They both, in that regard, have a history of absolutely incredible pastors. Dates new role will mean others will take on some of what Dates does now at Progressive, he said. My acknowledgement of this is not a statement of submission, but an act of defiance. and Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity . Do you know what I mean by ministering to me? One of the benefits at Progressive is that the operations of the church and systems and structures of the church, the day-to-day operations, are free to move independent of me. That history is enormous. Meeks called Dates the greatest preacher in our nation. Its time for a young generation to come forward with new challenges facing us.. 53 min; FEB 8, 2023 "Can't Turn . It's time for Salem to have younger leadership. And while Progressive is a large congregation (around 1000 members), it doesnt come close to Salem (which has about 10,000). Dr. Charlie Dates became the youngest senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago in 2011 at age 30. I ADORE Charlie Dates. He graduated with a PhD in historical theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. It is good that you were ministered to personally by your pastor. Charlie Dates named successor to James Meeks at 10K-member Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Who will pay for the SBCs abuse reforms over the long term? Dates, 41, graduated from Salems now-shuttered Christian Academy. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. and pro football. The 65-year-old has been a pastor for 42 years and said he feels like hes got 42 more years in me. But Meeks added hes learned from King Davids life when its time to come off the battlefield.. The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. We are partnering with The Chicago Partnership to present this opportunity to the South Side! Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. What other things do you want to highlight to your current and future congregations and the readers of CT? Progressive Service Time 9:30am 3658 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago Coming Up. But dozens of majority-black churches are joining the SBC each year, so the numbers are still growingjust not as fast as they once were. He was elected in March by an overwhelming majority, the largest vote received by any pastor in Progressive's rich history. Progressive Baptist Church is part of the Organizations industry, and located in Illinois, United States. Rev. Their stand against racism rings hollow when in their next breath they reject theories that have been helpful in framing the problem of racism, he wrote, disappointed that the presidents would come together to speak out against it rather than turning their criticism toward other ills such a racism itself. 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We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. Brian Since then, conservative groups have been more vocal about what they see as an embrace of critical race theory and secular thinking by seminaries and denominational leaders, with the newly formed Conservative Baptist Network being among the most vocal opponents. I had to tell my church I was wrong. But he added God is extending our platform and our reach to the point where Ill be able to provide pastoral leadership for both churches. Its been anchored in the community. Religion News Service reported that Fred Luter, the only black SBC president, signed on in agreement. Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors, Mormonisms slow shift away from demonizing working mothers, Faith leaders urge Biden to sign executive order for reparations study by Juneteenth, For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling. Susan Robinson is a 100-year-old Black woman and lifelong member of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, where I am senior . I left that conference feeling hopeful. Respect and admire if they are capable, yes. Rev. Another thing is I dont think this dual assignment is in perpetuity. 1 is my itinerant ministry will take a reduction, and I will be present locally a lot more, which Im looking forward to. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. Im not sure I understand your point. Dates's 100-year-old congregation only began affiliating with the SBC last year, joining as a dual affiliate with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, a mainline, African American. In a video message to Progressive, Dates said the two churches will stay distinct, though hell pastor them both. So, I propose to you that we need a new organism, not led in full by white men; a Christian collective that makes room for the essentials of the faith and the diversity of the Church; a robust engine that finances the impoverished sides of the Church, speaks justice courageously to the government and cares gently for the oppressed, marginalized and women. Over the summer, Dates discussed with CT his frustration with the lack of diversity among SBCs recently appointed entity heads, all of whom are white men, and the inconsistent support for racial justice causes. Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 95-year history. Photo courtesy of Charlie Dates. What I benefit from is far greater than just a tip from him here or there; its more of a model of a life lived. . Charlie E. Dates is the senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church, two of the oldest and largest historically Black churches in Chicago, Illinois. We haveI thinka very Paul and Timothy kind of relationship. It is the work of that church, but its also Reverend Meeks, the pastor of that church. No matter what age, PBC Kids offers fun, age-appropriate programming that help your children connect with God. As I prayed about it, I got no inkling that it was time, just yet, to walk away from Progressive. The other thing is, in terms of preaching, I plan on preaching two services on Sunday morning: one at Progressive and one at Salem. His decision came two days after West made a similar argument in a Baptist Standard op-ed. Rev. Chicago needs the Black church to be her best and brightest self. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I dont see anything wrong with loving those who Christ calls us to love, which includes our brothers and sisters in Christ (that includes pastors). Nationally known pastor Rev. Image courtesy of Baptist Press. In his June 19 sermon, he told congregants hes retiring as of January 15, 2023, and the Rev. We want to celebrate YOU. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". No one knows. Earlier this month, Saddleback Church co-founders Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, named Andy Wood of Echo.Church in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Stacie, as their successors, starting in September. Marin In all that, he can never be criticized within his ranks. Amen to thateven if the pastor in question is the Godliest guy on the planet to start with, which is seldom if ever the case. I dont know if Id recommend this to anybody. Dr. The average member was around before Charlie (hes been there ~10 years) and knows hes not the only one who can lead them. Who thinks a half a pastor can shepherd a full church adequately?. Its time for Salem to move forward, he told his congregants. Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right? Woke Wars infiltrate Christian colleges, prof under fire for racial justice unit, Southern Baptists oust Rick Warrens Saddleback Church for naming a female pastor, Professor Joeckel on why his contract, teachings on racial justice are under review, Copyright 2020, Religion News Service. The only outcome can be from their life experience, which really ignores the broader family of Southern Baptists.. Charlie Dates preaching at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017. He shared a vision of revival. I would think its a good thing that I can speak from personal experience with the Dates, instead of some sort of I read his book fan club adoration. I also want to suggest that Chicago, and America, needs churches that are developing and reproducing young pastors, that we become more intentional about it. Meeks, 65, founded Salem in 1985 and grew it from 200 to 10,000 members. I had the privilege of not only hearing him preach as a guest speaker at my church, but also meeting him after a singles event hosted by Progressive. How did they, who in 2020 still dont have a single Black denominational entity head, reject once and for all a theory that helps to frame the real race problems we face? Dates wrote in an op-ed Friday for the Religion News Service. Charlie Dates is the senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago and serves on the board of TCP. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. . But what is liberal in the history of American Christianity? How do you use that significance, and history of these two churches in the city, to drive the future? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its the same approach that created President Donald Trump, that makes sure that no Republican leader will challenge him publicly. Cancel culture is wrong but shouldnt we have heard something about it at least? September 3, 2021 at 1:54 p.m. EDT. I would rather not compare them, only because I wouldnt want to say the wrong thing and have someone read it and judge my intent. (I cant imagine having NEVER met your pastor one-on-one). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, on a recent Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like, The Rev. As one Conservative Baptist Network member said, they must constantly repent but can never actually be forgiven., A group of Southern Baptist pastors released a statement Friday voicing their opposition to any movement in the SBC that seeks to distract from racial reconciliation through the gospel and that denies the reality of systemic injustices.. How did they, who in 2020 still dont have a single Black denominational entity head, reject once and for all a theory that helps to frame the real race problems we face? These churches are a gift. Pastor Dates challenged me in how I was handling my grief, noted my verbal and body language pointed to some unrighteous anger and unforgiveness that I needed to confront in order to move forward in a Godly manner, gave me scriptures to pray and meditate on, and concluded by praying with me and having his wife Kirstie follow up with me. The head of the SBCs National African American Fellowship, which had raised concerns about the critical race theory statement a week ago, said he was saddened by the announcements. Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church - Chicago . Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. I think thats a blessing, especially when I see a lot of superficial relationships between pastors and their flock. Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. The statement on critical race theory and intersectionality has soiled that good faith.. Meeks, a former state senator, founded Salem Baptist 38 years ago. How has he influenced you? . Legal Clinic The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. He and his wife, Kirstie, have two children. After 11 years at Progressive and watching more than 1,000 people join that church in that time, its fair to say that I carry the DNA of both churches. How has God moved and worked in ones life? Show Progressive Baptist Church Podcast, Ep Great Expectations | Joshua 14:6-15 | Pastor Bryan Carter - Jul 26, 2022 He is a contributing author to the 2014 book Letters To A Birmingham Jail, and the 2019 book, Say It: Celebrating Expository Preaching in The African American Tradition. Both of them have produced some stalwart Christian leaders and teachers. RELATED: Southern Baptist seminary presidents nix critical race theory. We are not merging the two churches and Salem is not absorbing Progressive, Dates said. Salem has its own kind of DNA, Progressive her own . Both Meeks and Dates also have a connection to the Moody Bible Institute. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Dates response to the controversy was that its not racist because its between black people. I dont even know what sort of issue Dates had with whoever (again, Im rarely on social media), but even I can spot your bias here. I just only pray he does not become spread too thin by leading two large churches. Charlie Dates Current Workplace. Nationally known pastor Rev. For questions or to reach his office, please email booking@progressivechicago.org. But Pastor Dates said, I know you probably dont like me right now, I can tell from how youre reacting to what Im saying; but Im not here to get you to like me. None of our denominations, Black or white, are as relevant and biblically prophetic as our present age requires. Sad, but not at all surprising. In 2006, he began serving as the primary . If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Charlie Dates is pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago. Progressive got insulated at one point. Meeks' retirement comes at a time when many longtime church leaders have been transitioning out of leadership as they contend with dwindling attendance and other ministry upheavals laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. SERVICE TIME 9:30 AM CST Watch Live "It's Alright to Cry"| Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago Watch on Latest Sermon @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. Meeks, who plans to stay involved with Hope of House, Salems philanthropic organization, is one of the latest longtime U.S. church leaders to step down. Dr. Charlie Dates . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The hard reality of the seminary presidents statement is that Black people will never gain full equality in the Southern Baptist Convention. The leaders of two majority-black megachurches in major cities announced this week that they will no longer affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. The mega church concept is already troublesome. That Salem is a loving church ready to work. Im not in the weeds at Progressive. Adoring sounds like its crossed the line into idolatrysomething a lot of these guys at bare minimum do nothing to discourage, and a few outright seek. Part of what Im learning and discerning about Gods direction for ones life is to pay close attention to the bend of ones spiritual biography. My relationship with him is dynamic. Sure, there were more battles to be won before legitimate change would warm the hearts of African American churches like ours, but thats why our movement felt almost prophetic. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? Its fair to say that I understand the dynamics of congregational leadership and development in both churches. The congregation has grown into one of the largest black churches in the city. But in this instance, youre actually bothered (I guess Uncle Ruckus is what crosses your line, but not sons of b*ches or a**holes) AND questioning Charlie Datess salvation? It actually makes me think of Moses, who was advised on how to make leading the growing number of Israelites more manageable by placing them into groups and delegating. I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the accountability and resources they provide for the larger body. He announced Sunday hell preach his last sermon to the 10,000-member church on January 8, 2023. On one hand, Progressive is what I would call progressively traditional, and Salem is traditionally progressive. There is no such thing as the Old Southern Baptists.. I like my pastor; I dont love him. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Two things. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Charlie E. Dates, is a. As I am contemplating leaving my current evangelical church, Progressive is on my list of places Im considering and praying about for a new church home, and a lot of it is due to the Dates family. And I recognize that. 3658 SOUTH WENTWORTH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL, 60609, 773-268-6048 | INFO@PROGRESSIVECHICAGO.ORG. After the retirement of its founder James Meeks, fellow South Side pastor Charlie Dates will become senior pastor of one of Chicagos biggest megachurches, Salem Baptist Church, returning to the ministry that shaped him as a kid and succeeding one of his greatest mentors in the faith. Dateswho spoke at several national SBC events before and after deciding to affiliate with the denominationwrote that the statement was a final straw.. Everybody loves our old, respected leaders but I want to set an example that its okay to give the next generation an opportunity, Meeks adds. After the neighborhood went dry, Walmart opened a store. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse" by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. James Meeks announced Sunday that Pastor Charlie Dates of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago will succeed him as leader of the 10,000-member Salem Baptist Church of Chicago when he steps out of the role in January 2023. View Charlie Dates' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Meeks, a former state senator, founded Salem Baptist 38 years ago. I think part of this is connected to what attracted me to Salem Baptist. . If tons and tons of people love them and how they make them feel thats pretty much a sign that they are doing the *opposite* of the Great Commission. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. The two pastors brought up recognizing the reality of systemic racism alongside the truth and authority of Scripture. Were living in a time where so many young people are walking away from the church and where church attendance numbers are in the dumps. Charlie Dates Has Led Progressive Baptist To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. The theory came up in a controversial resolution that passed at the SBCs 2019 annual meeting, when Greear was elected. How do Salem Baptist and Progressive Baptist compare, and what makes you a fit for both congregations at this moment? What happend to your, well Jesus called the Pharisees wolves and a whole lot other mean words' defense (like when Trump called people sons of b*tches and a**holes)? SBC events and church planting have grown more diverse over the past decade as leaders made a concerted effort to feature and invest in non-Anglo pastors. Calling him "the greatest young preacher in our nation today," Rev. Salem has not lost its relevance, Salem has not lost its edge, while maintaining a very high view of Scripture and its very Christo-centric approach to ministry. The first challenge is getting the churches to sense that where God gives a vision, theres always provision. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. The young people I met that week shocked me with the warmth and enthusiasm with which they embraced the subject matter. Ive seen healthy and unhealthy churches of all sizes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They do not understand themselves to be beneficiaries of a system that marginalizes people of color.". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. While continuing to lead Progressive Baptist, the 41-year-old pastor was named the successor to James Meeks at Salem Baptist Church, one of the citys biggest congregations. Thats not always the case when you assume a pastorate. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. In his response, current SBC president Greear asked that fellow members of the denomination consider their concerns and suggested that there are things we can learn from worldly philosophies like critical race theory., Last week, prior to West and Datess announcements, Ausberry, who serves as SBC first vice president and head of the denominations National African American Fellowship, responded to the seminary presidents statement by saying that systemic racism exists and there are theories and constructs that help us to see and discover otherwise undetected, systemic racism in institutions and in ourselves., Especially for those of us who have experienced the brunt of systemic racism in our daily lives, our seminary presidents are good men and they had good intent, Ausberry said in an interview with Baptist Press, but the optics of six Anglo brothers meeting to discuss racism and other related issues without having ethnic representation in the room in 2020, at worst it looks like paternalism, at best insensitivity.