Pastor Jack Hyles Defended!
by David J. Stewart
I've created this web page as a personal tribute to one of my personal heroes, Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001). One day while browsing the internet, I decided to type in Brother Hyles' name and see what came up. To my dismay, the top articles listed on the search engine were slanderous articles (a bunch of distorted garbage I might add), attacking one of the greatest men ever to influence America for righteousness and God. So I decided to create my own web page to pay tribute (from an honest perspective) to one of the greatest preachers and pastors America has ever been blessed with.
To those who knew Brother Hyles even remotely, they knew that Dr. Hyles was a friend to his friends. Dr. Jack Hyles gave away countless millions of dollars throughout his ministry to help others. Volumes upon volumes could be written revealing the greatness and generosity of this godly man. To those who would criticize brother Hyles, they surely are barking up an empty tree.
I am now going to defend my friend, Dr. Jack Hyles...
Much criticism has been launched against Dr. Hyles for things that OTHER people have done. Why are people attacking an innocent man because of things that he has absolutely no control over? In a word, hatred. Some people hate success. Other people hate those who do right. Most people hate to hear the truth! Pastor Hyles spent his life proclaiming the truth (which is one of the fastest ways to make enemies). Jesus spoke the truth and was crucified for it. Some people loved Jesus, but most hated him. Jesus' message of repentance from sin was an unpopular one indeed. Jesus was hated without a cause, just as Pastor Hyles has been. We hear lying politicians all the time and yet continue to vote for them. We are so gullible. Let's face it, if a politician spoke the truth while campaigning for office...we wouldn't elect him. When a real man of God, like Pastor Hyles, rises above what is convenient and popular to speak the TRUTH, people either love him or hate him. Dr. Hyles wasn't a puppet as MOST pastors are, he said what needed to be said without apology (you held out your plate and he forked over the truth, whether you liked it or not). A friend is someone who tells you the truth!
Dr. Hyles has employed thousands upon thousands of people over the decades. Is it surprising that a few of them should turn away from what is right? Is it surprising that people are going to be people? I hear about corrupt police officers, politicians, etc...etc...all the time, it is no different in ministerial work. I've often said that Christians are people at best, and people at best are sinners. I'm not condoning wrong doing, I'm simply saying that in ANY large group of people your going to have some major people problems. Brother Hyle's critics love to point out sin in the camp of fundamentalists; but overall, fundamental Bible-believing Christians are the most decent law-abiding citizens in America. In ANY large group, you're going to have people problems. This is true of EVERY group or organization! To blame Pastor Hyles for the actions of ANY other person is wrong! It is unjust to hold a person accountable for something they have NO control over. If you do something wrong, you have no one to blame except yourself!
Dr. Hyles had pastored well over a million people throughout
the 55 years he pastored churches across America. Is it surprising that a
handful of those million people should break the law or do something
horrible? Not at all! What has happened to common sense? The
fact is that people only see what they want to see when they don't like
someone. Dr. Hyles did more than any other preacher in America to reveal
just how lazy and deadbeat most so-called pastors are. Is it surprising
that the religious do-nothing community would get upset with him? Not one
bit! Most preachers are lazy, milking their congregation for a salary to
do next to nothing. Dr. Hyles believed that the Pastor was supposed to
work harder than any other person in his church (and he did!). There's a
bunch of lazy, deadbeat ministers all across America that detest Brother Hyles
because he exposed them for what they truly are, bums. If you don't
believe me, ask the average working man or woman on the street what they think
about preachers and churches. It's not good!
It's amazing how someone who has never built a hotdog-stand will criticize a man who has built an empire. This seems to be the trend of our day. Men and women who have done much to help others are critiqued, having their character assassinated by ingrates who don't deserve anything. I remember reading an article in the News where Bill Gates and his wife had donated one Billion dollars to an educational scholarship fund for kids. To be eligible, the kids had to meet a certain grade point average. A newspaper journalist wrote an entire article criticizing Bill Gates and his wife for not also giving money to kids who have bad grades. You just can't seem to win with people these days (negative, negative, negative). Brother Hyles didn't like negativity in people and tried to teach his people not to be critics and gossipers (because such vices injure other people). In a critical world, it's a constant battle. Pastor Hyles built a massive soul-winning, Christ-honoring, people-loving ministry in Hammond Indiana from 1959 to 2001. The church grew to a membership of over 100,000 with millions of people coming and going over the 42 years of his pastorate. It's pathetic that people who have never ran a Popsicle-booth will foolishly criticize a successful man for the way he runs his business (or church). MOST of the people criticizing Dr. Hyles have never even met him once. You've got idiots spreading their manure against brother Hyles, solely based upon the ALLEGATIONS of a few disgruntled people. I thought a man was innocent until PROVEN guilty. Unfortunately in America today, a person is usually guilty until proven innocent. There is not one shred of PROOF of any of the hurtful allegations which have been launched against Pastor Jack Hyles. Dr. Hyles is an innocent man!
I'd like to also say here that there is a horrible
misunderstanding of justice in this nation. No person should ever be
convicted and punished based on circumstantial evidence alone. Many
innocent people have spent their lives in prison (even gone to the electric
chair), because of nothing more than circumstantial evidence. We hear it
in the news all the time, which is exactly why many death-row inmates have
recently received clemency from their governor. This is where a lot of
people fail to understand Dr. Hyles. Pastor Hyles followed the Bible's
clear teaching that at least TWO witnesses MUST be witness to a crime for it
even to go to court.
"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."--Deuteronomy 19:15
This was only to protect the innocent. It is better to let a suspect criminal go free (if there is no proof), than to imprison an innocent man. In today's world, many would disagree with this, unless IT WAS THEM (then they would agree). God is such a fair God; He gave us Deuteronomy 19:15 for a good reason, to protect the innocent. This is our Bill of Rights. The new Patriot Act that the government has recently passed into law allows them to completely violate your fourth Amendment rights (unlawful searches in your home or on your property). This is wrong! Now Patriot II is coming and the Bill of Rights is fast disappearing (along with our rights).
I've said that to say this, there's been some accusations of sexual misconduct in a few churches pastored by graduates of Hyles-Anderson College (the Bible college which Dr. Hyles founded in 1972). There was also allegations made against ONE deacon in Pastor Hyle's church. Dr. Hyles defended him because their was NO evidence against the man, and he adamantly denied the charges. Dr. Hyles NEVER defended anyone who was PROVEN to be guilty of sexual misconduct (or any other crime). Dr. Hyles (as well as any honest and just person) believed that a person was innocent until PROVEN guilty. Any just person believes this, which is why it is included in the 5th Amendment. A man is to be deemed innocent until PROVEN guilty. So all this garbage being spread that Dr. Hyles was covering up for criminals is absolutely UNTRUE. Dr. Hyles simply (and rightfully) refused to condemn a man based on mere allegations. This is justice (and true friendship might I add)! Dr. Hyles wrote an entire book called "Justice" that every person in America needs to read. Also let me say, In over 30 years of operating a bus-ministry (with several MILLION kids riding the busses to and from church EVERY Sunday), how many accusations have there been of sex-abuse? Only ONE allegation! And that ONE was never proven. How unfair is it then that the enemies of Dr. Hyles try to paint such a dark picture of him (based on what someone else allegedly did)? Do you see the evil at work here to assassinate the character and reputation of an innocent man? Any honest person deals in FACTS, not hearsay or allegations.
Here's an enlightening article from World Net Daily about expert liars, who know that the best way to destroy an innocent man, is to tell BIG LIES ...
In his 1925 autobiography "Mein Kampf," Hitler – who actually did lie his country into war, and a whole lot more – explained with remarkable insight the fantastic power of lying:
… [I]n the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying. These people know only too well how to use falsehood for the basest purposes. ...
Let's bring this explanation down to earth with another example: Suppose, right before an election, one candidate accuses his opponent of immoral or illegal behavior. Even if the charges are totally false, and even if the accused answers the charges credibly and effectively, "the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it." Which means, no matter how effectively the accused candidate answers the charges, some people will still believe he's guilty, and many others will still retain varying degrees of doubt and uncertainty regarding the accused, who may well lose the election due to the cloud hanging over his head. This, as Hitler said, is the magic of lying that "is known to all expert liars in this world …" -SOURCE (World Net Daily--Why politicians lie, and why we believe them--April 10, 2006)
Dr. Hyle's enemies have stooped lower than low in an attempt
to destroy his reputation and his ministry; but thank God ... their lies have
failed! Pastor
Hyles was a godly and decent man. You either loved him or hated him.
This is true of all of God's great men. The man who preaches the truth
will make many enemies. Stephen spoke the truth and was stoned to
death. James spoke the truth and was beheaded, as was John the
Baptist. I believe that brother Hyles will receive a martyr's crown in
Heaven, I really do. What he endured in the last 10 years of his life was
worse than death. Dr. Hyles truly paid a dear price for his stand for the
truth. He sacrificed so much in order to try to save a nation from
itself. I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of Pastor Hyle's enemies for
all the money in the world, they are so foolish (and they know exactly what they
are doing).
Dr. Hyles is NOT responsible for what others have done, nor is he wrong for defending those who maintain their innocence (when there has NOT been sufficient evidence to rightfully convict them). Also, let me say that just because a jury convicts a man does not necessarily means he is guilty. Kangaroo courts are all too common. As an example, look at the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The man who allegedly shot King has been rotting in a cell for the past 40 years. Though convicted in a court of law, King's own family believes and proclaims the innocence of the man accused and behind bars. There was NO PROOF. That man should have never been convicted, nor imprisoned. Their are tens-of-thousands of such cases, based solely upon circumstantial evidence. Is it any wonder why 4,000,000 people are rotting behind bars in this country?
Dr. Hyles gave away everything he owned. Anyone who implies that pastor Hyles gave money to anybody for improprietous reasons is distorting the truth. The truth is that Dr. Hyles gave away millions of dollars to other people. Brother Hyles was good to his staff, just as ANY good employer would be kind to his or her employees. Pastor Hyles lived in a normal house, owned no car, and ate at McDonalds like any true American does. He was my kind of guy, what we call "real people." Brother Hyles was real people.
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The rest of this web page is a tribute to my friend and mentor, Dr. Jack Hyles!
I love the occasion when Dr. Hyles was out of town on a speaking engagement. He had stopped in a restaurant for breakfast by himself. The waitress was rude and basically ignored him throughout his meal. When brother Hyles was finished, he left a $10 bill on the table as a tip. The waitress came running as he was about to leave the restaurant. She said, "Mister, you left your money on the table." Brother Hyles cordially replied, "Don't they give tips here?" She said, "But I was rude and mean to you." He explained to her that he was a pastor and that he realized she was probably having a hard time. He said he understood that she was most likely a working mother, with a lot on her mind. She began to cry, and Dr. Hyles had the opportunity to win her to Christ. What a wonderful story.
On another occasion, several teenagers were throwing rocks at Dr. Hyles office window in back of the church. They had been asked to stop, but kept up their misbehavior. So one day Brother Hyles came out the back door of the church which a fist full of quarters. He shouts, "scramble guys," as he tosses several dollars worth of quarters into the air and then goes back into the church. You know what? Those rowdy teenagers never did throw any more rocks at the church. What a lesson for all of us to learn. Brother Hyles wasn't perfect, but he sure put most of us to shame when it came to serving Christ. Most people would have just called the police on those boys.
1926-2001
Dr. Hyles was a very ethical man. The First Baptist Church of Hammond had burned to the ground in the 1960's. The churches insurance company paid to rebuild a brand new building. Decades later, one of Brother Hyles' employees said he had figured out a way for the church to save a couple hundred thousand dollars a year by switching insurance companies. Brother Hyles said "no," explaining that the churches original insurance company had stood by the church decades ago when it had burned down, "now were going to stand by the insurance company." Dr. Hyles explained to the man that the insurance company had lost a lot of money due to the fire decades ago. He felt it was only fair and ethical that the church stick with the same insurance company to offset their losses. Wow! How many people do you know today that think or care about others like that? I dare say hardly anyone. Brother Hyles cared about people very much. Unfortunately, as his ministry grew bigger and bigger, it was impossible for him to spend the quality time he wanted to spend with the tens of thousands of people in the church. Sadly, some people get upset and become disgruntled if they don't get enough attention. In Dr. Hyles latter years, he was greatly saddened that he couldn't help all the people that he wished he could help. So many hurting families, so many people in need, one man can only do so much. Oh how America needs more men of God like Brother Hyles!
To those who have read the criticisms of Dr. Jack Hyles, I surely hope that you are smarter than the average bear. In Dr. Hyles book, "The Science Of The Christian Life," he says that "it is often the most sincere people that become the most bitter" down the road. Why? Because they were sincere! They sincerely thought things would turn out a certain way if they did what they were supposed to do. Unfortunately, life is what happens to you while you're making big plans. Many of Brother Hyles biggest critics were very sincere at one time. They expected things to work out a certain way, but things usually don't work that way. So they became disgruntled and bitter. Success in itself brings many woes and challenges. Many men were jealous of Brother Hyles. I like what Mrs. Hyles says in her book, "Life As Viewed From The Goldfish Bowl" (a great book indeed!). She says, "Men are 1% muscle, 1% chivalry, 1% strength and 97% ego." I couldn't agree more. I think this is the simple truth behind a lot of the accusations hurly at Dr. Hyles...plain ole green envy. I thank God for Dr. Hyles and his entire family.
Brother Hyles did his very best to influence America for
Christ. Unfortunately, many people don't realize (or don't care to
realize) the great sacrifices he made. Dr. Hyles could have easily stayed
at home with His family every weekend, barbequing and going fishing instead.
He could have stayed home, spending all his time with his family and letting
America go to hell. But thank God, he didn't (or I wouldn't be here typing
this article). Of course, Dr. Hyles did spend quality time with all his
family, but not near the amount of time he could have spent if he had just given
up on America. Brother Hyles flew millions and millions of miles
across America to reach people for Jesus Christ. Oh how America owes a debt of gratitude to this great
man of God! I thank God for Pastor Jack Hyles!
Many of the criticisms hurled against Brother Hyles had nothing to do with him whatsoever. It's amazing how people tried to blame Dr. Hyles for what other people did. Is that fair? No! Over the years, Brother Hyles had employed thousands upon thousands of people to work for the church, college, school, etc, etc, etc. Should it be surprising that a couple of them messed up? Not at all. Read the papers and you'll find that people are people. Look at any organization you want and you'll find less than perfect people. Hey, did you know that 4,000,000 people in America are behind bars? That's around 1 out of every 75 people. So why should it be surprising that any church would actually have a few less than perfect people? Dr. Hyles had some of the wisest and hardest working men any business could ever hope for. The truth is that some people are just critics! They're slanderous individuals who dig and prod for anything (no matter how ridiculously irrelevant) to attack an innocent man. John 10:10 comes to mind where Jesus warns us about "the thief" who comes to "kill, steal and destroy." So, don't allow these unjust critics to distort the truth about Brother Hyles. With a church membership of well over 100,000 people, there's bound to be someone who is going to get in the papers for the wrong reason.
Brother Hyles was an honest and very financially responsible
man. When his critics accused him otherwise, he proved his integrity by
documenting his finances. How many corporate businesses can do that?
Brother Hyles didn't believe in defending himself; but he'd fight to the
finish to defend his family, church and friends. Through it all, Brother
Hyles made it! He ran the straight and narrow path for the Lord, he ran a
great race. Despite the few UNFOUNDED accusations, brother Hyles never
quit, never slowed down, never compromised his convictions. Only God
alone knows the tens-of-millions of people who have been saved as a result of
Dr. Jack Hyles' 55 faithful years of service to the Lord. He started
pastoring a church in Texas at age 19 and never turned to look back.
Through many pastorates, he eventually was led by God to pastor the First
Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana in 1959. There he taught his people to
walk with God and reached Chicago for Christ through the the world's largest bus
ministry and Sunday school. Dr. Hyles loved his people with an
unfeigned love. He led his people for 42 years until his death in
February of 2001.
As I mentioned before, I created this web page as a tribute to Dr. Jack Hyles, the world's greatest preacher. But even more than a preacher, Brother Hyles was a man's man, a friend of friends, a pastor of pastors, a business man of business men, a man who walked with God. Brother Hyles quite often spent Sunday afternoons sitting beside his mother's grave, walking with God and thinking about his people. Dr. Hyles refused to wear a robe or clergy outfit because he wanted the average Joe in the church to be able to relate with his pastor. Brother Hyles wore a business suit, clothing that any man in the church could wear. Brother Hyles often said, "There are no big shots in this church, only little shots." On one occasion, one of the wealthier men in the church had bought Brother Hyles a brand new Mercedes car. Brother Hyles kindly thanked the man, but declined his offer because he didn't want to drive a car any better than what the average man in his church drove. What a great pastor! How many ministers do you know who would turn down a Mercedes? Not many! It meant everything to Dr. Hyles that the average person off the street could relate to him (their pastor).
Brother Hyles was perhaps one of the most misunderstood men of the 20th century. Not misunderstood by those who knew him well, believe me...we all knew where he stood. Brother Hyles was misunderstood by those who didn't know him very well. At a distance, many people mistook Dr. Hyles stand against sin as hatred; on the contrary, Brother Hyles built a church with a heart; hundreds of ministries, all reaching out to the deaf, blind, poor, homeless, abandoned and distraught. Dr. Hyles' no-nonsense approach to getting things done sometimes caused people to mistake him for an unreasonable, cold-hearted man. On the contrary, Dr. Hyles had a heart of gold and was one of the most reasonable men I had ever known, he simply had a better way of looking at things than most of us did. I once heard someone say they "had never met a successful man who was reasonable." There is much truth to this. The truth is that they are very reasonable men, we are the unreasonable ones - that is why they are successful and most people are not. Dr. Hyles had an immense determination in everything he set out to accomplish. He had "a drive," a drive that so many people lack. Brother Hyles made it a point to show the Christian world that multitudes of people could still be won to the Lord in the new millennium. He refused to compromise (move to the left), but was always willing to move to the right if he was in the wrong. To those who sat under Dr. Hyles preaching for any length of time, there is no comparison. Truly, God has blessed America with such a great man of God!
Thank you Brother Hyles!!!
God bless and kindest regards,
David J. Stewart | Contact
In such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer shall be for
others.
Others, Lord, yes,
others;
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for
others
That I may live like Thee.
-Dr. Jack Hyles
