So Im not in a position to speak on that. 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. 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. I like my pastor; I dont love him. Another prominent Black Baptist pastor publicly quits the SBC 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. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. COMMENTARY: Six white men shouldnt decide Southern Baptist position on race. In accepting the role, Dates said he sees Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as a global church. 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. 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. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church. Charlie Dates is pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago. Logos of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. ), Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Progressive Baptist Church. I dont see anything wrong with loving those who Christ calls us to love, which includes our brothers and sisters in Christ (that includes pastors). Book your appointment here. But what is liberal in the history of American Christianity? We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. Pretty sure there were no consequences whatsoever for him over it. "It's Alright to Cry"| Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago by Pastor Charlie Dates. 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. 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. 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. 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. "We believe now that the time has come for us to step aside, for us to yield to new younger leadership," Meeks said. Im not in the weeds at Progressive. Dr. Wheaton Koinonia | Yesterday, Charlie Dates, the Senior Pastor at It just isnt where God has me in this season of my life (yet). Sad, but not at all surprising. 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. Shes ready to work. 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. On one hand, the legacy has to continue. 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. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. Now we have 2 churches thinking only one particular man can lead them. 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. But you seem determined to dismiss or belittle it in some sort of attempt to insult the Dates and me. It actually makes me think of Moses, who was advised on how to make leading the growing number of Israelites more manageable by placing them into groups and delegating. 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. "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.". 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. Some Black Southern Baptists feel shut out by white leaders 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.. What kind of repentance did he show and how has he made amends? 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. 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. Progressive Baptist Church Podcast on Apple Podcasts Again, amen to that. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. 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. 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. Thats not always the case when you assume a pastorate. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? They are good men who are sending a big message to the SBC, said Marshal Ausberry. 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. 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. I believe now that the time has come for me to yield to a younger person.. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. The statement on critical race theory and intersectionality has soiled that good faith.. Ill be here every Sunday and through the week as I normally am, Dates said. 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. I had to fight all of my flesh not to just walk away. Progressive has asked me, when the time comes, to help them to find their next pastor. 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. Brian 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? Progressive Service Time 9:30am 3658 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago Coming Up. 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. Theres just no way you can pastor a church that big being involved in all of the details, right? Conservatism is, and has always been, the god of the SBC. 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. The other thing is, in terms of preaching, I plan on preaching two services on Sunday morning: one at Progressive and one at Salem. Galatians 5: 13-14 | Pastor David Swanson, Pastor Charlie Dates | Progressive Chicago. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. "We want to see our church be vibrant. 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. I ADORE Charlie Dates. No. I left that conference feeling hopeful. So for me, what attracted me was God. Warren announced his intention to retire last year after over 40 years of ministry and began the search for "the next-generation pastor.". Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Our PBC Teens are highly engaged in biblical teaching and discussion on how to navigate a Christian life amongst their peers. He told his trustees to uphold the slaveholder for whom his college is named. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Charlie Dates Returns to the Chicago Church that Shaped Him Photo courtesy of Charlie Dates. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago Pastor: Dr. Charlie E. Dates Website: www.progressivechicago.org Giving/Donations: https://progressivechicago.org/give IG: Heavily influenced by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, W.E.B. The two pastors brought up recognizing the reality of systemic racism alongside the truth and authority of Scripture. Brian Mohler, to take one example, endorsed a philandering, racist president, thereby betraying his Black and brown Christian family. I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. The recent departures caught the attention of Southern Baptist leaders who were disappointed to see them go, particularly fellow African Americans. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. 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. 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. He also told him hes still willfully acting like hes a slave because he rejects CRT. Dates explained he saw rejecting CRT as part of a continuing heritage of dangerous conservatism.. Sis Sharon Lillard Homegoing Service on Vimeo Were living in a time where so many young people are walking away from the church and where church attendance numbers are in the dumps. 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. 53 min; FEB 8, 2023 "Can't Turn . I think history, much like the end of Romans, is meant to teach us what God can do. I understand both sides, but havent thought about it enough to have a strong opinion, probably because I dont use those terms. 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. Charlie is the senior pastor a Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church. This was why I felt it safe to forge an alliance. 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. Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. "Charlie is called, and I believe all ministry starts with a calling," Meeks said. I dont know why; perhaps thats an attitude YOU need to pray about. My response to the above is that that kind of filling of your personal needs, i.e. Respect and admire if they are capable, yes. 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. All the old leaders stay in place and dont open up and make room for new leadership. To correct us from repeating errors and to inspire and to encourage us to pursue Gods great promise. 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. 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. 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. Pastoral leadership is a storied pillar in both of these churches. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Theres a danger when the person idolized has a position of power and authority, particularly in a religious sense. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He's trained to fight the giants that we're dealing with today. Preachers and teachers are there to instruct and shape us much like secular, academic teachers/professors. For questions or to reach his office, please email booking@progressivechicago.org. "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.". Charlie E. Dates was presented to the church in February 2011. 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. 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. So we decided to cooperate and join our church to the SBC in what is known as a dual affiliation. My acknowledgement of this is not a statement of submission, but an act of defiance. If you sense the malaise around Christian denominations, then you already yearn for a new vision and a new standard. Could you describe your relationship with Meeks? 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. Its fair to say that I understand the dynamics of congregational leadership and development in both churches. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. Sign up now ! Its time for Salem to have younger leadership . 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. 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 choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. You know, at one point, Progressive had the strongest and largest Christian discipleship ministry in the city. 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. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I will admit to knowing very little about Charlie Dates, but what Gus Chiggins posted is extremely concerning. Hmm. I go where God leads me not Charlie Dates. We need a new vision. . We need new ideas. 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 have, by the grace of God, the DNA of both churches.. Rev. I have to lead through my leaders. The mega church concept is already troublesome. 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. Join us before worship service on Sunday, March 19th directly following service. You see many people who are guilty of holding onto positions too long, he says. Our seminaries, many of them are in decline. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. His decision came two days after West made a similar argument in a Baptist Standard op-ed. Charlie Dates Current Workplace. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. 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. I dont idolize Pastor Dates, nor is he my everything. Its time for Salem to move forward, he told his congregants. What I will say is that Progressive and Salem demonstrate the spectrum of Black churches in Chicago. Standing in the pulpit on Sunday at the House of, Feet splashed in puddles on a rainy Sunday afternoon as almost 1,000 people came together in Smyrna, a small town in Middle. Its important to highlight that this is not conventional. There is a HUGE problem with adoring a pastorany pastor, even a truly great one. He was also on staff at Salem Baptist for five years as Meeks preaching assistant before becoming Progressives youngest-ever senior pastor at age 30. You 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. Meeks, a former state senator, founded Salem Baptist 38 years ago. It took a while for it to reimagine and revitalize and become relevant again. 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. Chicago has rich Black churches throughout the South and West sides, in particular. 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. It does not store any personal data. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Not able to make? Its humorous, its rewarding, and its worth more than the price of gold or platinum. 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. Some in our ranks inappropriately use the label of CRT! to avoid legitimate questions or as a cudgel to dismiss any discussion of discrimination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Im working to discern Gods direction as it relates to timing of when to conclude. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month.