53 min; FEB 8, 2023 "Can't Turn . I had to tell my church I was wrong. Galatians 5: 13-14 | Pastor David Swanson, Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago. Charlie Dates is the senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Rev. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. Dates new role will mean others will take on some of what Dates does now at Progressive, he said. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. 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 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. If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the. 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. and Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The statementposted on the anniversary of the 13th amendment abolishing slaverycalled for collective repentance and criticized those who would downplay SBCs racial history or label others as critical race theorists for acknowledging systemic injustices. 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. Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. After the neighborhood went dry, Walmart opened a store. 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. They are selectively conservative. 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. 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. Blessed to serve in the city in which he was born, Reverend Dr. Charlie E. Dates is Chicago through and through. His wife Kirstie also followed up to pray with me and further encourage me. 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. 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. You know, at one point, Progressive had the strongest and largest Christian discipleship ministry in the city. The leaders of two majority-black megachurches in major cities announced this week that they will no longer affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. Vance Pitman resigned in December from Hope Church in Las Vegas to lead the SBCs national church-planting organization. Comment below and let us know where you're watching fr. I am more of a vision-casting, preaching, pastoral care pastor. 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. 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. Progressive has asked me, when the time comes, to help them to find their next pastor. Charlie Dates has been working as a Youngest Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church for 12 years. Last month, in a joint statement and individual remarks, the six presidents of SBC seminaries called critical race theory unbiblical and instead emphasized the need to turn to Christian teachings alone, not secular ideas, to confront racism. And while we are kind of watching this great falling away, we dont have to merely watch it. Dr. Charlie Dates . The SBCs power structure wants to maintain white dominance. Rev. Ill be here every Sunday and through the week as I normally am, Dates said. 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, pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, a church aligned with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, a mostly Black denomination, and also with the Illinois Baptist State Association, which is an SBC affiliate. 3658 SOUTH WENTWORTH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL, 60609, 773-268-6048 | INFO@PROGRESSIVECHICAGO.ORG. 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 go where God leads me not Charlie Dates. I can say Ive been called worse for going to white schools and belonging to white clubs, and Im kinda numb to it at my age. What lessons or advice has he already passed along about leading Salem Baptist? Calling him "the greatest young preacher in our nation today," Rev. And I recognize that. When we make one man or woman our everything, bad things are bound to happen. Meeks has been activeand sometimes controversialin the community. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (RNS) In 2018, something happened at the MLK50 Conference in Memphis, an event co-hosted by the Southern Baptist Conventions policy arm and The Gospel Coalition. When I came to Progressive, it took me a while to actually get my feet under me because of some of the history and nature of the church, and it required a lot of patience and long-suffering initially. And Progressive only has one location. The resistance, especially from some of our elderly membership, was swift and sincere. Charlie has 1 job listed on their profile. Image courtesy of Baptist Press. 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. Pastor Charlie Dates of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago lamented, "This is a very tiring conversation, not simply because of the events of recent weeks, but because this has been a 401-year . Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 95-year history. We need new ideas. Our PBC Teens are highly engaged in biblical teaching and discussion on how to navigate a Christian life amongst their peers. The Rev. Meeks, 65, founded Salem in 1985 and grew it from 200 to 10,000 members. I understand both sides, but havent thought about it enough to have a strong opinion, probably because I dont use those terms. 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. Im not in the weeds at Progressive. Wow, I never knew this, did TRR ever do an expose of this incident? Its kind of like a kid learning a language; when youre immersed in the language, no one has to tell you what words mean and what signals mean.. Hmm. But the bones are good. Great! And the same for Salem, which might still have it. Pastor Charlie Dates is the Senior Pastor of The Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois. That is exactly what I am objecting to though the fact that there is no way he can minister to 11,000 people in the way that he ministered to you. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Services Progressive Baptist Church SUNDAYS AT PROGRESSIVE We'd love for you to join us at our Sunday Services! Another thing is I dont think this dual assignment is in perpetuity. 11,909 were here. I completely understand your concern, Tricia. 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. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. 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. 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. Charlie Dates is the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Please click here to learn how. Every church that lives in the past is already anchoring itself in the graveyard of history. I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the accountability and resources they provide for the larger body. 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. 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? They are good men who are sending a big message to the SBC, said Marshal Ausberry. So Im not in a position to speak on that. When Albert Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Seminary, said the only politically moral option for Christians was the Republican Party, I asked other SBC leaders, good Christian men, to challenge him. Do you have a birthday or anniversary next month? Charlie earned an M.Div. Brian Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right? Gleannings aggregates what others are reporting. Progressive was once, decades ago, the kind of leading force of churches on the South Side. Book your appointment here. 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. I ADORE Charlie Dates. Its evangelism, its benevolence, its disciple-making have all been very Christo-centric and rooted in the Scriptures. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. Rev. The average member was around before Charlie (hes been there ~10 years) and knows hes not the only one who can lead them. Im not saying that Im perfect, forever, for both churches. James Meeks faltered for just a moment at the end. Many cannot even define what CRT is, he tweeted. My relationship with him is dynamic. Have you ever dreamed of owning a home, but don't know where to begin? He told his trustees to uphold the slaveholder for whom his college is named. 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. I also understand how a personal relationship strengthens that love; that is the importance of us having relationships in the body of Christ. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Show Progressive Baptist Church Podcast, Ep Great Expectations | Joshua 14:6-15 | Pastor Bryan Carter - Jul 26, 2022 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. As for me, I will always be grateful. On one hand, Progressive is what I would call progressively traditional, and Salem is traditionally progressive. And while Progressive is a large congregation (around 1000 members), it doesnt come close to Salem (which has about 10,000). While I do not know much about Charlie Dates, it has becoming increasingly true that the higher you rise the harder you fall.. 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. I dont need to be Einstein to understand that with all these jobs he is not truly doing any of them full time. It was the first time to my knowledge that white evangelicals had celebrated in concert the life, memory and work of the Rev. Dates preaches at the 2019 African American Preaching Conference. I do pray Pastor Dates is not spread too thin and that he has the support needed to lead such a large flock effectively. Thats the old SBC. That was the old Southern Baptists, I promised them and others in our church. To donate, click here. 1 is my itinerant ministry will take a reduction, and I will be present locally a lot more, which Im looking forward to. 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 . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Dates graduated from Salem Baptists Christian school, which has since closed. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. James Meeks next year as senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church one of Chicago's biggest megachurches. Rev. He announced Sunday hell preach his last sermon to the 10,000-member church on January 8, 2023. I believe now that the time has come for me to yield to a younger person.. 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. ), Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. So for me, what attracted me was God. He and his wife, Kirstie, have two children. Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. James Meeks next year as senior pastor of Salem Baptist Churchone of Chicagos biggest megachurches. 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. I do know it is a debate in the Black community about using certain colorist or racially-charged terms against each other. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. 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. Its fair to say that I understand the dynamics of congregational leadership and development in both churches. Meeks called Dates the greatest preacher in our nation. Nationally known pastor Rev. Its time for a young generation to come forward with new challenges facing us.. Nationally known pastor Rev. So he is going to pastor two large churches in addition to teaching at several colleges. Dates also served on Salem's ministry team for a while before leaving in 2011 to serve as the leader of Progressive Baptist Church. 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. Weve already started the conversation that, at some point, the goal is to raise up leaders to do more work. In op-eds announcing their decisions to leave, Charlie Dates of Chicagos Progressive Baptist Church and Ralph D. West of Houstons The Church Without Walls both criticized SBC seminary presidents declaration that critical race theory was incompatible with the denominations statement of faith. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. Just, wow. We need a new vision. Progressive Baptist Church is part of the Organizations industry, and located in Illinois, United States. Dates explained he saw rejecting CRT as part of a continuing heritage of dangerous conservatism.. 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? @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. Logos of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. In a video of the announcement, Meeks said after he and his wife fasted and prayed about the succession of the ministry, they felt confident in selecting Dates. Conservatism is, and has always been, the god of the SBC. I would caution ANYONE who makes ANYONE their everytying including a spouse or child. Rev. Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. To correct us from repeating errors and to inspire and to encourage us to pursue Gods great promise. (Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is the senior pastor at Chicagos Progressive Baptist Church. Charlie Dates is pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago. I want to be clear though, Im not saying Im the only Timothy he has, in the same way that Paul had others. To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. . It's time for Salem to have younger leadership. "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." Marin Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. Ill become senior pastor of both the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and remain that at Progressive.. Butand this is no secretfor years it stayed in the vein of its history. And how have you begun planning to deal with those challenges? He holds a PhD in Historical Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We need new opportunities," Meeks told his cheering congregation. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. But there are others who sit close to power within the SBC and who are silent against the racism that plagues their own congregations. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. So we decided to cooperate and join our church to the SBC in what is known as a dual affiliation. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. I left that conference feeling hopeful. 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. Both Meeks and Dates also have a connection to the Moody Bible Institute. 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. 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. Heavily influenced by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, W.E.B. Its time for a younger generation to assume leadership at one of Chicagos largest churches. He also teaches at Wheaton College and has delivered chapel sermons at various institutions, including The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? . Im not sure I understand your point. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. Shouldnt a competent, strong, wise pastor stir and challenge his flock, make their complacency seem uncomfortable? Would a right-wing famous pastor like Voddie Baucham or Rob Jeffress be able to get away with using racial slurs??? . Who thinks a half a pastor can shepherd a full church adequately? I dont idolize Pastor Dates, nor is he my everything. We want to celebrate YOU. 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. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. The backstage conversations at these gatherings promised a new era of advancement on race and theology. Dr. Charlie Dates will take his place. They would not. Are there things at Progressive you will have to step away from? "I sense God performing a work of His Spirit that connects Salem to churches that need revitalization. In 2011, at age 30, he became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 99-year history. Progressive is a church of five generations. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. Their seminaries have hosted outstanding guest faculty and chapel speakers outside of their norm. It is going to take an academic mind and a saved heart.". 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. Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 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. 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. The theory came up in a controversial resolution that passed at the SBCs 2019 annual meeting, when Greear was elected. That would just be weird. Its time for Salem to move forward, he told his congregants. I will admit to knowing very little about Charlie Dates, but what Gus Chiggins posted is extremely concerning. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service. When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? 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.. If, however, I fail to get the churches to see that our history serves our present and inspires our future, then Im in trouble. 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. We want to walk with you and your family in every step of the way. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. 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. Dates also is an affiliate professor at Baylor Universitys George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Texas and at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois, according to his bio. 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. 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 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. In 2006, he began serving as the primary . Learn more. With teary eyes, I just told them I hope that they accept my recommendation when that time comes. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Meeks recalls meeting Dates when Dates was in the 5th grade. Rev. 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. He announced Sunday he'll preach his last sermon to the 10,000-member church on January 8, 2023. 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. Its a sensitive time for both congregations, and I want to convey as they read this my love for both of them. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. The recent departures caught the attention of Southern Baptist leaders who were disappointed to see them go, particularly fellow African Americans. Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. The church actually changed the face of that community, he says. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. He is married to Kirstie Dates and is the proud father of their children, Charlie Edward Dates II & Claire Dates. 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. What kind of repentance did he show and how has he made amends? I took President Adam Greenways invitation to return as a statement of good faith, that the seminary wanted to welcome me and many other Black ministers to contribute to its legacy, he wrote. 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. 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. 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. "Charlie is called, and I believe all ministry starts with a calling," Meeks said. He was elected in March by an overwhelming majority, the largest vote received by any pastor in Progressive's rich history. 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. 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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. 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. Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. He announced in June that he will give his last sermon on January 8, 2023. Progressive Baptist Church. I want to say it is an honor to even be considered, let alone asked, to succeed the Reverend James T. Meeks. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! 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.