The world is “a changing.” Perhaps you remember the companies Kodak and Blockbuster. When I was a teenager, these companies dominated the camera/video industry. I would drive to Blockbuster, rent some videos or games for a weekend and then return them in time to avoid a fine. That is, until Netflix made Blockbuster obsolete. Who needed to go rent movies when the movies would come to you? And who needs Kodak when we can take out our phones and print our own pictures? Somehow, Kodak missed the digital era. What happened? These companies did not change with the times. They did not reinvent themselves.
In contrast, Disney World and Amazon have skyrocketed in sales since I was a teenager. What’s the difference? Why does Disney World have more people attending their theme park than ever before and why does Amazon continue to increase its sales? The reason: they continually tweak what they do best. And, they add the latest and greatest rides, attractions, or items to their agenda. It’s like coaching. Nick Saban, John Calipari, and Mike Krzyzewski are the best college coaches because they continually re-invent themselves and play to their strengths. Other coaches find themselves out of a job and looking from the outside-in.
Did you know that the next generation is changing the cheese industry? Kraft Foods is beginning to sweat. Our country’s cheese market is down 1.6 percent. Millennials are demanding “nourishment from ingredients that are both recognizable and pronounceable” (from a Bloomberg report). What’s the result? Todd Rhodes says, “McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and other fast-food restaurants are moving away from processed American cheese to offer things like Asiago and Real Cheddar.” If Kraft doesn’t readjust, they will be the next Kodak.
The church is no different. We live in difficult times. However, we the church still hold the message that can transform lives, heal families, and revive churches. It’s not our message that needs to change. It’s our methods. Reaching people today for Christ is not the same today as it was twenty-five years ago. We’ve gone from a country where everyone believed in God to a country where many doubt his existence. I won’t use this post to list all the areas the church needs to change. This post is written so the church will recognize it needs to change. I heard a great quote yesterday: “If you want to solve a problem, you must first admit you have a problem.” Church, we have a problem. We also have the solution!
Where do you need to change? That’s right—you? Change is hard. I know. As God disciplines us, it is often painful. But, I’m not talking about the change Christ brings about in us character over time. I’m saying where do you need to change so you can live like its 2018. I think part of the church’s problem is many churches are still doing church like it’s the 1950’s. “Doing church” is an even bigger problem, but I won’t go there.
For me, I resisted offering my next gen books in digital format. But, I realize the world is changing and I don’t want to get left behind. I want to like Coach K and Coach Saban be able to relate to the next generation even as I age. I don’t want to become like Kodak, a thing of the past. You can find my digital books in Kindle format on Amazon. My print books are cleaner in format and I would recommend you buy them. But, if reading books on your tablet, phone, or e-reader suits your fancy, be my guest! In fact, I updated Next Generation Ministry and Discipleship just a tad in the Kindle edition. The Kindle covers will appear different than the print covers. If you are interested in purchasing my books from the Kindle store, here are the links:
Next Generation Ministry and Discipleship
The M.A.P.’s Journal