charlie dates progressive baptist church charlie dates progressive baptist church

These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Rev. 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. 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. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If I idolized him, dont you think Id have followed him to his church YEARS ago when I first me him? I dont idolize Pastor Dates, nor is he my everything. Their seminaries have hosted outstanding guest faculty and chapel speakers outside of their norm. Butand this is no secretfor years it stayed in the vein of its history. This was why I felt it safe to forge an alliance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Sign up for our newsletter: Theres a danger when the person idolized has a position of power and authority, particularly in a religious sense. 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. Feel free to watch our services online! 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. Its one thing to adore someone you dont have any personal relationship with. How do Salem Baptist and Progressive Baptist compare, and what makes you a fit for both congregations at this moment? Perspective by Charlie Dates. 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. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and adjunct at Baylor Universitys Truett Theological Seminary, West said he planned to withdraw from his current doctoral studies at Southwestern and will not associate with the SBC any longer. 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. 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. Charlie Dates has been working as a Youngest Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church for 12 years. 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. 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. Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. If we could look at the current moment and seize the opportunity to develop young people that God has laid his hand upon, then I think the best days of the church, in this critical culture, are in front of us. 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. Again, amen to that. Charlie has also led Progressive in being a very put faith into action church here in the Chicago Black community. Who thinks a half a pastor can shepherd a full church adequately? I left that conference feeling hopeful. 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. I was shocked, but not surprised, when Mohler endorsed President Trump and watched the two men on Reformation Day celebrate each other on Twitter. 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. It is going to take an academic mind and a saved heart.". We want to walk with you and your family in every step of the way. Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 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. And God has blessed us with our own son as the churchs next pastor. fellowship and personal friendship, could have been met by a holy man of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or any other world religionor by a secular counselor or self-help advocate. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Charlie E. Dates, is a. September 3, 2021 at 1:54 p.m. EDT. Datess 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 denomination. 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. Rev. Charlie Dates Has Led Progressive Baptist To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. Thats the good ol boys club. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The two churches will remain separate, and he plans on preaching two sermons each Sunday. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". As I prayed through it, Reverend Meeks and I wrestled with it, and he graciously affirmed my sense of discernment. To correct us from repeating errors and to inspire and to encourage us to pursue Gods great promise. Meeks and his wife say they don't want to stand in the next generation's way. Neither is it a premeditated desire of mine. Meeks, 65, founded Salem in 1985 and grew it from 200 to 10,000 members. Two things. Dr. Charlie Dates will take his place. Some in our ranks inappropriately use the label of CRT! to avoid legitimate questions or as a cudgel to dismiss any discussion of discrimination. 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. Photo courtesy of Charlie Dates. Charlie E. Dates was presented to the church in February 2011. He shared a vision of revival. I dont know why; perhaps thats an attitude YOU need to pray about. In 2011, at age 30, he became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 99-year history. Chicago needs the Black church to be her best and brightest self. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". While I do not know much about Charlie Dates, it has becoming increasingly true that the higher you rise the harder you fall. I have to lead through my leaders. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT: After Chaos and Crisis, Beth Moore Still Finds Refuge in the Church, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest, I Was the Proverbial, Drug-Fueled Rock and Roller, Everything Everywhere All at Once and the Beautiful Mystery of Gods Silence. They are to us what the Electoral College is to the United States: a body that no longer produces what it originally promised. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? He is married to Kirstie Dates and is the proud father of their children, Charlie Edward Dates II & Claire Dates. 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. 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. I plan to lead through leaders. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. Im not saying that Im perfect, forever, for both churches. In the early discussion around the seminary presidents statement, which released last month, SBC president J. D. Greear recognized some of the issues with such emphasis on critical race theory (CRT) itself. 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. I think history, much like the end of Romans, is meant to teach us what God can do. 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. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It's to multiply in every generation and right now the church in Chicago needs fresh dynamic trained Gospel fire leaders. So we decided to cooperate and join our church to the SBC in what is known as a dual affiliation. For questions or to reach his office, please email booking@progressivechicago.org. Shes ready to work. 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. The resolution clarified the theory could be employed, but only subordinate to Scripture.. Legal Clinic The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. To donate, click here. Progressive has asked me, when the time comes, to help them to find their next pastor. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. In his June 19 sermon, he told congregants hes retiring as of January 15, 2023, and the Rev. 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. Charlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents. They are selectively conservative. So for me, what attracted me was God. Charlie Dates Current Workplace. We want to see our church grow. I need to say that this is not an ambition of mine. Our city and our nation need the black church to be her best and brightest self and now is the time for churches to be strong," he said. Charlie is the senior pastor a Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. We need a new vision. As CT reported in August, there werent signs of a trend of majority-black churches leaving in the most recent denomination report from 2018, though the rates of growth year-over-year had slowed after shooting up in the early 2000s. If you sense the malaise around Christian denominations, then you already yearn for a new vision and a new standard. Yeah thats in bad form. It is good that you were ministered to personally by your pastor. Dubois, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Mcloud - Bethune, Dr. Charlies orientation and early formation were significantly bent toward the theological reflection of Black people. Nationally known pastor Rev. How are you hoping to continue to cultivate that with both congregations? Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. The beauty of this narrative is that the Lord, in his kindness and his grace, has taken pastors and churches to develop me. What other things do you want to highlight to your current and future congregations and the readers of CT? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They do not understand themselves to be beneficiaries of a system that marginalizes people of color.". These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. As for me and the Progressive Baptist Church, I keep hearing the words of Harriet Tubman: We out.. 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. Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. 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. While I do not know much about Charlie Dates, it has becoming increasingly true that the higher you rise the harder you fall.. Pastoral leadership is a storied pillar in both of these churches. "The Kingdom work is never to stop with one generation. I dont know if Id recommend this to anybody. He continued his education with a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Historical Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. But I do sense and feel that a lot of the progress that Ive been able to make in the pastorate is connected in some way to his tutelage, his leadership, and his spiritual fathering, so to speak. That was the last straw for Dates, he wrote in a column for Religion News Service. I see the Pauline example in the Gospel of teachers/leaders being figures that we seek and respect for guidance and direction and boundaries, and not necessarily the same functions that friends and family (in or outside of the church) perform. How do you use that significance, and history of these two churches in the city, to drive the future? I adore Charlie Dates BECAUSE of how he and his wife PERSONALLY ministered to me when I needed it. 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. Dates, 41, is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Churcha position hell keep, despite assuming the pastorate at Salem. And how have you begun planning to deal with those challenges? I just checked and you can still see the tweet for yourself, he refused to delete it. Its fair to say that I understand the dynamics of congregational leadership and development in both churches. Pretty sure there were no consequences whatsoever for him over it. Meeks serves on the Moody Bible Institute Trustee Board, and Dates has worked as an adjunct professor there. Dates preaches at the 2019 African American Preaching Conference. 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. Progressive Baptist Church, a century-old historically Black congregation, was briefly part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Speaking with CT, Dates drew parallels to Paul and Timothy, referencing Pauls instructions to the younger leader based on what he had witnessed firsthand in ministry. 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. But the bones are good. The congregation has grown into one of the largest black churches in the city. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. The other thing is, in terms of preaching, I plan on preaching two services on Sunday morning: one at Progressive and one at Salem. But what a blessing to the members of both congregations. In a video message to Progressive, Dates said the two churches will stay distinct, though hell pastor them both. I believe now that the time has come for me to yield to a younger person.. I want to be clear though, Im not saying Im the only Timothy he has, in the same way that Paul had others. His decision came two days after West made a similar argument in a Baptist Standard op-ed. Respect and admire if they are capable, yes. 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. I had to fight all of my flesh not to just walk away. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. 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. 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.. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. I go where God leads me not Charlie Dates. Both Meeks and Dates also have a connection to the Moody Bible Institute. 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. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Return to homepage. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. Another thing is I dont think this dual assignment is in perpetuity. Dateswho spoke at several national SBC events before and after deciding to affiliate with the denominationwrote that the statement was a final straw.. None of our denominations, Black or white, are as relevant and biblically prophetic as our present age requires. That philosophy has weakened whatever prophetic potential the SBC has. 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. But there is nothing wrong with loving those who I do have personal relationships with, and have really left an impact on my faith, family, and heart.. I wonder how many of them provide full time paychecks. Vance Pitman resigned in December from Hope Church in Las Vegas to lead the SBCs national church-planting organization. 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. And thats part of the beauty I think of this story. Not because of a sermon I heard from a distance or book that I read.. He announced Sunday he'll preach his last sermon to the 10,000-member church on January 8, 2023. Ill be here every Sunday and through the week as I normally am, Dates said. When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? "We want to see our church be vibrant. I would caution ANYONE who makes ANYONE their everytying including a spouse or child. The Rev. Religion News Service reported that Fred Luter, the only black SBC president, signed on in agreement. Before his call to Progressive, he served as an apprentice pastor at New Zion Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois, and as a pastor at Salem Baptist Church in Chicago. Sad, but not at all surprising. 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. Would a right-wing famous pastor like Voddie Baucham or Rob Jeffress be able to get away with using racial slurs??? Its one thing to adore someone you dont have any personal relationship with. 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. Now we have 2 churches thinking only one particular man can lead them. Services Progressive Baptist Church SUNDAYS AT PROGRESSIVE We'd love for you to join us at our Sunday Services! He teaches preaching at Wheaton College and serves as an Affiliate Professor of the Baylor University George W. Truett Theological Seminary and as Affiliate . We need new ideas. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. The theory came up in a controversial resolution that passed at the SBCs 2019 annual meeting, when Greear was elected. In accepting the role, Dates said he sees Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as a global church. Have you ever dreamed of owning a home, but don't know where to begin? Marin It's time for Salem to have younger leadership. Meeks called Dates the greatest preacher in our nation. As I prayed about it, I got no inkling that it was time, just yet, to walk away from Progressive. His wife Kirstie also followed up to pray with me and further encourage me. Thats not always the case when you assume a pastorate. In January 2023, Reverend Dates became the Senior Pastor of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Meeks, who is now 65 and served three terms as a state senator, told his congregation that he will preach his final sermon on Jan. 8, 2023, just five days before the church's 38th anniversary. . 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. If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Our PBC Teens are highly engaged in biblical teaching and discussion on how to navigate a Christian life amongst their peers. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. . He served three terms as an Illinois state senator, was chairman of the state board of education, and ran in Chicagos 2011 mayoral race. RELATED: Southern Baptist seminary presidents nix critical race theory. 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. Last month, Dates joined the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to talk about the need for solid Christian preaching during tough times. 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. In just our brief 15 minute interaction, he really ministered to me as he correctly sensed I was going through a season of loss that was challenging my faith. Book your appointment here. Dates explained he saw rejecting CRT as part of a continuing heritage of dangerous conservatism.. He also told him hes still willfully acting like hes a slave because he rejects CRT. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Dates response to the controversy was that its not racist because its between black people. Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. 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. Its evangelism, its benevolence, its disciple-making have all been very Christo-centric and rooted in the Scriptures. Charlie Dates is pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago. He hijacked the affirmation meeting of the Baptist Faith & Message, turning it into a conservative resurgence revival. Rev. That would just be weird. 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.. The hard reality of the seminary presidents statement is that Black people will never gain full equality in the Southern Baptist Convention.