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Profaned Pulpit: The Jack Schaap Story
A look at the life, ministry and abuses of Jack Schaap, the disgraced pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond, a Chicago area megachurch, and the influences they had on the Independent Fundamental Baptist Movement.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2012
27 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 16, 2019
I was hoping for a lot more substance on the misdeeds of the two Jacks. The majority of the book is made up of biblical interpretation and random, unrelated anecdotes about the authors life. Honestly, for a guy who preached humility and indicated that both Jacks had the fault of pride, there were a lot of unnecessary remarks about his own accomplishments and possessions.
There was also a ton of random underlining, bold, and all caps sentences throughout to show you what the author wanted emphasized. It made the book cumbersome and frustrating.
There was also a ton of random underlining, bold, and all caps sentences throughout to show you what the author wanted emphasized. It made the book cumbersome and frustrating.
December 25, 2022
This is just not a good book at all. The author is a mediocre writer at best and jumps to far too many conclusions with no evidence or Bible to support his claims. He also over estimates his own self worth and spirituality while questioning every other person's, including every pastor he's been in contact with over the last 30 years. I also got the feeling that nearly every illustration he used was made up out of whole cloth, but stated his sources were confidential to cover his bases. I can't prove that, but it sure seemed like it.
There is a cautionary story of how Jack Schaap got in the sin-sick mess he was (and is?) in, but this book doesn't tell it. I wouldn't suggest anyone waste their time on this book unless you want to hear how great the author is and how terrible literally everyone else is. I'm very thankful this was on Kindle Unlimited so I didn't spend any money for it and was able to delete it from my Kindle library quickly.
There is a cautionary story of how Jack Schaap got in the sin-sick mess he was (and is?) in, but this book doesn't tell it. I wouldn't suggest anyone waste their time on this book unless you want to hear how great the author is and how terrible literally everyone else is. I'm very thankful this was on Kindle Unlimited so I didn't spend any money for it and was able to delete it from my Kindle library quickly.
June 9, 2017
Being raised in the northwest Indiana area, you always knew about the First Baptist Church of Hammond or also known as "Hyles Anderson Church" I have heard stories and even had some neighbors at one time, who got out of that church and they told us some horror stories as well. Very sad to read about the downright corruption and blatant sin that was going on there. A church with that big of a platform and size, the things they could do for the Kingdom of God is endless. I don't believe everyone who attends there is bad or full of evil like some of those who held leadership positions, but, wow.....what a read.
December 22, 2020
The perversions of Jack Schaap and Jack Hyle's ministry exposed by someone who was there for it.
May 23, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. And I have to say that it's not a TERRIBLE read. But it's simply not "The Jack Schaap Story". At all.
What I mean is that there is no more information about Jack Schaap than anyone who knows who he is, or even knows he exists, doesn't already know. Except that small amount of information provided by the author about the personal friendship between the two men. Beyond that, there is nothing to see here. And even the aforementioned small amount of information is almost cursory to the actual topic of this book: the author.
Again, I have to say this. I might have been less critical if f this were billed and titled as "The Jerry Kaifetz Story," and somewhere on the jacket it said among other points, "You'll learn about Jerry's personal relationship with Jack Schaap who is well-known in some circles for being the son-in-law of Pastor Jack Hyles (a man not many really know anything about outside of the Independent, Fundamental Baptists or IFB movement) who succeeded Hyles as pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN, only to end up imprisoned for crimes against a 16 year old girl he was counseling and took across state lines for sex..."
But that's not the title or billing. It's supposed to be the Jack Schaap story. But that's NOT what you get. And when I read a book that is titled deceptively (because calling it, "Profance Pulpit: The Jack Schaap Story" would SELL many thousands of copies just because of that title) and sold as one thing but actually turns out to be another... I become a frustrated reader.
Then when the book is filled with the author's "wisdom" for dealing with these pathetic IFB churches only to include some very bad theology and terribly errant claims about the King James Only movement, etc., I am now regretting my purchase.
But then I remember that I'm reading this for FREE with Kindle Unlimited and I am relieved. I didn't pay for this. And the time spent wasn't a total waste. I learned a little bit of something and enjoyed a spot of English Black Tea. And now I also understand why hard copies of this book are not to be found anywhere.
With that understanding, I finished reading it because I am not a quitter and I'm done. Closure. I'm ready to move on....
What I mean is that there is no more information about Jack Schaap than anyone who knows who he is, or even knows he exists, doesn't already know. Except that small amount of information provided by the author about the personal friendship between the two men. Beyond that, there is nothing to see here. And even the aforementioned small amount of information is almost cursory to the actual topic of this book: the author.
Again, I have to say this. I might have been less critical if f this were billed and titled as "The Jerry Kaifetz Story," and somewhere on the jacket it said among other points, "You'll learn about Jerry's personal relationship with Jack Schaap who is well-known in some circles for being the son-in-law of Pastor Jack Hyles (a man not many really know anything about outside of the Independent, Fundamental Baptists or IFB movement) who succeeded Hyles as pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN, only to end up imprisoned for crimes against a 16 year old girl he was counseling and took across state lines for sex..."
But that's not the title or billing. It's supposed to be the Jack Schaap story. But that's NOT what you get. And when I read a book that is titled deceptively (because calling it, "Profance Pulpit: The Jack Schaap Story" would SELL many thousands of copies just because of that title) and sold as one thing but actually turns out to be another... I become a frustrated reader.
Then when the book is filled with the author's "wisdom" for dealing with these pathetic IFB churches only to include some very bad theology and terribly errant claims about the King James Only movement, etc., I am now regretting my purchase.
But then I remember that I'm reading this for FREE with Kindle Unlimited and I am relieved. I didn't pay for this. And the time spent wasn't a total waste. I learned a little bit of something and enjoyed a spot of English Black Tea. And now I also understand why hard copies of this book are not to be found anywhere.
With that understanding, I finished reading it because I am not a quitter and I'm done. Closure. I'm ready to move on....
February 14, 2020
I found this book on Amazon the other day while looking for books about spiritual abuse. I grew up in an IFB/Hyles influenced church, spent three years at Hyles' "college" , and worked for/attended another IFB church that worshipped at the altar of Jack Hyles. I left that mess ten years ago, but I realized in the last year that there is a lot that I have not yet worked my way through.
I want to read the stories of those who have lived through and escaped the nightmare of Independent Fundamental Baptists. It may help me to process things.
So, this book caught my attention. I do think some of the criticisms other reviews have made about this book are warranted. It could have used some editing and tweaking. However, Mr Kaifetz has some very important things to say, and he pointed out quite a few things that I have never considered. And this is all coming from a man who was close friends with Schaap in the 1980s.
One thing is clear: Hyles, Schaap and other fraudulent cult leaders like them are narcissists who only care about themselves and the power they hold over others. Those of us who were part of their or similar outfits should have recognized this a long time ago. But, who naturally assumes that your pastor and spiritual leader/mentor is an evil, twisted individual? We normally think the beat of religious leaders, educators and others who seen to dedicate their lives to the betterment of humanity. But what do we do when we discover they are wolves. Actually, that does a great disservice to wolves. These people are monsters.
If you attended First Baptist of Hammond, Hyles-Anderson College or any of their associated churches, you may want to read this. If you're curious about the IFB crowd, this will help you to have some more insight.
I want to read the stories of those who have lived through and escaped the nightmare of Independent Fundamental Baptists. It may help me to process things.
So, this book caught my attention. I do think some of the criticisms other reviews have made about this book are warranted. It could have used some editing and tweaking. However, Mr Kaifetz has some very important things to say, and he pointed out quite a few things that I have never considered. And this is all coming from a man who was close friends with Schaap in the 1980s.
One thing is clear: Hyles, Schaap and other fraudulent cult leaders like them are narcissists who only care about themselves and the power they hold over others. Those of us who were part of their or similar outfits should have recognized this a long time ago. But, who naturally assumes that your pastor and spiritual leader/mentor is an evil, twisted individual? We normally think the beat of religious leaders, educators and others who seen to dedicate their lives to the betterment of humanity. But what do we do when we discover they are wolves. Actually, that does a great disservice to wolves. These people are monsters.
If you attended First Baptist of Hammond, Hyles-Anderson College or any of their associated churches, you may want to read this. If you're curious about the IFB crowd, this will help you to have some more insight.
May 12, 2022
“Women can not bear the thought of being hurtful to others”
Oh Jerry, I can definitely bear the thought of being hurtful to your awful awful book. A book, which includes such themes as fat shaming, poverty shaming, preaching against pride while boasting of the authors own accomplishments, and way too many capital letters and bold face type. I picked up this book because it was referenced on several podcasts that discussed the Jack Schaap story. I had great hopes for the inside story since the author knew Schaap personally. That is not what you get with this book, so unless you are looking for a smack over the head with the authors personal spiritual beliefs, skip this one.
Also, annoyingly the author continually refers people to the appendix which is not located at the back of the book but rather on the authors own website. I know printing books is expensive, but maybe we shouldn’t use a novel sized appendix as a reason to increase traffic on our websites where we sell our own books.
Finally, in the final chapters of the book, the author goes off on a tangent about how no pastors live up to his expectation. He bemoans the moral corruption and lack of teaching in every church he’s attended in the last 25 years. He even says that someone at a new church mentioned they had heard he was a troublemaker at the church they attended before. I’m not sure why the author in all his wisdom does not just become a preacher himself if he thinks that he could do such a good job at it.
Oh Jerry, I can definitely bear the thought of being hurtful to your awful awful book. A book, which includes such themes as fat shaming, poverty shaming, preaching against pride while boasting of the authors own accomplishments, and way too many capital letters and bold face type. I picked up this book because it was referenced on several podcasts that discussed the Jack Schaap story. I had great hopes for the inside story since the author knew Schaap personally. That is not what you get with this book, so unless you are looking for a smack over the head with the authors personal spiritual beliefs, skip this one.
Also, annoyingly the author continually refers people to the appendix which is not located at the back of the book but rather on the authors own website. I know printing books is expensive, but maybe we shouldn’t use a novel sized appendix as a reason to increase traffic on our websites where we sell our own books.
Finally, in the final chapters of the book, the author goes off on a tangent about how no pastors live up to his expectation. He bemoans the moral corruption and lack of teaching in every church he’s attended in the last 25 years. He even says that someone at a new church mentioned they had heard he was a troublemaker at the church they attended before. I’m not sure why the author in all his wisdom does not just become a preacher himself if he thinks that he could do such a good job at it.
January 31, 2020
First, if you’re unfamiliar with the IFB (independent fundamental baptist), go to Twitter and follow #IFBPreacherClips and fall down a rabbit hole for a little
bit.
I grew up in the IFB and am still recovering, years after leaving it. I checked this book out after seeing a vid of Jack Schaap’s “polishing the shaft” sermon and then realizing I had heard him speak a time or two when I attended a service at an annual revival/conference. I remembered him all these years later just because he was loud AF and all the women talked about what a “good lookin’ preacher” he was while all the men looked at him as if he could walk on water.
Anyways, this book provides few details about Schaap’s crimes, but lots of spiritual commentary written in all caps and bolded print, which shouted at me from the page. It’s kind of a sermon using Schaap and elements of the IFB cult (let’s call a spade a spade) as an example of what Christianity should not be. The author tries to provide hope for those who were harmed and have left the church or religion all together, which I personally found to be less than convincing. I think you’d get more information about Schaap’s fall reading a few news articles of the trial, if that’s what you’re after.
bit.
I grew up in the IFB and am still recovering, years after leaving it. I checked this book out after seeing a vid of Jack Schaap’s “polishing the shaft” sermon and then realizing I had heard him speak a time or two when I attended a service at an annual revival/conference. I remembered him all these years later just because he was loud AF and all the women talked about what a “good lookin’ preacher” he was while all the men looked at him as if he could walk on water.
Anyways, this book provides few details about Schaap’s crimes, but lots of spiritual commentary written in all caps and bolded print, which shouted at me from the page. It’s kind of a sermon using Schaap and elements of the IFB cult (let’s call a spade a spade) as an example of what Christianity should not be. The author tries to provide hope for those who were harmed and have left the church or religion all together, which I personally found to be less than convincing. I think you’d get more information about Schaap’s fall reading a few news articles of the trial, if that’s what you’re after.
October 29, 2018
What a powerful message of hope is in this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It exposes error and does so in a God-honoring way. I loved reading about the Bible hero Joseph. He has been one of my favorite examples of godly character. I love hearing again how Joseph resisted evil by believing and stating: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" It is sad that men like Jack S. do not exhibit moral restraint like Joseph of old. I pray that Jack S. and others like him will truly be sorry and honestly repent and apologize completely and make amends to their victims. And I pray that God will divinely heal the wounds of the victims of ungodly men such as Jack S. This book shines a light of hope. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It exposes error and does so in a God-honoring way. I loved reading about the Bible hero Joseph. He has been one of my favorite examples of godly character. I love hearing again how Joseph resisted evil by believing and stating: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" It is sad that men like Jack S. do not exhibit moral restraint like Joseph of old. I pray that Jack S. and others like him will truly be sorry and honestly repent and apologize completely and make amends to their victims. And I pray that God will divinely heal the wounds of the victims of ungodly men such as Jack S. This book shines a light of hope. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.
September 29, 2020
More than another expose on the travesty that was Schaap's "ministry," this personal memoir by former best friend and fellow church leader, Jerry Kaifetz, gives the reader an eye-witness view of evil in disguise. But the, Kaifetz goes a step further by addressing how the emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse SHOULD have been addressed (instead of covered up). He calls for immediate enforcement involvement when abuse is discovered and then support for the victims of abuse. In other words, he promotes the only correct response and he backs it up with Scripture.
March 9, 2019
Fantastic
As a former IFB person myself, this was a thorough explanation of what is wrong with the IFB world in general. This shows how broken the movement's sociology and personality cults are.
As a former IFB person myself, this was a thorough explanation of what is wrong with the IFB world in general. This shows how broken the movement's sociology and personality cults are.
December 13, 2021
A healing book and warning to predators
I like that the book addresses the pain and suffering inflicted to so many families by IFBs. The book also gives hope, and a clear roadmap to help anyone no matter where they are at in their journey to healing from hurt.
I like that the book addresses the pain and suffering inflicted to so many families by IFBs. The book also gives hope, and a clear roadmap to help anyone no matter where they are at in their journey to healing from hurt.
November 22, 2020
Sound doctrine .
Not what I expected...and that’s a good thing. Jerry takes a biblical approach to healing to those who have suffered abuse.
Not what I expected...and that’s a good thing. Jerry takes a biblical approach to healing to those who have suffered abuse.
May 18, 2021
Excellent book
Very detailed account of the sordid story we all have heard. Definitely worth the read if you're interested in the documented truth of the situation
Very detailed account of the sordid story we all have heard. Definitely worth the read if you're interested in the documented truth of the situation
February 15, 2025
Outstanding!!!!
I love the way Brother Jerry writes, in fact I want to read all his books, he really knows what is to .ove the Lord, I am grateful for his love for the Lord.
I love the way Brother Jerry writes, in fact I want to read all his books, he really knows what is to .ove the Lord, I am grateful for his love for the Lord.
January 7, 2020
I have been following the story of Jack Schaap for about a year now and just got curious enough to do an internet search. I came across an advertisement for this book and thought it would be worth the price to follow up on my curiosity.
Jack Schaap was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hammond Indiana, the church made famous by Jack Hyles, and considered by many to be the premier church of the I.F.B. movement, the Independent Fundamental Baptists. Currently, Schaap is sitting in prison, serving a 12 year sentence for having sex with an under age girl and for transporting her across state lines to do so.
The author of this book was in a unique position to write it. He was a Hyles Anderson College and Seminary graduate. He had been a personal friend of Schaap and was acquainted with Jack Hyles as well. He even had Schaap officiate at his wedding and later they would be business partners.
While there are some revelations in this book, it is far more of a platform for the author to express his philosophy about the problems in the I.F.B. and what he would like to see more of in local churches. The book starts out strong, but ends with something of a sermon about the integrity of Joseph. Still, I have to say that it was an interesting book and I did not want to put it down. I am sure that I will be recommending it to some of my ministerial friends.
Jack Schaap was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hammond Indiana, the church made famous by Jack Hyles, and considered by many to be the premier church of the I.F.B. movement, the Independent Fundamental Baptists. Currently, Schaap is sitting in prison, serving a 12 year sentence for having sex with an under age girl and for transporting her across state lines to do so.
The author of this book was in a unique position to write it. He was a Hyles Anderson College and Seminary graduate. He had been a personal friend of Schaap and was acquainted with Jack Hyles as well. He even had Schaap officiate at his wedding and later they would be business partners.
While there are some revelations in this book, it is far more of a platform for the author to express his philosophy about the problems in the I.F.B. and what he would like to see more of in local churches. The book starts out strong, but ends with something of a sermon about the integrity of Joseph. Still, I have to say that it was an interesting book and I did not want to put it down. I am sure that I will be recommending it to some of my ministerial friends.
April 25, 2024
When I originally bought the book I thought it was interesting, though I was saddened that it appears Kaifetz has now adopted the equally bad heresy of Reformed theology.
After reading it again, I was able to contact him regarding the Appendix which is no longer on the internet. This is his exact reply: "It is not currently available. Thanks for buying the book." Furthermore, if you go on his personal website, he no longer offers the book for sale.
This makes me wonder how much of his personal stories, or those shared with him, are true. As such, I deleted my original rating and lowered it as much as possible (I wish Goodreads would allow Zero stars for really bad books).
After reading it again, I was able to contact him regarding the Appendix which is no longer on the internet. This is his exact reply: "It is not currently available. Thanks for buying the book." Furthermore, if you go on his personal website, he no longer offers the book for sale.
This makes me wonder how much of his personal stories, or those shared with him, are true. As such, I deleted my original rating and lowered it as much as possible (I wish Goodreads would allow Zero stars for really bad books).
June 25, 2013
Very well written. Being a former member, I was very surprised to learn many things regarding Jack Schaap. If you thought you know him, you "aint seen nothing yet"
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews