The Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, located on the far South Side of the city, has recently joined Converge MSC, marking an exciting new chapter in the church’s journey. Under the leadership of their new pastor, Dr. Charlie Dates, who succeeded the founding pastor after 38 years of ministry, the church is navigating a successful transition. Nearly two years into this leadership shift, the congregation is not only stable but showing signs of growth—a testament to God’s work in this community.
A Community of Challenges and Opportunity
The context in which Salem Baptist Church operates is both challenging and rich with opportunities for ministry. The far South Side of Chicago, where the church is located, faces significant social and economic hardships. Ethnic minorities in this area have been disenfranchised across multiple sectors—economically, educationally, and nutritionally. While the north side of Chicago flourishes, the contrast in living conditions is stark on the south side, where children often struggle to reach a third-grade reading level and new development has been stagnant for over four decades.
However, there are glimpses of hope. New homes are being built, restaurants and jobs are slowly making their way into the community, and despite the immobility that surrounds them, the church remains a beacon of light in a hard place to do ministry.
Trusting God for the Future
Looking ahead, the church is trusting God to bring significant breakthroughs. One major focus is the potential for debt elimination or a refinance on their property, which would allow the church to operate with less financial pressure and greater freedom to serve the community. This step would enable the church to minister more effectively and pursue its mission without the burden of overwhelming debt.
Why Converge? A Partnership Rooted in Faith and Leadership
When asked about what helped them make the decision to join Converge MidAmerica, Dr. Gates didn’t hesitate: “John Jenkins.” Pastor John Jenkins, a respected leader within the Converge network, played a pivotal role in guiding Salem Baptist Church into this new affiliation. Described as a “giant” in the faith, Pastor Jenkins has been instrumental in providing wisdom and guidance to the pastor and his family as they navigate the complexities of ministry.
“I believe in church networks and denominations,” the pastor explains. “They hold the church together and keep us accountable in matters of faith and practice. For a younger Black pastor, finding a network that holds a high view of Scripture and Christ, while also acknowledging systemic injustice, was challenging. But Converge, under Pastor Jenkins’ leadership, felt like the right place for us.”
A New Chapter of Connection and Growth
By joining Converge, Salem Baptist Church is not only gaining a network of like-minded churches but also strengthening its ties to leaders who share a commitment to truth, justice, and the power of the gospel. The pastor highlighted the influence of other leaders within Converge, such as Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, Pastor Fred Ton, and Dr. Dwight Perry, as key figures in his decision.
As the church moves forward, they are excited to be part of a larger movement of churches dedicated to spreading the love of Christ and addressing the real needs of communities. With the support of Converge MidAmerica, Salem Baptist Church is poised to continue its mission of transforming lives on the South Side of Chicago.
The future is bright for Salem Baptist Church as they continue to serve their community, trusting in God’s provision and leadership to guide them every step of the way.