Everything must change, nothing stays the same, there are not many things in life you can be sure of except, rain comes from the clouds, the sun lights up the sky, and hummingbirds do fly, with that said congratulations Pastor Meeks, on your retirement, congratulations Pastor elect Charlie Dates. 

Nationally known pastor Rev. Charlie Dates is set to succeed Rev. James Meeks next year as senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church—one of Chicago’s biggest megachurches. Meeks, 65, has been a pastor for 42 years and said he’s learned from King David’s life “when it’s time to come off the battlefield.” He added to the 10,000-member church: “It’s time for Salem to have younger leadership . . . And God has blessed us with our own son” as the church’s next pastor. At age 25, Dates started as Meeks’ preaching assistant at Salem. Five years later, Dates was named senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, also in Chicago. Now the 41-year-old pastor plans to keep that position, despite assuming the pastorate at Salem. Dates said the two churches will stay distinct, though he’ll pastor them both. 

(You Can Read About It Here)