Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. I would caution ANYONE who makes ANYONE their everytying including a spouse or child. "Charlie is called, and I believe all ministry starts with a calling," Meeks said. I adore Charlie Dates BECAUSE of how he and his wife PERSONALLY ministered to me when I needed it. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. After the neighborhood went dry, Walmart opened a store. But the bones are good. You talked a bit about both churches significance to Chicago. 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. Conservatism is, and has always been, the god of the SBC. He announced in June that he will give his last sermon on January 8, 2023. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". We want to celebrate YOU. Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 95-year history. 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. 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. Could you describe your relationship with Meeks? 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. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! 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. Charlie Dates serves as the senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church and teaches at Moody Bible Institute as an adjunct professor. 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. Weve already started the conversation that, at some point, the goal is to raise up leaders to do more work. Dates, 41, is a graduate of Salem's now-closed Salem Christian Academy. Its time for a young generation to come forward with new challenges facing us.. Photo courtesy of Charlie Dates. What I will say is that Progressive and Salem demonstrate the spectrum of Black churches in Chicago. If I idolized him, dont you think Id have followed him to his church YEARS ago when I first me him? Meeks and his wife, Jamell, founded the church in 1985. No. That is a concerning statement. I understand both sides, but havent thought about it enough to have a strong opinion, probably because I dont use those terms. As I prayed about it, I got no inkling that it was time, just yet, to walk away from Progressive. 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. Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right? The recent departures caught the attention of Southern Baptist leaders who were disappointed to see them go, particularly fellow African Americans. Progressive was once, decades ago, the kind of leading force of churches on the South Side. ), Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. I plan to lead through leaders. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Return to homepage. Welcome to the weekly podcast of Progressive Baptist Church with Pastor and Author, Dr. Charlie Dates. So he is going to pastor two large churches in addition to teaching at several colleges. I do know it is a debate in the Black community about using certain colorist or racially-charged terms against each other. and Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity . Wow, I never knew this, did TRR ever do an expose of this incident? It is going to take an academic mind and a saved heart.". "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.". We were already working with the SBC on a training program at our church, and almost all of the Illinois Baptist State and SBC national leaders I had met seemed aware that their forefathers fell woefully short of any standard of biblical justice. Chicago needs the Black church to be her best and brightest self. When we make one man or woman our everything, bad things are bound to happen. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I dont come out of thin air to either church; you can trace my lineage. He served three terms as an Illinois state senator, was chairman of the state board of education, and ran in Chicagos 2011 mayoral race. 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. (Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is the senior pastor at Chicagos Progressive Baptist Church. For questions or to reach his office, please email booking@progressivechicago.org. Dates new role will mean others will take on some of what Dates does now at Progressive, he said. I will admit to knowing very little about Charlie Dates, but what Gus Chiggins posted is extremely concerning. They would not. It's time for us to bring in young people. Some in our ranks inappropriately use the label of CRT! to avoid legitimate questions or as a cudgel to dismiss any discussion of discrimination. Dates response to the controversy was that its not racist because its between black people. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. Yeah thats in bad form. . Im not saying that Im perfect, forever, for both churches. 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. They both, in that regard, have a history of absolutely incredible pastors. Progressive Baptist Church. 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. Charlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents. Sad, but not at all surprising. Preachers and teachers are there to instruct and shape us much like secular, academic teachers/professors. "It's time for Salem to move forward. Learn more. 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. Comment below and let us know where you're watching fr. 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. In 2011, at age 30, he became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 99-year history. 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. I have to lead through my leaders. 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. 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. The hard reality of the seminary presidents statement is that Black people will never gain full equality in the Southern Baptist Convention. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. . 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? 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. 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. If you have legal questions, attorneys will be available to help you at the legal clinic. Respect and admire if they are capable, yes. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. 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.. He graduated with a PhD in historical theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 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. 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. I dont know anything about Pastor Dates using a slur I havent heard anything about it, nor do I know anything about the context, response, or outcomes. 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. . And Im not sure how bringing up holy men of other faiths comes into it I was at a Christian event seeking Biblically-rooted ministry, and thats what Pastor Dates and his wife provided. Mohler, to take one example, endorsed a philandering, racist president, thereby betraying his Black and brown Christian family. I didnt say Pastor Dates was the ONLY person who could minister to me; I dont have anyone in my life like htat. 53 min; FEB 8, 2023 "Can't Turn . Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. They are ready to see their young adopt the very vestiges of hate that enslaved us in the name of Gods authoritative word. Neither am I saying that hes the only significant influence in my life. When I came back home to Southwestern, I even encouraged other ministers to do the same. Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. For questions or to reach his office, please email booking@progressivechicago.org. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. He opposed the legalization of gay marriage,called for a boycott over funding disparities at Chicago Public Schools, and once served as spiritual adviser to disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly. 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. Charlie Dates Has Led Progressive Baptist To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. 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. We want to see younger families come to our church and the last thing that we want is to stand in the way of that.". Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? James Meeks next year as senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church one of Chicago's biggest megachurches. Now we have 2 churches thinking only one particular man can lead them. Charlie Dates preaching at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017. No matter what age, PBC Kids offers fun, age-appropriate programming that help your children connect with God. Shouldnt a competent, strong, wise pastor stir and challenge his flock, make their complacency seem uncomfortable? And how have you begun planning to deal with those challenges? Its humorous, its rewarding, and its worth more than the price of gold or platinum. Butand this is no secretfor years it stayed in the vein of its history. We need new ideas. Dates explained he saw rejecting CRT as part of a continuing heritage of dangerous conservatism.. 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 . Im not sure I understand your point. The resistance, especially from some of our elderly membership, was swift and sincere. It was the first time to my knowledge that white evangelicals had celebrated in concert the life, memory and work of the Rev. 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. Thanks for the extra info here. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I go where God leads me not Charlie Dates. Who will pay for the SBCs abuse reforms over the long term? That philosophy has weakened whatever prophetic potential the SBC has. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. 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. I am on assignment to lead the church forward in Chicago. 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 the distinction is that I can serve Salem well by loving her through the preaching ministry and pastoral care, and she will follow. Rev. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Progressive Baptist Church, a century-old historically Black congregation, was briefly part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). But as 2020 went on, I grew increasingly uneasy. Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. "We want to see our church be vibrant. Dr. Charlie E. Dates currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois as well as Affiliate Professor of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and NFL Chaplain for the Chicago Bears. You see many people who are guilty of holding onto positions too long, he says. I like my pastor; I dont love him. 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.. Charlie Dates is the senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago and serves on the board of TCP. He is married to Kirstie Dates and is the proud father of their children, Charlie Edward Dates II & Claire Dates. Image courtesy of Baptist Press. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Charlie E. Dates, is a. Meeks' retirement comes at a time when many longtime church leaders have been transitioning out of leadership as they contend with dwindling attendance and other ministry upheavals laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. They are to us what the Electoral College is to the United States: a body that no longer produces what it originally promised. Rev. 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. This was why I felt it safe to forge an alliance. We are hosting our New Member Orientation known as 'Connection Institute.' How are you hoping to continue to cultivate that with both congregations? Chicago Pastor James Meeks to Retire, Pass Baton to Rev. Rev. Pastoral leadership is a storied pillar in both of these churches. There is no such thing as the Old Southern Baptists.. He shared a vision of revival. The statement on critical race theory and intersectionality has soiled that good faith.. As a highly sought-after speaker, he is widely invited to preach at churches and speak at retreats, conferences, and universities throughout the United States and abroad. I was shocked, but not surprised, when Mohler endorsed President Trump and watched the two men on Reformation Day celebrate each other on Twitter. "I sense God performing a work of His Spirit that connects Salem to churches that need revitalization. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Susan Robinson is a 100-year-old Black woman and lifelong member of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, where I am senior .