Not because of a sermon I heard from a distance or book that I read. To donate, becoming Progressives youngest-ever senior pastor, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Chicago Unity Service Brings Together Christians Across Ethnic Lines, Chicago Pastor James Meeks Bids Tearful Farewell After 38 Years at Salem Baptist, Tennessee Charity Walk to Fund Needed Wells Persists Despite Rainy Conditions, Eden Village Ministry Aims to End Homelessness Through Tiny Home Communities, Gateway Seminary to Fund Short-Term Mission Trips for All Students, Vineyard Pastor Resigns, Wont Cooperate With Probe Into Sons Alleged Misconduct, Why Businessman Peter Chung Matters for the Future of The Kings College. Sign up now ! 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. 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. "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.". (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. 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. They are ready to see their young adopt the very vestiges of hate that enslaved us in the name of Gods authoritative word. Pretty sure there were no consequences whatsoever for him over it. 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. Not able to make? Rev. Progressive Service Time 9:30am 3658 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago Coming Up. I adore Charlie Dates BECAUSE of how he and his wife PERSONALLY ministered to me when I needed it. Come stop by the north lobby to have your picture and/or video taken on March 19th and the 26th directly following service, As our church family continues to grow, we want to welcome our new members home. 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. "And God has blessed us with our own son who has agreed starting January 15th, 2023, to be the next pastor of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.". Our PBC Teens are highly engaged in biblical teaching and discussion on how to navigate a Christian life amongst their peers. 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. My approach at Salem will be similar once I have learned again the way of the land. With teary eyes, I just told them I hope that they accept my recommendation when that time comes. How did they, who in 2020 still dont have a single Black denominational entity head, reject once and for all a theory that helps to frame the real race problems we face? Dates wrote in an op-ed Friday for the Religion News Service. As I prayed through it, Reverend Meeks and I wrestled with it, and he graciously affirmed my sense of discernment. Mohler, to take one example, endorsed a philandering, racist president, thereby betraying his Black and brown Christian family. There is no such thing as the Old Southern Baptists.. 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. Nationally known pastor Rev. If we in the SBC had shown as much sorrow for the painful legacy that sin has left as we show passion to decry CRT, we probably wouldnt be in this mess., Critical race theory isnt clearly defined, but generally refers to an approach to racism as systemic and embedded in society. The two churches will remain separate, and he plans on preaching two sermons each Sunday. If that is YOUR definition of ministering to someone (because that is the language I used, and you jumped to that conclusion), YOU need to revisit it. 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. Thats their choice. The beauty of this narrative is that the Lord, in his kindness and his grace, has taken pastors and churches to develop me. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Meeks and his wife, Jamell, founded the church in 1985. Its the same approach that created President Donald Trump, that makes sure that no Republican leader will challenge him publicly. The mega church concept is already troublesome. How has God moved and worked in ones life? Meeks and his wife say they don't want to stand in the next generation's way. 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. It's time for us to bring in young people. Dates, 41, is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Churcha position hell keep, despite assuming the pastorate at Salem. The young people I met that week shocked me with the warmth and enthusiasm with which they embraced the subject matter. In January 2023, Reverend Dates became the Senior Pastor of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. James Meeks faltered for just a moment at the end. Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. . That philosophy has weakened whatever prophetic potential the SBC has. If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT: Southern Baptist Convention Disfellowships Saddleback Church, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest, Everything Everywhere All at Once and the Beautiful Mystery of Gods Silence. 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. Thats the old SBC. I cant speak for them. Who will pay for the SBCs abuse reforms over the long term? To learn more about how you can begin or deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ, visit us at ProgressiveChicago.org . 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. Its more than just Progressive and Salem. Charlie Dates Current Workplace. While West says he cannot offer a full affirmation of the theory, he does not see it as incompatible with the gospel. 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. 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.. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. They do not understand themselves to be beneficiaries of a system that marginalizes people of color.". 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. In 1998, Meeks led a push to close 26 liquor stores in a 19-block radius near Salem. Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. This workshop will cover everything from home buying basics to the most important step, funding and loan process. . Ill become senior pastor of both the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and remain that at Progressive.. I will admit to knowing very little about Charlie Dates, but what Gus Chiggins posted is extremely concerning. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? 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.. I had to fight all of my flesh not to just walk away. 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 didnt say Pastor Dates was the ONLY person who could minister to me; I dont have anyone in my life like htat. And while Progressive is a large congregation (around 1000 members), it doesnt come close to Salem (which has about 10,000). He was elected in March by an overwhelming majority, the largest vote received by any pastor in Progressive's rich history. The two pastors brought up recognizing the reality of systemic racism alongside the truth and authority of Scripture. I dont come out of thin air to either church; you can trace my lineage. Weve already started the conversation that, at some point, the goal is to raise up leaders to do more work. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. I have to lead through my leaders. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. In his response, current SBC president Greear asked that fellow members of the denomination consider their concerns and suggested that there are things we can learn from worldly philosophies like critical race theory., Last week, prior to West and Datess announcements, Ausberry, who serves as SBC first vice president and head of the denominations National African American Fellowship, responded to the seminary presidents statement by saying that systemic racism exists and there are theories and constructs that help us to see and discover otherwise undetected, systemic racism in institutions and in ourselves., Especially for those of us who have experienced the brunt of systemic racism in our daily lives, our seminary presidents are good men and they had good intent, Ausberry said in an interview with Baptist Press, but the optics of six Anglo brothers meeting to discuss racism and other related issues without having ethnic representation in the room in 2020, at worst it looks like paternalism, at best insensitivity. As I prayed about it, I got no inkling that it was time, just yet, to walk away from Progressive. That is a concerning statement. Charlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents. What I benefit from is far greater than just a tip from him here or there; its more of a model of a life lived. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Not because of a sermon I heard from a distance or book that I read.. Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. Its evangelism, its benevolence, its disciple-making have all been very Christo-centric and rooted in the Scriptures. Susan Robinson is a 100-year-old Black woman and lifelong member of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, where I am senior . Image courtesy of Baptist Press. The only outcome can be from their life experience, which really ignores the broader family of Southern Baptists.. None of our denominations, Black or white, are as relevant and biblically prophetic as our present age requires. He announced in June that he will give his last sermon on January 8, 2023. Neither am I saying that hes the only significant influence in my life. What lessons or advice has he already passed along about leading Salem Baptist? Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right? Charlie Dates is the senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago and serves on the board of TCP. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Its fair to say that I understand the dynamics of congregational leadership and development in both churches. "Not only is he called, but he is qualified or educated. Perhaps you are taking on a worldly definition of love? . And Progressive only has one location. You see many people who are guilty of holding onto positions too long, he says. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this 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. We need new ideas. We are hosting our New Member Orientation known as 'Connection Institute.' 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. 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. It's to multiply in every generation and right now the church in Chicago needs fresh dynamic trained Gospel fire leaders. Legal Clinic The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Calling him "the greatest young preacher in our nation today," Rev. Marin The leaders of two majority-black megachurches in major cities announced this week that they will no longer affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. It just isnt where God has me in this season of my life (yet). 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. You sure seem ready to defend Trump and do the we dont know whats in his heart, only God knows if hes saved song and dance when it comes to explaining away Trumps lack of repentance or remorse for such language. "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." Please click here to learn how. 53 min; FEB 8, 2023 "Can't Turn . SERVICE TIME 9:30 AM CST Watch Live "It's Alright to Cry"| Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago Watch on Latest Sermon 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. How will your role there look different? Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. He continued his education with a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Historical Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. 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? 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.. 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. What kind of repentance did he show and how has he made amends? Logos of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. 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. I am more of a vision-casting, preaching, pastoral care pastor. (Perhaps due to my rarely being on social media for my own sanity). What specifically attracted you about this role at Salem Baptist? 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. 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. That was the old Southern Baptists, I promised them and others in our church. Also, while there are many people in the comment section who rightfully call him to repent over it, there are plenty of others, including names such as Lecrae and Kyle J Howard, who tweeted their approval of his use of the slur. I think part of this is connected to what attracted me to Salem Baptist. 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. Dates teaches at several universities and seminaries, including Wheaton College, and is popular on the speaking circuit. Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. Its not making me feel good; warm and fuzzy. 3658 SOUTH WENTWORTH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL, 60609, 773-268-6048 | INFO@PROGRESSIVECHICAGO.ORG. To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, on a recent Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like, The 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. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. We need new opportunities," Meeks told his cheering congregation. Book your appointment here. On one hand, Progressive is what I would call progressively traditional, and Salem is traditionally progressive. Sad, but not at all surprising. Something is lost when a pastor becomes distanced from 99% of his church. Blessed to serve in the city in which he was born, Reverend Dr. Charlie E. Dates is Chicago through and through. As for me and the Progressive Baptist Church, I keep hearing the words of Harriet Tubman: We out.. To donate, click here. Conservatism is, and has always been, the god of the SBC. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! Progressive is a church of five generations. Rev. Progressives buildings were built without a dime of debt at a time where Black people could not get a loan from a bank. If I idolized him, dont you think Id have followed him to his church YEARS ago when I first me him? 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. Brian 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Rev. If you sense the malaise around Christian denominations, then you already yearn for a new vision and a new standard. I think thats a blessing, especially when I see a lot of superficial relationships between pastors and their flock. 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. . 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. Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". All rights reserved. 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 . I am on assignment to lead the church forward in Chicago. 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. When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? 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. 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. To them, a belief in a high view of Scripture must mean an adaptation of Republican politics and, with it, the dismissal of critical race theory and intersectionality because of a fear of liberalism. That said, our church has just as high a view (if not higher) of Scripture as any SBC church, but theirs is an inconsistent epistemology. It took a while for it to reimagine and revitalize and become relevant again. I ADORE Charlie Dates. 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. . 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.. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In all that, he can never be criticized within his ranks. In 2011, at age 30, Rev. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Many cannot even define what CRT is, he tweeted. Cancel culture is wrong but shouldnt we have heard something about it at least? 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. 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 . How has he influenced you? He's trained to fight the giants that we're dealing with today. I also understand how a personal relationship strengthens that love; that is the importance of us having relationships in the body of Christ. Dates, 41, graduated from Salems now-shuttered Christian Academy. It seems to me that God has been up to this, directing this well before I could tell. 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. To correct us from repeating errors and to inspire and to encourage us to pursue Gods great promise. I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. 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. Dates also served on Salem's ministry team for a while before leaving in 2011 to serve as the leader of Progressive Baptist Church. I want to be clear though, Im not saying Im the only Timothy he has, in the same way that Paul had others. Children are a gift from God. The resolution clarified the theory could be employed, but only subordinate to Scripture.. 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. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 95-year history. None of that is contingent upon Biblical Christianity (indeed, you say its not because of a sermon or book, meaning theology I assume). 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. 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. 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. From your posts (especially the prior one to this), it almost seems like your biggest qualification for a pastor is whether he or she makes you feel good; warm and fuzzy. Shouldnt a competent, strong, wise pastor stir and challenge his flock, make their complacency seem uncomfortable? 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.
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