The Two Jacks
After Happily Ever After Series
What’s inside...
This book documents the lives and ministries of Jack Hyles and Jack Schaap, pastors at First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. It serves as a warning against a cultic model of ministry and calls for the building of biblical churches. The book challenges young preachers to prioritize scripture and authenticity over pragmatism and popularity, and warns against issues such as Quick Prayerism, promotionalism, and abuse of pastoral authority. It encompasses personal testimonies, critiques, and discussions about influential figures in the church.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the two Jacks handle their differences? What could they have done differently?
What do you think is the moral of the story, and why is it important?
How do you feel when you meet someone who is very different from you?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone else to solve a problem? What happened?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done to help the two Jacks?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when discussing the story, encouraging your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely.
Relate the conflicts in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to empathize with the characters.
Praise your child for their insights, which reinforces their confidence and engagement in critical thinking.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to delve deeper into their understanding and interpretation.
Share your own thoughts and reactions to the book to model thoughtful reflection and to show that all viewpoints are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Two Jacks', the characters learn the significance of being truthful when one of the Jacks admits a mistake. This moment teaches the importance of honesty in building trust.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing honesty in their dealings with friends and family, understanding it strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the two Jacks must collaborate to solve a problem, showcasing how teamwork leads to achieving goals that might seem unattainable individually.
Real-World Application: In the classroom or playground, children can remember the Jacks' collaborative spirit whenever they work on group projects or engage in team sports.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story highlights how the two Jacks, despite their differences, can be great friends and achieve more together. It promotes the acceptance and celebration of individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diverse qualities of their peers, which can lead to more inclusive and fulfilling interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: One of the Jacks takes responsibility for a misstep, which is a pivotal part of the plot. This highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of owning up to their actions and learning from their mistakes, which is crucial for their personal development.