Salem Bible Church — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Pastor James Meeks

Founded See website

Denomination Non-Denominational (Bible Church)

Service Times Sunday morning (see website)

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website www.salembiblechicago.org

Pastor Credentials See website

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

Trinitarian, gospel-affirming.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Verify inerrancy stance — many historically Black churches affirm authority but not strict inerrancy.

Caution

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Verify men's ministry.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Verify faith-alone soteriology.

Caution

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Verify patriarchal / complementarian / egalitarian stance.

Verify

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

WebFetch returned ECONNREFUSED — website unreachable on this pass. Needs alternate verification.

Caution

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Verify expository vs topical.

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Active outreach and community engagement typical of Black megachurches.

Strong

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Verify — many historically Black churches engage social justice; evaluate whether gospel remains central.

Caution

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Verify denominational accountability and theological alignment.

Caution

Assessment

Salem Bible Church is one of Chicago's largest Black evangelical churches. Pastor James Meeks (also former IL State Senator) has led for decades. Non-denominational Bible church with evangelical theology. Strong community presence on Chicago's South Side.

#megachurch#chicago#illinois#bible-church#black-evangelical

Visit Their Website ← Back to Church Directory

MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 — Annual review recommended

← Return to Full Church Directory