OUR MISSION
Where Faith is lived, Unity is strengthened, Vision is clear, and Love leads the way.
OUR Core VALUES
1. Faith
Faith is our foundation.
We trust God completely—even when we don’t fully understand His plan.
We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
We depend on God in every season—certainty and uncertainty
We believe God is still moving, still speaking, and still performing miracles
What it looks like at PBC:
Prayer is central. Worship is authentic. Decisions are God-led—not fear-driven.
2. Unity
Unity is our strength.
We are one church, one family, moving in the same direction.
We choose love over division
We protect the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3)
We honor one another across differences
What it looks like at PBC:
We move together—not in cliques, not in confusion. Even when we disagree, we stay connected and committed.
3. Vision
Vision is our direction.
We are not stuck—we are moving forward with purpose.
We seek God’s plan for the future (Proverbs 29:18)
We embrace growth, change, and progress
We build with intention, not just tradition
What it looks like at PBC:
Clear direction. Intentional ministry. A church that’s not just surviving—but advancing.
4. Love
Love is our culture.
Everything we do is rooted in how we treat people.
Love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13)
We demonstrate love through action—not just words
We create a place where everyone belongs
What it looks like at PBC:
A welcoming atmosphere. Genuine care. A church where people don’t just attend—they are valued.
Putting It All Together
Faith grounds us.
Unity binds us.
Vision drives us.
Love defines us.
This isn’t just what Progressive Baptist Church believes—this is how we live, lead, and move forward together.
OUR HISTORY
1966: Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Rev. Cecil Hall. Services were held in the basement of Pilgrim Baptist Church.
July 25, 1967: Secretary of State Edgar D. Whitcomb recorded the church’s name as Progressive Free Will Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Rev. Hall, the church purchased a house at 6120 N. Michigan Road.
March 17, 1969: The church was renamed Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Hall resigned as pastor in 1974.
1974: Rev. Nathan Birdsong and Rev. Earlest Birdsong began serving as interim pastors and faithfully served until June 1975.
June 1975: Rev. W. Bernard Minor was installed as Senior Pastor. In 1988, under the leadership of Pastor Minor a church was built on the land at 61st and Michigan Road. Rev. Minor retired in 1993 and served as pastor emeritus until September 1994.
September 1994: Rev. Michael K. Jones was installed as Senior Pastor. Under Pastor Jones’ leadership, the church purchased ten acres of land on W. 59th Street and broke ground on our current building October 15, 2000. Rev. Michael K. Jones served Progressive Baptist Church faithfully until his death on July 26, 2016.
June 24, 2001: Progressive held its first service at 4625 W. 59th Street.
September 23, 2001: 4625 W. 59th Street was dedicated as the Ester L. Springfield Family Life Center.
November 2017: Rev. Frank Alexander began serving as Interim Pastor.
February 2019: Rev. Darian C. Bouie, M. Div. was elected as the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church and was installed in September 2019. Pastor Bouie served until March 2025.
November 2025: Rev. Alfred Weems III began serving as Interim Pastor. In March 2026 Pastor Weems was elected as the 5th Senior Pastor.
“We’ve Come This Far By Faith”
PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
