Brian I cant speak much about Salem Baptist Church (other than its known in the Black community here in Chicago due to its sheer size), but I do know Progressive. I plan to lead through leaders. And I dont even go to Progressive, which is less than 15 minutes from my home (closer than my current church home). But some have grown frustrated with their position in a denomination that remains largely white (African Americans make up just 6 percent of Southern Baptists, according to Pew Research Center). We want to see younger families come to our church and the last thing that we want is to stand in the way of that.". Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. When I came back home to Southwestern, I even encouraged other ministers to do the same. September 3, 2021 at 1:54 p.m. EDT. The mega church concept is already troublesome. 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. Charlie earned an M.Div. To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When we make one man or woman our everything, bad things are bound to happen. Another thing is I dont think this dual assignment is in perpetuity. When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? 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 understand both sides, but havent thought about it enough to have a strong opinion, probably because I dont use those terms. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Its no longer that waywe are very much in the community nowbut thats the way it was. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! I dont need to be Einstein to understand that with all these jobs he is not truly doing any of them full time. He hijacked the affirmation meeting of the Baptist Faith & Message, turning it into a conservative resurgence revival. Dr. Do you know what I mean by ministering to me? We need new ideas. We are hosting our New Member Orientation known as 'Connection Institute.' Shouldnt a competent, strong, wise pastor stir and challenge his flock, make their complacency seem uncomfortable? Dates graduated from Salem Baptists Christian school, which has since closed. It is going to take an academic mind and a saved heart.". 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.. Both of them have produced some stalwart Christian leaders and teachers. I think the distinction is that I can serve Salem well by loving her through the preaching ministry and pastoral care, and she will follow. Progressives buildings were built without a dime of debt at a time where Black people could not get a loan from a bank. Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". Wests The Church Without Walls (originally Brookhollow Baptist Church) has ranked among the 100 biggest in the country and averages 9,000 people in weekly attendance, according to its site. Meeks serves on the Moody Bible Institute Trustee Board, and Dates has worked as an adjunct professor there. Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. Charlie E. Dates was presented to the church in February 2011. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Dateswho spoke at several national SBC events before and after deciding to affiliate with the denominationwrote that the statement was a final straw.. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. That history is enormous. If I idolized him, dont you think Id have followed him to his church YEARS ago when I first me him? Gleannings aggregates what others are reporting. Im not in the weeds at Progressive. 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter: He teaches preaching at Wheaton College and serves as an Affiliate Professor of the Baylor University George W. Truett Theological Seminary and as Affiliate . Charlie Dates Returns to the Chicago Church that Shaped Him While continuing to lead Progressive Baptist, the 41-year-old pastor was named the successor to James Meeks at Salem Baptist. Their seminaries have hosted outstanding guest faculty and chapel speakers outside of their norm. I have to lead through my leaders. Now we have 2 churches thinking only one particular man can lead them. Legal Clinic The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. Weve already started the conversation that, at some point, the goal is to raise up leaders to do more work. As a highly sought-after speaker, he is widely invited to preach at churches and speak at retreats, conferences, and universities throughout the United States and abroad. I just checked and you can still see the tweet for yourself, he refused to delete it. Dates, 41, is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Churcha position hell keep, despite assuming the pastorate at Salem. Rev. Martin L. King Jr. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of his assassination, it was as if they had come to reckon with the ghosts of their past and the theological underpinnings that ignored his ministry. . And if you think it feels good, warm and fuzzy to be confronted about your sin when youre in the middle of grief, you are VERY mistaken. We were already working with the SBC on a training program at our church, and almost all of the Illinois Baptist State and SBC national leaders I had met seemed aware that their forefathers fell woefully short of any standard of biblical justice. COMMENTARY: Six white men shouldnt decide Southern Baptist position on race. "I sense God performing a work of His Spirit that connects Salem to churches that need revitalization. I think thats a blessing, especially when I see a lot of superficial relationships between pastors and their flock. 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. While I do not know much about Charlie Dates, it has becoming increasingly true that the higher you rise the harder you fall. 3658 SOUTH WENTWORTH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL, 60609, 773-268-6048 | INFO@PROGRESSIVECHICAGO.ORG. But we can actually press into the current culture and lead our young people and train them to lead a revolution for the kingdom and the glory of God. We need new ideas. Ive learned there is an unwritten rule in the SBC: Dont criticize an entity head. 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? I imagine they provide cover for the SBC leadership to further alienate Black and brown Christians who do not ascribe to their heritage of dangerous conservatism. All rights reserved. We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. Its one thing to adore someone you dont have any personal relationship with. "We want to see our church be vibrant. Dr. Charlie E. Dates currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois as well as Affiliate Professor of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and NFL Chaplain for the Chicago Bears. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. I completely understand your concern, Tricia. With teary eyes, I just told them I hope that they accept my recommendation when that time comes. After the neighborhood went dry, Walmart opened a store. Susan Robinson is a 100-year-old Black woman and lifelong member of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, where I am senior . Dates called him an Uncle Ruckus on twitter, which is a derogatory slur used to describe a black man that embraces the whiteness of society instead of resisting it. They both, in that regard, have a history of absolutely incredible pastors. And if you have a testimony of the amazing things God is doing in your life through our ministry, please email it to info@progressivechicago.org. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. So for me, what attracted me was God. Charlie Dates of the Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, one of the pastors who have already severed ties, said the November statement was "the last straw." "When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism?" Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Its time for a young generation to come forward with new challenges facing us.. And I think we can develop a platform, a pipeline to invite those who feel that burden of call to grow them and to release them to do that," he added. Pastoral leadership is a storied pillar in both of these churches. 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. Rev. Its time for a younger generation to assume leadership at one of Chicagos largest churches. He shared a vision of revival. Yesterday, Charlie Dates, the Senior Pastor at Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church, gave a powerful biblical message addressing the recent killings of Auhmad Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. In 2011, he became the youngest senior pastor at Chicagos Progressive Baptist Church. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Progressive was once, decades ago, the kind of leading force of churches on the South Side. My relationship with him is dynamic. "It's time for Salem to move forward. 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. So Im not in a position to speak on that. Have you ever dreamed of owning a home, but don't know where to begin? This workshop will cover everything from home buying basics to the most important step, funding and loan process. Im here to speak the truth in love to you to keep you from going down a path that may seem comforting to you now, but it will ensnare you.. Its not making me feel good; warm and fuzzy. What other things do you want to highlight to your current and future congregations and the readers of CT? If you sense the malaise around Christian denominations, then you already yearn for a new vision and a new standard. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago Pastor: Dr. Charlie E. Dates Website: www.progressivechicago.org Giving/Donations: https://progressivechicago.org/give IG: Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates became the youngest senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago in 2011 at age 30 and in January 2023, he became the senior pastor of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. He has a bachelor of arts degree in speech communication and rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; a master of divinity degree and a Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. We need a new vision. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. At the emergence of the pandemic, the SBC donated to our emergency effort to provide online food delivery services for Chicagoans with SNAP benefits. Progressive is a church of five generations. These have been disciple-making churches with an emphasis on Christian education. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We haveI thinka very Paul and Timothy kind of relationship. Progressive Baptist Church (map) Google Calendar ICS Join us in the sanctuary from 4pmCT -6pmCT as we meet and greet political candidates running to be the mayor of our great city this upcoming Spring. (Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is the senior pastor at Chicagos Progressive Baptist Church. Salem Baptist is one of several megachurches whose pastors are passing the baton. Thats the good ol boys club. 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 specter of racial animus and theological arrogance was giving way to a new era of Christian leadership, I suggested. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. Return to homepage. Some in our ranks inappropriately use the label of CRT! to avoid legitimate questions or as a cudgel to dismiss any discussion of discrimination. Charlie Dates serves as the senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church and teaches at Moody Bible Institute as an adjunct professor. Blessed to serve in the city in which he was born, Reverend Dr. Charlie E. Dates is Chicago through and through. There is no such thing as the Old Southern Baptists.. 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. Feel free to watch our services online! 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. 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. Marin If, however, I fail to get the churches to see that our history serves our present and inspires our future, then Im in trouble. The average member was around before Charlie (hes been there ~10 years) and knows hes not the only one who can lead them. Brian 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. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the. Ill tell you: abolition, the womens suffrage movement, the civil rights movement, a Black U.S. president who was initially against partial-birth abortion, non-white male faculty at their seminaries and now a theory that uncovers our nations de jure and de facto segregation. I dont know why; perhaps thats an attitude YOU need to pray about. Dr. Charlie Dates will take his place. James Meeks next year as senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church one of Chicago's biggest megachurches. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Charlie E. Dates, is a. What is liberalism to the conservative Southern Baptists? Charlie Dates is the senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago and serves on the board of TCP. In his June 19 sermon, he told congregants hes retiring as of January 15, 2023, and the Rev. And I have loved various pastors like family; some have ministered to my family for DECADES, and have baptized, married, counseled, and even eulogized GENERATIONS of my family. What challenges do you anticipate with the dynamic of pastoring two congregations? 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I didnt say Pastor Dates was the ONLY person who could minister to me; I dont have anyone in my life like htat. Its humorous, its rewarding, and its worth more than the price of gold or platinum. I think that there is a place in the body of Christ for large and small churches alike; I have been a member of both at various points in my walk with Christ, and can speak to the benefits and challenges of both. When did those who have yet to hire multiple Black or brown faculty at their seminaries assume ethical authority on the subject of systemic injustice? Both Meeks and Dates also have a connection to the Moody Bible Institute. 11,909 were here. 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 just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. . And Im not sure how bringing up holy men of other faiths comes into it I was at a Christian event seeking Biblically-rooted ministry, and thats what Pastor Dates and his wife provided. 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. No one knows. I am on assignment to lead the church forward in Chicago. Pastor Charlie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Rhetoric at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and both a Master of Divinity Degree and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School . Ill become senior pastor of both the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and remain that at Progressive.. (I cant imagine having NEVER met your pastor one-on-one). As I prayed through it, Reverend Meeks and I wrestled with it, and he graciously affirmed my sense of discernment. Theres something about the formation of my mind and my theological heart that is directly shaped by and impacted by watching all of that, and working in all of that, as I came of age, he said. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. And while Progressive is a large congregation (around 1000 members), it doesnt come close to Salem (which has about 10,000). The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. He holds a PhD in Historical Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? Chicago needs the Black church to be her best and brightest self. James Meeks, founder and longtime senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church on the citys far South Side. And thats part of the beauty I think of this story. Meeks and his wife say they don't want to stand in the next generation's way. 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.