charlie dates progressive baptist church

Charlie served as an apprentice to Pastor K. Edward Copeland and started his formal, practical training at the New Zion Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois. 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. The pastor of Progressive at the time, his name was Reverend T. Brown, he was such a dynamic leader in the city that he was able to tell [former Chicago mayor] Richard J. Daley, No. And live to tell about it. To invite Dr. Thats the good ol boys club. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. I think these churches, with the history, the power, and relevance they have, can help shape a pipeline and platform for developing young people, young leaders, teachers, preachers, music ministry leaders, and nonprofit developers that Chicago needs these churches to develop across platforms. 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? 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. As for me and the Progressive Baptist Church, I keep hearing the words of Harriet Tubman: We out.. 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. They are ready to send their young students to the very seminaries that are both vestiges of racial animus and also the places where these harmful attitudes are perpetuated. Meeks and his wife, Jamell, founded the church in 1985. My acknowledgement of this is not a statement of submission, but an act of defiance. I wonder how many of them provide full time paychecks. Dates holds a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Illinois - Champaign, Urbana, where he met his wife, Kirstie, who not only changed his life, but also elevated his approach to living. Rev. Butand this is no secretfor years it stayed in the vein of its history. 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. On one hand, Progressive is what I would call progressively traditional, and Salem is traditionally progressive. And the same for Salem, which might still have it. 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. For questions or to reach his office, please email [email protected]. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our. That Salem is a loving church ready to work. Nationally known pastor Rev. 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. On Dec. 1, all six of the SBC seminary presidents without one Black president or counter opinion among them told the world that a high view of Scripture necessarily required a corresponding and total rejection of critical race theory and intersectionality. 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. 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. Im still surprised Charlie Dates wasnt forced to step down after he publicly used a racial slur against Virgil Walker on social media last year. 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. "The Kingdom work is never to stop with one generation. It's to multiply in every generation and right now the church in Chicago needs fresh dynamic trained Gospel fire leaders. Services Progressive Baptist Church SUNDAYS AT PROGRESSIVE We'd love for you to join us at our Sunday Services! They are to us what the Electoral College is to the United States: a body that no longer produces what it originally promised. Both have spoken at Moodys annual Founders Week conferences. Join us before worship service on Sunday, March 19th directly following service. To be clear, the SBC has some longstanding, credible Black pastors in its tribe, and I dont mean the kind who are tokens or assimilators. Its no longer that waywe are very much in the community nowbut thats the way it was. They are happy to have a Black chapel speaker, the occasional conservative Black professor whose classes are not taken seriously or a Black employee who never bucks against their notions of superiority. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Please click here to learn how. In 2011, Reverend Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor to serve the historic Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, which saw exponential growth under his leadership. If thats idolatry to youwe can disagree. This isnt something that I read or something that I watched; this is a ministry that I participated in and had a front row seat to as a kid, said Dates, who grew up at Salem and attended its former school, Salem Christian Academy. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! I believe now that the time has come for me to yield to a younger person.. Preachers and teachers are there to instruct and shape us much like secular, academic teachers/professors. So he is going to pastor two large churches in addition to teaching at several colleges. It is going to take an academic mind and a saved heart.". The leaders of two majority-black megachurches in major cities announced this week that they will no longer affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. Book your appointment here. That history is enormous. Dr. Charlie Dates will take his place. I dont know if Id recommend this to anybody. 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. With no repentance of any kind and such bald-faced pride in his sin, it bears questioning whether Dates ever had a regenerative, salvific transformation in his heart to begin with. September 3, 2021 at 1:54 p.m. EDT. Religion News Service reported that Fred Luter, the only black SBC president, signed on in agreement. Return to homepage. The mega church concept is already troublesome. 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Dates graduated from Salem Baptists Christian school, which has since closed. Calling him "the greatest young preacher in our nation today," Rev. In all that, he can never be criticized within his ranks. "We can multiply that in evangelism, in discipleship, in educating our kids in reducing violence, shutting down liquor stores and opening up new opportunities to help rescue families and that's the church being the church.". Do you have a birthday or anniversary next month? 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. The young pastor said he had to convince his members that joining the denomination for the sake of mission partnerships would be a good move. 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. Thats the old SBC. Salem Baptist is one of several megachurches whose pastors are passing the baton. Dr. I do pray Pastor Dates is not spread too thin and that he has the support needed to lead such a large flock effectively. What I do sense is that theres still work to be done and vision to accomplish at Progressive at the same time that I begin my assignment at Salem. Well, the Stewardship Ministry at ProgressiveChicago is excited to partner with The YWCA and Liberty Bank to offer a 6 hour in-person or virtual homebuyer's workshop. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. James Meeks faltered for just a moment at the end. 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. Our seminaries, many of them are in decline. 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). Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. That is a concerning statement. Its time for Salem to move forward, he told his congregants. Charlie Dates preaching at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017. Around the country, people run into me and tell me, Oh I got baptized at that church, or Oh, I remember Sunday school at that church. Its legend and its lore is huge. I just checked and you can still see the tweet for yourself, he refused to delete it. 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. 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. When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". To correct us from repeating errors and to inspire and to encourage us to pursue Gods great promise. Charlie Dates is the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. "Not only is he called, but he is qualified or educated. Now we have 2 churches thinking only one particular man can lead them. Ill be here every Sunday and through the week as I normally am, Dates said. Its time for Salem to have younger leadership . How has God moved and worked in ones life? 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. True authentic faith is going to be limited to a tiny remnant in the last days; the separation of wheat and tares is being done as we speak. How will your role there look different? As I prayed about it, I got no inkling that it was time, just yet, to walk away from Progressive. It just isnt where God has me in this season of my life (yet). The two pastors brought up recognizing the reality of systemic racism alongside the truth and authority of Scripture. I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. Its the same approach that created President Donald Trump, that makes sure that no Republican leader will challenge him publicly. I want to say it is an honor to even be considered, let alone asked, to succeed the Reverend James T. Meeks. Thats their choice. "There is a young man in our midst who is an exceptional preacher," Pastor Meeks told congregants Sunday, calling Charlie Dates both "called" and "qualified." In 1998, Meeks led a push to close 26 liquor stores in a 19-block radius near Salem. Progressive got insulated at one point. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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.. Rev. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I had to fight all of my flesh not to just walk away. 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. Dr. Charlie Dates became the youngest senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago in 2011 at age 30. I go where God leads me not Charlie Dates. But the church left in 2020 after SBC leaders rejected critical race theory en masse. The hard reality of the seminary presidents statement is that Black people will never gain full equality in the Southern Baptist Convention. Sign up now ! I have, by the grace of God, the DNA of both churches.. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. There is a young man in our midst who is an exceptional preacher, Pastor Meeks told congregants Sunday, calling Charlie Dates both called and qualified., He came out of our church, says Meeks, and its time for young people to step up and be given a chance.. That was the message Sunday from the Rev. Here it was, I thought, further proof that the old SBC was fading. That philosophy has weakened whatever prophetic potential the SBC has. If you sense the malaise around Christian denominations, then you already yearn for a new vision and a new standard. Both Meeks and Dates also have a connection to the Moody Bible Institute. "It's Alright to Cry"| Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago by Pastor Charlie Dates. Its time for a young generation to come forward with new challenges facing us.. No One Knows. At the emergence of the pandemic, the SBC donated to our emergency effort to provide online food delivery services for Chicagoans with SNAP benefits. Chuck Smith himself, who started out as every kind of salt and light, found himself tempted by the limelight as he got bigger and bigger, and we saw more and more of his flaws as time went on. 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 . Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? The other thing is, in terms of preaching, I plan on preaching two services on Sunday morning: one at Progressive and one at Salem. Ill become senior pastor of both the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and remain that at Progressive.. As for me, I will always be grateful. That was the old Southern Baptists, I promised them and others in our church. He was elected in March by an overwhelming majority, the largest vote received by any pastor in Progressive's rich history. This shaped his approach to preaching and his thoughts about the transformative role the Black church plays in bringing about the flourishing of a people.Dr. Who thinks a half a pastor can shepherd a full church adequately? Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. And Saddleback Church founder Rick Warren is retiring this September. So Im not in a position to speak on that. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. I also understand how a personal relationship strengthens that love; that is the importance of us having relationships in the body of Christ. Im not sure I understand your point. 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. Its not making me feel good; warm and fuzzy. 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. Progressive Baptist Church, a century-old historically Black congregation, was briefly part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. 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He's trained to fight the giants that we're dealing with today. My response to the above is that that kind of filling of your personal needs, i.e. Meeks and his wife say they don't want to stand in the next generation's way. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. Not able to make? In accepting the role, Dates said he sees Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as a global church. To donate, click here. I plan to lead through leaders. Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church - Chicago . . I am on assignment to lead the church forward in Chicago. Pastoral leadership is a storied pillar in both of these churches. For questions or to reach his office, please email [email protected]. Great! We want to celebrate YOU. How are you hoping to continue to cultivate that with both congregations? No. 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. 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The mega church concept is already troublesome. Learn more. 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. Weve got to be able to have our 12 stones from our Chicago Jordan River, with a keen eye on the hills and mountains of Jericho and the other cities in Canaan. I understand both sides, but havent thought about it enough to have a strong opinion, probably because I dont use those terms. He also teaches at Wheaton College and has delivered chapel sermons at various institutions, including The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 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. My relationship with him is dynamic. Progressive Baptist Church. Some worry that a systemic view of racism, where a person is considered privileged or disadvantaged in society because of their race, conflicts with Christian beliefs about forgiveness or people holding equal value before God. I dont know why; perhaps thats an attitude YOU need to pray about. (Perhaps due to my rarely being on social media for my own sanity). Feel free to watch our services online! Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. That would just be weird. 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. I didnt say Pastor Dates was the ONLY person who could minister to me; I dont have anyone in my life like htat. I dont idolize Pastor Dates, nor is he my everything. Not because of a sermon I heard from a distance or book that I read.. All the old leaders stay in place and dont open up and make room for new leadership. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. He served three terms as an Illinois state senator, was chairman of the state board of education, and ran in Chicagos 2011 mayoral race. 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. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. Dateswho spoke at several national SBC events before and after deciding to affiliate with the denominationwrote that the statement was a final straw.. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago | Chicago IL He teaches preaching at Wheaton College and serves as an Affiliate Professor of the Baylor University George W. Truett Theological Seminary and as Affiliate Professor of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. SERVICE TIME 9:30 AM CST Watch Live "It's Alright to Cry"| Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago Watch on Latest Sermon Progressive was around WAY before Charlie Dates; it was not founded or based on his teachings alone. I think history, much like the end of Romans, is meant to teach us what God can do. Just goes to show that even in this day and age, after all thats happened, megachurches still value butts in the seats and the almighty dollar over holding celebrity pastors accountable for their actions and character. The church actually changed the face of that community, he says. 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. If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Perhaps you are taking on a worldly definition of love? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Standing in the pulpit on Sunday at the House of, Feet splashed in puddles on a rainy Sunday afternoon as almost 1,000 people came together in Smyrna, a small town in Middle. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. If I can help these churches recognize Gods hand in their past as a kind of indication of God, of what God wants to do in the future, then I think I can hand it off to the next generation in good fashion. Progressives buildings were built without a dime of debt at a time where Black people could not get a loan from a bank. Its one thing to adore someone you dont have any personal relationship with. . Both of them have produced some stalwart Christian leaders and teachers. On March 27-28, Dates will give a sermon and lecture at Samford University for the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies annual Dotson M. Nelson Lecture. While West says he cannot offer a full affirmation of the theory, he does not see it as incompatible with the gospel. He is a contributing author to Letters To A Birmingham Jail and Say It: Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition, and is currently working on his first single-authored book on Christianity and Social Justice. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Gleannings aggregates what others are reporting. 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. Dates, 41, is a graduate of Salem's now-closed Salem Christian Academy. Im just saying that at the juncture were in and being a son of the soil of Chicago and a son of Salem, and now having pastored Progressive, I just think I have a unique understanding and relational dynamic with both churches. Shes ready to work. 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. 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. He was also on staff at Salem Baptist for five years as Meeks preaching assistant before becoming Progressives youngest-ever senior pastor at age 30. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In a video posted Monday, Meeks called Dates the greatest preacher in our nation., The Bible says one man planteth and another man watereth, and God giveth the increase, he said in the video, with his wife Jamell Meeks, director of Salems womens ministries, at his side. To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, on a recent Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like, The Rev. Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. The SBC experienced a 43 percent jump in majority-black churches between 1998 and 2002, compared to 11 percent over the most recent four years. This workshop will cover everything from home buying basics to the most important step, funding and loan process. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right?