October 1, 2026
Some might say everything changed in 2015 when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. Others, that change has been simmering since the 60s. And still others that its roots go all the way back to philosophers & scientists during “the enlightenment.” Whatever’s true, it’s clear some of the ministry models that gained traction in the 20th century aren’t as effective in the 21st. It’s time to let go of some old assumptions.
Don’t assume now that you have automatic credibility by virtue of your role as a minister. Maybe this goes without saying in today’s culture. But for those of us who remember when that was the case, it’s a hard pill to swallow. (One we’re prone to deny, or delay accepting). The truth is… and to some degree has always been… credibility is earned. It’s awarded incrementally when you’re found to be dependable, when your life matches what you teach, and when you serve people - especially beyond what’s expected.
Don’t assume you can “win” by chasing relevance. That’s not to say you shouldn’t aim for excellence; you should. It’s just that things have shifted now until efforts to “meet people on their terms” run the risk of having nothing real to offer. Lost people aren’t looking for a relevant church to attend (or any church to attend). But they might take seriously a church that is unapologetic/honest about who they are and how they offer something radically different.
Don’t assume there’s a consensus of beliefs that everyone (or most everyone) adheres to. Every culture has a few shared values, but today’s America is fragmented to the point of being several cultures. And technology is accelerating the process of fragmentation. So effective ministry starts with being able to articulate (in a gracious way) what makes your understanding of the world different… and beautiful beyond words.
Do assume, despite cultural voices to the contrary, that what you have to offer people is the best news they’ve ever heard. The people you now encounter every day are lacking a firm foundation to build their lives on. They’re trying to recover from failed relationships, sexual scars, & family experiences that bring more pain than joy. You’re a voice that tells them where they fit in the universe, why they matter, where they can go to find radical love/forgiveness, and how they can actually start building the life they’re aching to find.
Maybe that’s why Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rom. 1:16). There’s an assumption you can build on.
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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.
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