Blockbuster or Netflix?

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. -1Corinthians 9:19-23 NKJV
 
I had the opportunity to go to a good friend’s installation as pastor. The preacher for the day said something that I believe is worth sharing with everyone.

“There is a danger of being a Blockbuster church in a Netflix world.”-Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin

For those of you who may not remember, Blockbuster was a store that you could rent movies and games from. In its early start, Netflix was a company that you could rent DVDs from home and they would be delivered in the mail. Blockbuster was presented with the idea from Netflix and rejected the idea. There is presently one Blockbuster left in existence and Netflix is a billion dollar company. How did this happen you ask? Netflix chose to meet people where they are.

You might be asking yourself how this story helps me with anything in my spiritual walk. If were are not careful the church will suffer the same fate as Blockbuster if we do not make a conscious effort to meet people where they are. The times have changed, but the Gospel has remained the same. Jesus died for the sins of the world and got up three days later for the salvation of the world. The Gospel remains unchanged, but the way that we share it has to evolve as the world changes. You can’t reach a mp3 generation with an 8-trac mindset. It won’t work.

Here's what Paul says, I become all things to all people that I might save some. He says I am going to find a way to connect to you in a way that you would understand this Gospel message and have salvation in your life. Just so that we are clear, here is what Paul was not trying to do.

1. Paul was not trying to please the world.
2. Paul was not going to sin to share the Gospel

Paul was a servant and he did what servants do. Serve others. He sees the needs and tries to fulfill them. Just like Netflix saw that every wants movies, we have to see that everyone needs Jesus. We have to go outside of our comfort zone to meet people where they are. I am not asking you to Netflix and chill. I am asking you to help get someone connected. I can’t give you my Netflix account password on this one. You will have to get your own subscription. In 2021, the church cannot continue to be Blockbuster. Expecting people to show up to see the product. You have to meet them where they are to show them the value of it.

Rather than have scripture readings this week, I want you to take some actions. Meet people where they are.

Tuesday- Become All Things to Those In Your House
Wednesday – Become All Things to Those In Your Family
Thursday – Become All Things to Those At Work
Friday – Become All Things to Your Friends
Saturday – Become All Things to A Stranger