Lessons learned: Keeping things in perspective

Jojo Thomas

There’s wisdom in listening to and considering new ideas/approaches.  Some will be worth trying out.  Some won’t. ”

I was saved in the early 70’s - about the time “the Jesus movement” started gathering steam. Not too long after, the church I grew up in went through an ugly split in the throes of “the charismatic movement.” (It never really recovered.) In seminary, I learned a lot about “the church growth movement.” Then came “the seeker-sensitive movement,” and “the multi-site movement.” Along the way, there were also major shifts toward contemporary vs. traditional worship, reform theology, home groups vs. Sunday School, and much more. It wasn’t uncommon, especially on the front end of a “movement,” to hear someone make great claims for each of these things. But viewed over time, they’ve all been less than a panacea. 

If you’re wondering how any of this applies to ministry in your context, here are a few thoughts:

1. Maintain a healthy skepticism of what’s “fashionable.” That term might seem out of place in a conversation about church leadership. But as long as we’re among human beings who want to make progress, there will be new approaches. Some will get traction because they’re biblically rooted and principled. Others because they fit the times (at least for the moment). And some just because of who’s promoting them. Inevitably, ideas gain steam until “everybody knows that’s true.” Except it isn’t. Don’t jump on board with what’s merely fashionable. 
2. Learn from everything. All the “movements” of the past half century have been imperfect. (And the same might be true of what’s out ahead of us.) So what? They’ve also pointed out things that were being overlooked, or (if rightly applied) could result in a huge blessing. Paul told the Thessalonians to “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” That means there’s wisdom in listening to and considering new ideas/approaches. Some will be worth trying out. Some won’t. And some might be worth building on.
3. Keep what’s built on bedrock. You might “re-brand” how you do VBS, Sunday School, etc. But don’t ever lose touch with the reality behind things. There will always be wisdom in planting seeds of faith early in kids’ lives. And people will always need to be noticed, known, and nurtured. (Something you can’t do effectively via large group worship.) Most importantly, ground everything you’re doing in the truth of Scripture. Not just what’s mentioned in passing somewhere, but what’s central to God’s message and mission.
4. Extend grace everywhere you can. There’s a reason this generation’s passing parade of “movements” have all been flawed. It’s because sinful and limited people like me conceived and promoted them. So before you jump on “X” or Instagram to criticize, check your spirit. Humility is still a beautiful thing.

___

Dr. G. J. (Jojo) Thomas served as the Associational Missionary Strategist for the Chattahoochee Baptist Association from May 2005 until his retirement at the end of 2025. Prior to his ministry with CBA, he served 23 years as the founding pastor of Annistown Road Baptist Church in Snellville, Georgia. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Ministry.