Neither is it a premeditated desire of mine. 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. Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is Senior Pastor at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. But the church left in 2020 after SBC leaders rejected critical race theory en masse. Its one thing to adore someone you dont have any personal relationship with. Theres a danger when the person idolized has a position of power and authority, particularly in a religious sense. CT interviewed him about the history of the two congregations and his call to lead Salem Baptist. To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, on a recent Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like, The Rev. How do you use that significance, and history of these two churches in the city, to drive the future? Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. 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. 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. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago | Chicago IL Perspective by Charlie Dates. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! That was the last straw for Dates, he wrote in a column for Religion News Service. and Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity . How has God moved and worked in ones life? 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. The resolution clarified the theory could be employed, but only subordinate to Scripture.. 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. Not because of a sermon I heard from a distance or book that I read.. And while Progressive is a large congregation (around 1000 members), it doesnt come close to Salem (which has about 10,000). Both of them have produced some stalwart Christian leaders and teachers. That somehow God grants the capacity and that God grants the resources and support. 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. The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. I cant speak much about Salem Baptist Church (other than its known in the Black community here in Chicago due to its sheer size), but I do know Progressive. I dont idolize Pastor Dates, nor is he my everything. . When did the theological architects of American slavery develop the moral character to tell the church how it should discuss and discern racism? "Charlie is called, and I believe all ministry starts with a calling," Meeks said. That is absolutely a legitimate human need but I just dont see it as within the job description of a servant-leader of men in the Epistles. It's to multiply in every generation and right now the church in Chicago needs fresh dynamic trained Gospel fire leaders. 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 . On one hand, the legacy has to continue. That Salem is a loving church ready to work. 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. Rev. I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the accountability and resources they provide for the larger body. Every church that lives in the past is already anchoring itself in the graveyard of history. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". "I sense God performing a work of His Spirit that connects Salem to churches that need revitalization. I would rather not compare them, only because I wouldnt want to say the wrong thing and have someone read it and judge my intent. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Progressive Baptist Church I respect the importance of Christian denominations, the. That philosophy has weakened whatever prophetic potential the SBC has. In 2011, Reverend Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor to serve the historic Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, which saw exponential growth under his leadership. We meet every second Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. That is a concerning statement. Cancel culture is wrong but shouldnt we have heard something about it at least? I dont need to be Einstein to understand that with all these jobs he is not truly doing any of them full time. Its time for Salem to move forward, he told his congregants. This workshop will cover everything from home buying basics to the most important step, funding and loan process. 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. Chuck Smith himself, who started out as every kind of salt and light, found himself tempted by the limelight as he got bigger and bigger, and we saw more and more of his flaws as time went on. But the bones are good. Dates, 41, is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Churcha position hell keep, despite assuming the pastorate at Salem. Dr. "Not only is he called, but he is qualified or educated. The average member was around before Charlie (hes been there ~10 years) and knows hes not the only one who can lead them. In addition, the 41-year-old also served under Meeks as primary preaching assistant, pastor of adult ministries, and director of church operations at Salem Baptist before becoming senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church in 2011. That was the message Sunday from the Rev. The SBCs power structure wants to maintain white dominance. If Charlie Dates indeed used a racial slur (just last year), that does call into fitness his ability to do any of the above. Would a right-wing famous pastor like Voddie Baucham or Rob Jeffress be able to get away with using racial slurs??? 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. 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. What lessons or advice has he already passed along about leading Salem Baptist? 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. Dates holds a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Illinois - Champaign, Urbana, where he met his wife, Kirstie, who not only changed his life, but also elevated his approach to living. Not able to make? I dont come out of thin air to either church; you can trace my lineage. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. "It's time for Salem to move forward. What I benefit from is far greater than just a tip from him here or there; its more of a model of a life lived. Rev. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. In all that, he can never be criticized within his ranks. While West says he cannot offer a full affirmation of the theory, he does not see it as incompatible with the gospel. 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. Who thinks a half a pastor can shepherd a full church adequately? Yesterday, Charlie Dates, the Senior Pastor at Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church, gave a powerful biblical message addressing the recent killings of Auhmad Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. I just only pray he does not become spread too thin by leading two large churches. The statement on critical race theory and intersectionality has soiled that good faith.. Dates, 41, graduated from Salems now-shuttered Christian Academy. Dateswho spoke at several national SBC events before and after deciding to affiliate with the denominationwrote that the statement was a final straw.. As I prayed through it, Reverend Meeks and I wrestled with it, and he graciously affirmed my sense of discernment. Progressive got insulated at one point. And if you have a testimony of the amazing things God is doing in your life through our ministry, please email it to [email protected]. Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor in Progressive's rich 95-year history. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I just hate to see us automatically dismiss a pastor, church or ministry due to size. Dates to speak at your next event, please complete the Speaker Request form. @progressivechicago | @charliedates |. SBC events and church planting have grown more diverse over the past decade as leaders made a concerted effort to feature and invest in non-Anglo pastors. Neither am I saying that hes the only significant influence in my life. I adore Charlie Dates BECAUSE of how he and his wife PERSONALLY ministered to me when I needed it. What I will say is that Progressive and Salem demonstrate the spectrum of Black churches in Chicago. Meeks has led the African American congregation, now at nearly 10,000 members, since its founding in 1985. They are good men who are sending a big message to the SBC, said Marshal Ausberry. 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? Heavily influenced by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, W.E.B. What specifically attracted you about this role at Salem Baptist? We need new ideas. In accepting the role, Dates said he sees Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as a global church. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our. Dr. Charlie Dates is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences and universities throughout the United States. As for me, I will always be grateful. Charlie Dates serves as the senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church and teaches at Moody Bible Institute as an adjunct professor. I will admit to knowing very little about Charlie Dates, but what Gus Chiggins posted is extremely concerning. 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. To choose a successor Meeks says he and his wife, First Lady Jamell Meeks, prayed and fasted. Blessed to serve in the city in which he was born, Reverend Dr. Charlie E. Dates is Chicago through and through. 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. It's time for us to bring in young people. Dates explained he saw rejecting CRT as part of a continuing heritage of dangerous conservatism.. "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's trained to fight the giants that we're dealing with today. 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. After the neighborhood went dry, Walmart opened a store. "The Kingdom work is never to stop with one generation. He also teaches at Wheaton College and has delivered chapel sermons at various institutions, including The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am on assignment to lead the church forward in Chicago. 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. Perhaps I need to know whats defined as a megachurch? 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. He is married to Kirstie Dates and is the proud father of their children, Charlie Edward Dates II & Claire Dates. 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. He and his wife, Kirstie, have two children. They both, in that regard, have a history of absolutely incredible pastors. 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. Last month, Dates joined the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to talk about the need for solid Christian preaching during tough times. Their seminaries have hosted outstanding guest faculty and chapel speakers outside of their norm. The first challenge is getting the churches to sense that where God gives a vision, theres always provision. Raised on the southside of Chicago, he came of age having welcomed Christ into his life early. Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa left the SBC over the summer due to concerns over its approach to racial issues. I like my pastor; I dont love him. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. 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. 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. Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Charlie E. Dates, is a. No One Knows. He hijacked the affirmation meeting of the Baptist Faith & Message, turning it into a conservative resurgence revival. 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. That was the old Southern Baptists, I promised them and others in our church. Feel free to watch our services online! Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Legal Clinic The Social Justice Ministry is here to help through our Gospel Justice Center Legal Clinic. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. It is the work of that church, but its also Reverend Meeks, the pastor of that church. For questions or to reach his office, please email [email protected]. "We want to see our church be vibrant. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The head of the SBCs National African American Fellowship, which had raised concerns about the critical race theory statement a week ago, said he was saddened by the announcements. 1 is my itinerant ministry will take a reduction, and I will be present locally a lot more, which Im looking forward to. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Dates response to the controversy was that its not racist because its between black people. But it would be foolish to assume its humanly possible to do this in and of myself. 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. Sign up for our newsletter: Logos of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. 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. Charlie Dates preaching at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017. It is good that you were ministered to personally by your pastor. Adoring sounds like its crossed the line into idolatrysomething a lot of these guys at bare minimum do nothing to discourage, and a few outright seek. 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.. Book your appointment here. Nationally known pastor Rev. I cant speak for them. Its not making me feel good; warm and fuzzy. The only outcome can be from their life experience, which really ignores the broader family of Southern Baptists.. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Pastor Charlie Dates speaks at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. Charlie earned an M.Div. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I would caution ANYONE who makes ANYONE their everytying including a spouse or child.