time as teachers, preachers, and missionaries, thanks to the graciousness of our Saviour and the loving stubbornness of our pastors. City Baptist Schools has a beautiful 13-acre, 12,000-square foot facility only minutes from the church.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - Hyles-Anderson College

"God blesses busy people." That principle may be why God seemed to bless Hyles-Anderson College during its 35 years of existence, as students and staff alike busily serve God through classes and ministries. Dr. Jack Hyles was led by God to start the college in 1972 as a means of saving America. Through the years, Hyles-Anderson College has not lost its focus of training prachers who will go out and build Bible-believing, fundamental, separated, soul-winning churches. The college is committed to preparing the future pastors, assistant pastors, evangelists, song leaders, youth pastors, bus directors, missionaries, and teachers for this country and mission fields around the world. This training has a three-fold emphasis of spiritual, academic, and hands-on. The students gain the greatest experience from their weekly participation in the services and ministries of the First Baptist Church of Hammond.

A Heart to Comfort in Loss

Purchased by the church in 1975, Memory Lane Memorial Park, located in Schererville, Indiana, is there for our church people at a most difficult time of life. Its garden setting provides a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for remembering the lives of church members who have passed away. The cemetery has a mausoleum with a beautiful funeral chapel for special services and a gazebo for graveside services. Every Memorial Day, the entire church family gathers at Memory Lane for a special Memorial Day Service to remember our loved ones and the saints gone before. A special section at the cemetery called Pastoral Gardens is designated for our church members. In 2006 a special section reserved for the men and women who served in our country's armed forces was added to the park, and a the construction of a brand new mausoleum is currently underway.

A Heart for Reaching Our Nation

For many years, First Baptist Church has had the privilege of hosting three major conferences that are highly regarded both nationally and internationally. Each year we host Pastors' School in March, Youth Conference in July, and the Christian Womanhood Spectacular in October.

The influence of Pastors' School is far reaching as we teach, train, and encourage pastors and laymen from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Many teenagers make decisions for Christ each year during Youth Conference, which has seen a high attendance of over 10m000 in 2006. The Christian Womanhood Spectacular has grown to host as many as 7,000 ladies from all over the world and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of ladies of all ages from all walks of life.

A Heart for Reaching the World

First Baptist Church has increased its vision by cultivating a bigger heart to reach the world for Christ. We feel that the Great Commission is our personal and collective responsibility. At the present, our church's missions efforts are summarized by the following: financially supporting 216 individual missionaries; operating and supporting Fundamental Baptist Missions International (our own missions agency); placing and supporting missions teams on the groun in Ghana and Thailand; sharing the load by giving to our missionaries' building projects with our Wednesday night "Others Offerings"; developing a missions degree at Hyles-Anderson College, which trains young men and women for a life of missionary service; and developing our own increased vision through Faith Promise Giving. Besides our already existing Ghana and Thailand Teams, FBMI is currently working on sending missions teams to India and Belize and has a church-planting team here in the United States. The future is bright! The harvest is ripe! Lord, increase our faith!

Controversy and criticism

Teachings

The Richmond Times-Dispatch quoted ex-Hyles follower and later critic, Robert Sumner, who said "Jack Hyles, runs his church in an authoritarian, almost 'cultist,' manner." Sumner, like most others with strong independent religious views, disagrees with a number of doctrinal issues with Hyles. Sumner, who has a personal website which he publishes and edits himself, called The Biblical Evangelist, was also quoted criticizing Hyles in another newspaper. This newspaper documented disputes that Sumner had with Hyles. Each of Sumner's charges were refuted by Hyles, who termed the accusations as "lies'. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch Sumner's article had over 100 allegations.

In 1993 a news report "recapped a sermon in 1990 in which Hyles pretended to pour poison into a glass and asked an associate pastor, Johnny Colsten, to drink from it. Colsten said he would." Furthermore, "The WJBK report said the sermon has the "ring of Jonestown to it - the mass suicide in Guyana in 1978 by followers of cult leader Jim Jones." In fact "WJBK also reported that Hyles, though never claiming to be God, has convinced a lot of people he is the next best thing to Him." Also the station "showed footage during its report of" Hyles "brandishing a rifle form the pulpit, along with "people with guns and walkie-talkies patrolling the outside of the church at times."

In pastor Jack Schaap's book on Marriage, titled Divine Intimacy (published by Hyles Publications, 2005), Schaap teaches that, "When a person acts out by his life actions that lie about the truth of the Bible, God gets very upset. Nothing symbolizes more of what God has with the believer like the romantic, intimate, physical intimacies between a husband and wife. The wife receives her husbands body. Ephesians 5:23 says that the husband is Christ in the home. When a wife receives her husband's body, she is saying, 'I just want to remind you, Christ, that I am receiving You'." Additionally, "The person who deeply loves Christ understands that when He receives Christ as Saviour, it is a spiritual intercourse. A person receives the body of Christ. A Christian is the female gender in the spiritual realm, and God is the male gender of the spiritual realm. When a person receives Christ as Saviour, he is receiving Christ as a lover."

In Schaap's book For Christ's Sake, he puts forth the belief that "God cannot and He will not personally come to anyone and try to reconcile with him.". This is contrary to the commonly accepted meaning of John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son...). He also teaches a semi-pelagian view of salvation, that God does not draw man to salvation, but that man has to make the first step. Later in the book he deviates from the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and introduces Arianism by claiming that God the Father was unwilling to redeem and forgive man, and had to be "convinced" by Jesus to accept a salvation plan.. In Schaap's sermon titled: "If you can't be a King, be a KingMaker (sic) he states his belief that Mary and Joseph had to teach Jesus "all the points of the law" and that Jesus as a child had no idea of His Divinity but had to be taught it through the Scriptures by Mary and Joseph, and that Joseph and Mary are responsible for making Jesus into a "king".

Jack Hyles

On May 25, 1989 The Chicago Tribune reported that Victor Nischik, a former deacon of the First Baptist Church, accused Hyles of committing adultery with Jennie Nischik, Nischik's wife and Hyles' long time assistant. On May 28 the Tribune repeated this and added Nischik's allegations of questionable financial dealings. Hyles replied by saying the charges were "false" and indicating that "he has given 'hundreds of thousands' of dollars to needy friends over many years but has kept no records of the transactions." Hyles was not ever charged with a crime.

In 1989, allegations were first made public in the "Godfrey Letter," sent by Evangelist George Godfrey to several hundred graduates, pastors, and former students of Hyles-Anderson college. The letter did raised questions about improprieties between Jack Hyles and his married assistant, Jenny Nischik. Husband of Jenny and Hyles' church member, Victor Nischik wrote a book about the scandal titled The Wizard of God. This work detailed the relationship between Jack Hyles and Jenny Nischik and charged Hyles with alienating the affections of Jenny Nischik from her husband. Reportedly, Hyles "told Vic that he could have Beverly (Mrs. Hyles) with the same relationship Hyles enjoyed with Jenny."

Within a year of Nischik's work, the Northwest Indiana Times reported "The pamphlet, Fundamental Seduction: The Jack Hyles Case, written by Voyle A Glover, delves into Texas-based evangelist Robert Sumner's allegations of moral laxity, doctrinal heresy and financial impropriety by Hyles." The work also explored the evidence surrounding the relationship between Jack Hyles and Jenny Nischik and Jack's son, Dave Hyles', actions surrounding the death of Dave's girlfriend's 18-month-old son Brent Stevens. On May 24, 2001 Glover was interviewed about his claims against Hyles by "The Channel 2 News" over the 1993 scandals.

AV Ballenger

In 1993, a First Baptist deacon was found guilty of molesting a seven year old during a Sunday school class. Chicago Sun-Times reported, "in March, 1993, a deacon at First Baptist, A.V. Ballenger, was found guilty of one count of child molestation dating from 1991." During a Sunday school class "a church worker reportedly witnessed the act and removed the girl from the room, police said." The Chicago Tribune in a 1991 article reported that Hyles was sued for $1 million by the parents of the girl molested by Ballenger. The paper reported the "lawsuit claims Hyles and the church had not fulfilled their obligation to ensure that children were protected from harm during Sunday school." Furthermore, the lawsuit "claims the minister told the child's parents that Ballenger 'just liked little girls,' and, 'You don't have a case.'" The church settled the lawsuit out of court and the terms were not disclosed. At the trial three young women testified that Ballenger "had fondled them years ago." One of those girls testified that she was molested on the Hammond church bus. A former security officer at the church testified he saw Ballenger fondle a young girl in 1978 or 1979 in a Sunday school room after being called to the room by a female teacher. In 1993, Ballenger was sentenced to five years in prison.

The Northwest Indiana Times noted "regrettably, Hyles does not seem to think that Ballenger's conviction is something that should require the former deacon to be removed from any contact with church children. Hyles noted, "The family, the parents of the daughter should not have gone to court and they wouldn't have if a crooked lawyer hadn't got a hold of 'em. They shouldn't have gone to court. They should have come to me. That's what they did. They had only one witness. I told them in my office, I'm sorry, I cannot investigate a case unless there's two witnesses." After Ballenger was convicted of molestation awaiting his appeal, police witnessed him handing candy out to children at Hammond Bapitst. His conviction was upheld. The Deputy Prosecutor Clarence Murray said "that the church has maintained 'a conspiracy of silence' by closing ranks behind Ballenger. Ballenger is currently listed Cullman Police Department in Cullman, Alabama's sex offender database.

Detroit News and fall out

In May 1993, WJBK of Detroit, Michigan area news team, did a story called Preying from the Pulpit where it followed up on allegations of child molestation. The news report aired a six-part series stemming from child sexual abuse allegations last fall against deacon Mark Foeller and associate pastor Timothy Leonard, both Hyles graduates, of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor." The San Diego Union-Tribune noted "the news report found seven U.S. churches - all with ties to Hyles, it said - involved in sex scandals."

In the Chicago Sun-Times remarked that Hyles "disputed the latest reports point by point in a speech to Midwest ministers and businessmen, brought together by COMPASSION - Churches Organized & Mobilized for Preservation and Safety for Sunday Schools in Our Nation." Hyles also claimed out that one person said to have attended Hyles-Anderson College had not really attended the school. Also Hyles spoke at a church in Denver, Colorado Hyles to defend himself

The prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County, Michigan also took interest in the First Baptist ties to the North Sharon Baptist Church attended the Ballenger trial. Soon after on May 14, 1993 "the FBI was asked to look into allegations minors were taken from Michigan to Northwest Indiana by employees or officials of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor for events sponsored by Hammond First Baptist Church." However, while the FBI concluded "there is insufficient evidence to probe allegations," Sgt. Charles Hedinger, a Hammond police detective, described the investigation as "open-ended." Furthermore, the article noted "The Rev. Timothy Leonard, North Sharon's associate pastor and a graduate of Hyles Anderson College of Schererville, was charged in Michigan with first- and second-degree sexual assault of children."

On May 14, 1993, soon after Preying on the Pulpit was aired, "the FBI was asked to look into allegations minors were taken from Michigan to Northwest Indiana by employees or officials of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor for events sponsored by Hammond First Baptist Church." The FBI concluded, "there is insufficient evidence to probe allegations." On Friday, May 19, 1993 Sgt. Charles Hedinger, a Hammond police detective, described the Hyles investigation as "open-ended." Jack Hyles said that he welcomed an investigation of the police and he attended a meeting with city officials to discuss it. Hyles emerged from the meeting saying that there was no investigation. Confirmation of this came on Wednesday, May 24, 1993, the Chief of Police detectives, Capt. Bill Conner was quoted in the Tribune saying that, "There is no investigation of the First Baptist Church of Hammond or Jack Hyles". On June 1, 1993 The Lake County (Indiana) prosecutor's office stated that it did not have any cases involving Hyles or the First Baptist Church of Hammond. On the same day, the Hammond Police Department reaffirmed the statement it made the previous month when it confirmed that there was no investigation of Hyles or the church.

Allegation of negligence

On December 8, 1997 Christianity Today reported that Hyles and his church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, were being sued for "for negligence in connection with alleged sexual assaults on a mentally disabled church member over a six-year period" The lawyer for the woman, Vernon Petri, "says Hyles is a defendant because he failed to protect the woman", such that "controls have to be set to be sure things are conducted appropriately." However, Christianity Today pointed out that no criminal charges were ever filed in the case. Also, Hyles denied the allegations that either he or his church were negligent in the care of the woman in an October 12 advertisement in the Hammond Times.

According to the lawyer, "a church program instructor led her to a room and served as a lookout while two to three males raped her."The women developed a "serious" infection and doctors "found, embedded in her, a plastic object." "The "civil suit filed in Lake Superior Court in Gary claims the Chicago woman was "induced by agents" of the church in 1991 to ride a bus to attend Sunday."

Seeing eye dog controversy

On July 6, 1984, The Associated Press reported, Donald Baker "a man blind since birth says he's been told he cannot attend his church with a guide dog he acquired in February." Baker "was told by the church's pastor that he could not attend services with his dog Casey because it "would disturb others." Rev. Jack Hyles, was unavailable for comment, but the Rev. Keith McKinney "confirmed Baker no longer attends First Baptist but said he could make no official comment."

List of pastors

References

1. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 29
2. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 31
3. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 51
4. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 53
5. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 54
6. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 57
7. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 60
8. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 61
9. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 63
10. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 64
11. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 66
12. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 67
13. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 69
14. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 70
15. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 73
16. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 74
17. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 75
18. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 77
19. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 78
20. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 81
21. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 83
22. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 85
23. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 89
24. ^ "Ed Briggs. Fundamentalists' House Displaying Widening Cracks" Richmond Times - Dispatch. Richmond, Virginia.: July 22, 1989. pg. A-9
25. ^ "Charges All Lies, Hammond Pastor Says," Chicago Tribune, May 28, 1989.
26. Ed Briggs. "Fundamentalists' House Displaying Widening Cracks." Richmond Times. Richmond, Virginia. July 22, 1989.
27. Jack Schaap, Marriage: The Divine Intimacy. Hyles Publications, 2005 page 40
28. Jack Schaap, Marriage: The Divine Intimacy. Hyles Publications, 2005 page 40
29. Also Schaap says that the love a Christian has for the Bible should be similar to an intense romantic love. He cites that in Psalm 119:30 (I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgements have I LAID before me...) David uses the word "laid", which means sexual intercourse. (Schaap, Marriage: The Divine Intimacy. Hyles Publications, 2005 page 44 pp2) He then points out that David "got more graphic" in the next verse, Psalm 119:31 (I have STUCK unto thy testimonies...) Pointing out that "stuck", means penetration. (Schaap, Marriage: The Divine Intimacy. Hyles Publications, 2005 page 44) pp3. The word "dabaq" is also translated "cleave" as in Ge 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
30. Jack Schaap, For Christ's Sake. (Hyles Publications, 2006), page 12
31. Jack Schaap, For Christ's Sake. (Hyles Publications, 2006), page 13
32. Jack Schaap, For Christ's Sake. (Hyles Publications, 2006), page 14
33. Sermon 5/15/01 "If You Can't be a King, be a KingMaker"
34. Victor Nischik. The wizard of God: My life with Jack Hyles. Buchanan, Mi.: Sychar Pub. Co., 1990.
35. Victor Nischik. The wizard of God: My life with Jack Hyles. Buchanan, Mi.: Sychar Pub. Co., 1990.
36. "By Debra Gruszecki. Church's alleged acts questioned. Local lawyer charges Northwest Indian Times October 22, 1991
37. Voyle A Glover. Fundamental seduction: The Jack Hyles case. Schrerville, In. : Brevia Pub., 1990.
38. Lehmann, Daniel J. "Pastor Linked to Sex Abuse Lashes Out," Chicago Sun-Times, June 2, 1993. pg. 5
39. ^ "Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," Chicago Tribune, October 16, 1991.
40. Baptism by innuendo Northwest Indiana Times May 19, 1993
41. "7 accused of abuse linked to preacher." The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan: May 17, 1993. pg. B.2
42. "7 accused of abuse linked to preacher." The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan: May 17, 1993. pg. B.2
43. "Preacher has links to molest suspects." The San Diego Union -Tribune. San Diego, California: May 17, 1993. p. A.7
44. "Springs drive-by baptisms immersed in controversy" Bruce Finley, Denver Post Staff Writer. Denver Post. Denver, Colorado.: August 22, 1993. pg. 7.C
45. ^ Debra Gruszecki FBI won't continue with church sex abuse probe. Not enough Northwest Indiana Times" May 19, 1993
46. "No Investigation of Church in Abuse Cases, Police Say" Chicago Tribune May 24, 1993
47. ^ Lehmann, Daniel J. "Pastor Linked to Sex Abuse Lashes Out," Chicago Sun-Times, June 2, 1993. pg. 5
48. ^ "Baptist Megachurch Faces Sex Suit". Christianity Today. 2006. Retrieved 2006-05-01.
49. ^ Debra Gruszecki. Suit claims rape at church Northwest Indiana Times October 4, 1997
50. ^ "Blind Man Says Church Bans Him, After He Gets Guide Dog," The Associated Press, July 6, 1984.

External links

• First Baptist Church, Hammond, Indiana – Official
• Pastors' School
• Youth Conference
• Christian Womanhood
• Hyles Publications

Criticism

• The Jack Hyles Story – by Robert Sumner
• Biblical Discernment Ministeries – Criticism of Jack Hyles

• Megachurches
• Baptist churches in Indiana
• Church With a Heart
• Sex scandals
• Religious scandals
• Religious organizations established in 1887