Stepping Out: Part 4

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

The month of November flew by, as we were caught up in the rush of Life on Purpose, and then thrown into the mix of holiday madness. Now that Life on Purpose is officially behind us, however, I wanted to offer a conclusion to the Stepping Out series, and share a few things I learned as my wife and I stepped up to host a group in our neighborhood this fall.

Stepping Out: Part 3

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

As we've been anticipating our church-wide spiritual growth campaign, Life on Purpose, Amanda and I decided to host a new group in our home. If you haven't done so already, check out Part 1 and Part 2. I've shared about the fact that this was a little outside our comfort zone... but it has already proven to be a real blessing.

The End is Near

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

I felt compelled to share this with you. If you've ever felt that your group was struggling, or a little off track, watch this video. It will make you feel a lot better. If nothing else, you should at least get a chuckle or two out of it. Enjoy.

Stepping Out: Part 2

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Tonight we took the next step toward starting our Life on Purpose group for our neighbors. For a couple of weeks, now, we've had the invitation cards sitting around. A few days ago we actually finished filling them out with our group information. And after putting it off longer than we should have, we finally walked door to door and talked to the neighbors we had felt should be invited to our group.

Signs of Life part 4: Mission Engaged

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

It's crazy how quickly the time flies. Just the other week I shared with my wife how shockingly fast a year goes by anymore. So it really comes as no surprise that it's been almost eight months since I started this series of posts that talk about our value structure at PCC. Well, now is when I make good on the promise of finishing that series.

Stepping Out: Part 1

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Well, this is somewhat of an unusual post for my blog. Usually, I try to write something that will bring depth to a concept, or provide practical insight to another concept. Occasionally I'll even post something that links to another blog that's loaded with even more depth and insight. This post, on the other hand - or possibly even a series of posts - will be more of a chronicle of sorts that records some our thoughts and experiences as Amanda and I attempt to step outside of our comfort zones a little.

From Serbia with Love

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

I'm posting this from Subotica, Serbia. I had the opportunity to preach in two different churches this morning, and thought I'd make a post of the message. If I end up preaching this at PCC sometime, you'll have to act surprised.

Missing It with Jillian

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Tonight is an unusual night... it's not like I haven't been in similar situations before, but it always feels a little weird when it comes around. Amanda's in the living room watching Losing It with Jillian... I'm not watching it, or else I'd be losing it with Jillian. In stead, I'm finishing the bills. In a little bit, we'll go to sleep. And then tomorrow, I'll fly several thousand miles away, and leave them at home... and I'll be gone for a little over two weeks.

Avoiding the Summer Bummer

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

It happens every year... Mother's Day hits, school lets out, temperatures go up... and if your group is like mine, the activity of your group starts to go down. I call it the Summer Bummer... actually, I didn't call it that until just now, but it I kinda like it.

Livin' On a Prayer

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

The title for this may have less to do with the actual post itself, and more to do with my love for 80's hairbands. But it is about prayer, so that has to count for something. How is your group doing when it comes to praying together? If you're like most groups, you've probably experienced a few of the following scenarios:

How NOT to be an Annoying Leader

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

I was sitting in my kitchen this morning, sipping some coffee, and I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my Saturday morning. So, naturally, I decided to write a quick post.

Pusuing Life Together: Keynote Recap 5/15/10

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

I wanted to take a moment to recap a few things that we shared at our most recent Keynote. If you've never been to a Keynote, or aren't sure what that is, check out this page that really explains what this environment is all about.

Sub-Grouping: Making your small group even smaller?

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

We often talk about keeping our groups small enough for deeper relationships to effectively take shape. And at PCC, we say that a journey group can be anywhere from 2-12 people... and that's really patterned after Jesus' teaching and ministry practices. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." And a majority of Jesus' ministry was targeted toward twelve people, with an inner circle of three.

Signs of Life part 3: the partnership

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

A few weeks ago I started a series of posts in which I'm taking a closer look at the values of PCC. We call them the four vital signs of life because we believe these are the four things that characterize a genuine and growing Christ-follower. So far we've look at the first two: living a transformed life, and included in authentic community. Make sure you check those out if you haven't done so already.

Signs of Life part 2: Inclusion

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Last week I launched a new series of posts regarding our values at PCC. If you haven't done so already, take a moment to go back and read part 1: The Transformation.

Problems in your group?

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

If you answered no, then you better brace yourself... 'cause they're comin'! Don't you feel encouraged? I hate to be a Donny Downer on this one, but we need to be practical. Groups are messy because they're made up of messy people! And every once in a while I get questions about what to do with someone in a group who [fill in the blank]... or won't stop [fill in the blank]... or called me a [fill in the blank].

Signs of Life part 1: the transformation

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

At Pathway, we state that our mission is to intentionally influence people to seek a genuine and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. What does that look like? If this is what we're about as an organization, then we should have some idea what a genuine and growing follower of Christ is and does. So let's ask the question: What is a genuine and growing Christ follower?

Same journey. Different places.

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

One of the greatest benefits of authentic community is the opportunity to benefit from the life-experiences and spiritual journeys of others in our group. The fact is that each of us have something to give, and something to gain, when we're connected in community. The reason for that is because all of us are at different places. My journey may be further along than others, but not as far someone else. And regardless, we can learn from each other.

Narrow the Focus

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small group pastor

Do you know why you're group is meeting? If I were to ask you what the purpose of your journey group is, could you answer that question? Furthermore, if I were to ask what the focus of your journey group is, could you answer that question? Let's take this one more teeny, tiny step further and say that if I were to ask everyone in your group that question, would you all have the same answer?

Maybe you'd ask me a question in response to this: are we supposed to have a focus? And the answer is... YES. Yes, your group should have a singular, unified focus.

All of our groups share a common purpose:

Journey groups exist to create the environment where people gather in small groups to experience deeper connection and growth as we pursue life together.

And our groups all share the same number one goal:

To help people connect more deeply with one another, and with God.

Those things are true for every journey group. But what's your group's focus? What are the unique goals that your group will pursue as you do life together? In other words, what changes do the members of your group want to experience in their personal and spiritual lives as a result of your time together?

This is something that we haven't spelled out for you. In fact, this is something that your group needs to decide together.

The bottom line is spiritual growth. At Pathway, we believe that a genuine and growing Christ follower exhibits four things:

1. Living a transformed life.
2. Included in authentic community.
3. Focused on ministry partnership.
4. Engaging the mission as the hands and feet of Jesus.

We know these as the four signs of life. (Notice that they spell the word life. Clever, isn't it.) And it's no accident that we often refer to groups pusuing life together, because that's what you're doing. Your journey group, in some way, shape or form, is connecting you, not just to other people, but to each of these vital signs, as well. In fact, each of the four values of journey groups reflect these signs of life applied in community (watch for future posts that expound on our values).

We believe that every group should, in some way, strive to live out each of these values in the life of their group. Again, groups should be pursuing life together - and that includes all the signs of life. But which one will your group make your focus for a specific season? And how will you narrow the focus to a specific component of that sign of life so that it becomes more practical and attainable?

For example, one group may decide to make authentic community their focus as a group. That's a great start, but by itself is really too broad. You may find that group members are still a little fuzzy on what that even means. So, as a group it's important to begin to narrow that down to a specific goal within authentic community that becomes very clear, practical, and attainable. In this instance, a new group might make building strong friendships the goal within their focus. It's part of authentic community, but it's specific enough that it can be accomplished within a set amount of time. And when it's accomplished, it can be measured and celebrated - and those are important to do.

Here are some other examples of how groups can narrow the focus to specific goals within each of the signs of life:

• Living a transformed life:
  > Knowing Scripture.
  > Practicing prayer together and privately.
  > Learning the "basics" of Christianity.
  > Growing in faith/learning to trust.
  > (insert your own ideas)
• Included in authentic community:
  > Building strong friendships.
  > Increasing the level of intimacy to promote open dialogue.
  > Developing accountability among the members.
  > (insert your own ideas)
• Focused on ministry partnership:
  > Developing the discipline of tithing.
  > Discovering the Spiritual Gifts.
  > Developing a servant's heart.
  > Actively serving together.
  > (insert your own ideas here)
• Engaging the mission as the hands and feet of Jesus:
  > Understanding the Great Commission.
  > Growing into a lifestyle of evangelism.
  > Local and global missions.
  > (insert your own ideas here)

Again, some of these are things that should be happening in every group. But when you make any one of these things the focus of your group, you treat it a little differently. It becomes the mission that your group is striving to accomplish. And you set out to focus on that mission for as long as it takes. And as a group, you decide the steps that you'll take achieve the goals you've set together as a group. This will impact how your group does life together until you feel you've reached those goals. This will impact what studies you go through, what outings you plan, and how you'll put it into practice as a group and as individuals.

Here are some reasons why narrowing the focus in your group is an important part of group life. When your group has narrowed the focus:

1. It brings the group together around a unified mission or goal. This is something the group can rally behind together, and can increase the connectedness and commitment within the group.
2. It helps direct the group to studies that will hopefully take the group closer to achieving their goals. Every six to eight weeks, groups find themselves asking the question, now what are we going to study? When the group has narrowed their focus, this question becomes easier to answer.
3. It provides a way to measure the growth of the group. How do you know if your group is growing if you haven't established goals by which to measure? Narrowing the focus helps you accomplish this.
4. It provides clarity to the group as to what your time together will hopefully accomplish. This ensures that everyone in the group is on the same page.
5. It helps groups intentionally - and practically - realize the mission & purpose of journey groups and PCC. Pathway Community Church exists to influence people to seek a genuine and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe a genuine and growing follower of Christ is someone who pursue the four vital signs of life. Journey groups are the environment where where we pursue life together. So narrowing the focus is what enables this mission to be accomplished.

Hopefully, you're beginning to buy into this idea that narrowing the focus can be instrumental in the health and effectiveness of your group. If your group hasn't done so already, take some time at your next meeting to discuss what your goals are as a group. And when you've landed on a focus and a goal that the group can rally behind, write that into your covenant. Solidify that as an essential to your life together for the present season. And then begin to explore ways that your group will see that goal come to fruition.

Questions or ideas? We'd love to hear them. Feel free to post a comment so everyone can benefit!

Calling in the A-Team!

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Wouldn't it be cool if we had a place every weekend where people could talk to people about getting connected in a journey group? What would make it even cooler is if group seekers were able to actually talk face to face with other people who are already experiencing life together in their journey groups. I mean, who better to share about what journey groups are like than those who are actually in one and experiencing it? Take that a step further, and imagine, if you would, a world where someone who was interested in finding a group could leave a weekend service, walk up to a kiosk, and access GroupFinder right there to begin the process of getting connected.

Well, you don't need to imagine too hard, because the Connection Kiosk is here.

You may have noticed over the past several weeks that journey groups now have a kiosk display in the atrium. Over the next several weeks, you'll begin to see several changes that will transform that kiosk into a place where group seekers can gather more information on groups, access GroupFinder to begin the process of finding a group, and where leaders can pick up their resources.

We're designing the graphics, and getting the necessary components together to make that happen. Now what we need is a team of people to staff it!

We're in the process of developing a team of groups who will serve together to staff the Connection Kiosk. We're calling this team the Assimilation Team, or... the A-Team. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. Reminds me of one of my favorite TV shows growing up.

We want groups to join the A-Team because we believe that your experience in a journey group will make you the perfect person to help others start the process of finding a group. And besides, serving together as a group is already one of the ten habits of a journey group. What better way for your group to serve together than by pointing other people to community in a journey group.

Serving as part of the A-Team is a very simple way to get involved. Read below for an official team description that provides more details.

Team Description:
Pathway Community Church exists to intentionally influence people to seek a genuine and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our strategy for developing genuine and growing followers of Jesus Christ is to see each person at PCC end up in a journey group. We've determined that because we believe it is the best environment for sustaining spiritual transformation through authentic relationships. In order for people to realize the power of community, however, we have to work at providing points of connection that are simple and effective.

The Assimilation Team, or A-Team, is a compilation of groups working together to staff our Connection Kiosk each weekend. The goal is to have enough groups serving that one group would only have one service per month*. This is an ongoing commitment by the group, and they will be scheduled accordingly. The primary role of this team is to provide a friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic introduction to the connection process to those who are interested in joining a journey group, and are looking for more information.

As a part of this team, you’ll have the opportunity to share your journey group experiences with group seekers, and help them understand what they can hope to expect in their own journey group. You will also be able to point them to the next step in the connection process. The Connection Kiosk should be a place that is buzzing with excitement about getting people connected, and the A-Team will play a huge part in that. 

Responsibilities:
1.    Have at least 3-4 individuals from your group present when scheduled to serve.
2.    Arrive at the kiosk 15 minutes before the service scheduled, and stay until 15 minutes after the service scheduled.
3.    Wear the custom designed A-Team T-Shirt, along with your I.D. lanyard, when serving at the Connection Kiosk.
4.    Call team leader ahead of time if you will be unable to serve your shift. Find a replacement, if possible.
5.    Attend the one-time A-Team Orientation prior to serving. This orientation will cover the connection process, how to get someone started, what you should share with group seekers, and what you shouldn’t share with group seekers. It will also cover a crash-course in using GroupFinder, as there will be a computer at the kiosk where group seekers can actually log in to complete their profile or register for GroupLaunch.

Requirements:
1.    That you’re part of an active group at PCC.
2.    You and your group have a passion for seeing others experience the benefits of community you enjoy together.

Time Commitment:
Less that 2 hours per month*

*Based on the number of groups who actually commit to serving on this team. If fewer groups commit, then the number of services per month will increase, and so will the time commitment.

Did you catch the part where it mentions a cool custom designed t-shirt? Not only is this a fun way to serve and help others get connected, but it's also a fashion statement. Seriously... what more could you want? (T-shirts may not come in until second quarter - disclaimer)

If you think your group would be interested in joining the A-Team, let me know. You can email me here at eric@pathwaycommunity.org. We'll be planning an orientation for the team kick-off for sometime in February. Join my group and others who are already a part of the A-Team, and we'll get to work pointing the way to authentic community in journey groups. It's going to be fun!

A Firm Affirmation

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

One of the most impactfull experiences I've had in my journey as a Christ follower was when a friend and mentor offered a few words of affirmation. They came after a period of time where I had been through probably the darkest year of my life. I had lost my job, we were struggling financially, I had been running from the Lord, and all this was taking a toll on our marriage. For several months I had been opening up to my mentor, sharing my struggles, my fears, and my hurts. And after some time, healing began to take place, and I began to feel that God was calling me into full time vocational ministry. Of course, I immediately began to wrestle with a sense of inadequacy. After all, I had, as I said, been running from the Lord... my relationship with him had been distant, at best, for the better part of three years. And at times, I felt like an 18 year follower of Christ who was still just a spiritual infant. In spite of that, I wanted to at least share this with my mentor, and get his take on it. I still remember the conversation - it was only almost seven years ago.

I told him that I was beginning to feel called back into ministry, but on a full time basis. He asked me what I thought that would look like, and for the first time I knew what it would look like. Youth ministry, I told him. And here's what I expected him to say: That's great, Eric. Now, let's take a look at where you're at spiritually. You've got a lot of work to do to get ready for that calling. Let's take the next year to pray about this, prepare for it, and so on. I'm excited for you... I believe you can do it... but you're just not ready for it yet. 

That's what I expected him to say. But that's not what he said. What he said was, Eric, I wish I had the budget to hire a full time youth pastor... I'd hire you right now. 

Even now, almost seven years later, those words bring such encouragement to me. They were words of affirmation. They were words that said, I believe in you. You can do it. I know where you've been, but I've seen how far you've come. God is at work in you. Keep it up, and follow his lead. 

One of the great things about community is that it provides an environment where affirmation can take place. In fact, one of the things that we've included in the ten habits of journey groups is affirming one another. As groups pursue life together, they have the opportunity to impact the lives of those within the group through words of affirmation. This is one of the reasons why community is so powerful and life-changing. My life was deeply impacted by words of affirmation. Think of how your words of affirmation might impact those in your group.

God has placed gifts and abilities into each one of us. He's working on each of us in different ways. He's nudging each of us in the direction of his will and purpose for our lives. Sometimes all we need is the gentle nudge from a close friend who can speak loving truth into our lives. Sometimes an encouraging word of affirmation is all that's needed to move someone into action. Maybe your words - spoken into the lives of those in your group - will be just what they needed to hear, when they needed to hear it, and will change the course of their lives forever.

Group Facilitators: you have a unique opportunity as you lead your group. You have the opportunity to watch those in your group as they grow and mature in their relationship with Christ. You have the opportunity to observe the gifts and abilities that God has placed within each of them. And you have the privilege to be that voice of affirmation. When you see a gift in someone, acknowledge it. Celebrate it. You may have a future journey group facilitator in your group. Or a future KidCity story teller, or worship team musician, or greeter in your group. You may have a future pastor or missionary in your group, and all they need to hear is someone acknowledge those gifts for them to accept that they're there.

The point is this: affirming one another really can change someone's life. You're voice of encouragement really can have a dramatic impact on those around you. Allow God to use your journey group to be a place where affirmation breaths new life into each one of you.

Take a minute to reflect on a time when someone's words of affirmation impacted you. If you want to, take a moment to share that in a comment on this blog (see the link below).

Connection Story: January 8th

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Last night at GroupLaunch, we had a neat thing happen. I watched it from a distance, and several of my team members were talking about it later. It's the kind of thing that when you see it happening, it makes all the hours of preparation and hard work seem worth-while.

I had spoken with a Young Woman on the phone prior to GroupLaunch and listened as she explained that she was heading into a divorce, and had two small children, and really felt that she need a journey group. I told her that I thought GL would be an excellent way for her to connect. But I also informed her that there was the slight possibility that she may not find exactly what she was looking for. Singles groups continue to be a challenge to form at GL. But I encouraged her to come anyway, as we'd have a Connection Coordinator on hand to work with her in the event that she didn't connect.

As guests were signing in last night, I noticed her name tag and immediately put her face with her name. And then I watched another guest (we'll call her the Friendly Woman) run up and give her a hug - obviously, there was a pre-existing connection there, and it struck me as something that I really haven't seen at GL before. The Friendly Woman, however, was there to form a married group with slightly older children - a different stage of life than the Young Woman.

We continued through the program and reached the point where we begin to identify which types of groups will be forming at specific tables. As we surveyed the breakdown of groups represented, it became apparent to the Young Woman that she would, in fact, not be joining a group that night. Unfortunately, there just weren't any other women in her stage of life with whom to connect. She approached me and I talked to her about a few alternatives, but finally directed her to the table where our Connection Coordinator was sitting.

This is when it happened. The other tables were busy going through the steps of forming their groups. One of the groups, which appeared to be a group of married couples with slightly older children, was forming near the Connection Coordinator's table. This group included the Friendly Woman, who noticed the Young Woman without a group.

At that point, the Friendly Woman walked over to the Connection Coordinator's table, bent down, and began to invite the Young Woman over to join their group. The Young Woman kind of hesitated - she wasn't sure she was a good fit for that group - but the Friendly Woman insisted. And the Young Woman eventually conceded. The group welcomed her and expressed their approval of her joining their group. The Young Woman mentioned that she just wasn't sure she was right for the group, as she was going through a divorce. Immediately, a different couple in that group mentioned that they had "been there, done that." They were both on their second marriages. They told the Young Woman she needed to be in their group.

The Young Woman thanked them, and I'm pretty sure she had tears in her eyes.

Instead of leaving last night with the hope of eventually finding a group, she left in a group that had immediately accepted her and welcomed her with open arms. In addition, it was a group of old friends and new friends who will be there for her through some very difficult days ahead. That's what journey groups are all about.

Any time a group forms at GroupLaunch that appears to have solid connections and the prospects of continuing on, we see that as a win. What we saw with this group last night, however, was extra special, and I just wanted to share it with you.

Unqualified Leadership?

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Lately, the Journey Group Leadership Team has been talking a lot about the leadership of our groups. How do we want leaders to emerge? What type of person should we encourage to step up and facilitate their group? How can we avoid putting the wrong person in that role? And once they're in that role, how do we resource, train, and equip them?

These are tough questions. In theory, it should be easy. You just write up a job description, promote the opportunity, and follow three easy steps to developing leaders, right? Then why is it maybe one of the toughest challenges I've faced in ministry? To simplify the answer, it's because the right people don't always step up, and the wrong people sometimes do... and that's if they step up at all.

At Pathway, we've identified journey groups as the environment in which we want people to end up. We've determined that because we believe it is the best environment for sustaining spiritual transformation through authentic relationships. But you can ask anyone who's had any involvement with small groups on any level, and they will tell you the same thing: groups are only as effective as their leaders.

We're in the process of redefining the group leader's role in journey groups. We're revisiting how we will raise up leaders, the process of putting them in place, and then how we will equip and enrich them as they serve. We're taking a very hard look at each of these things because we believe in the power of journey groups, and we believe that solid leadership is critical for that life-changing power to be realized.

I came across this article on smallgrouptrader.com recently, and I wanted to share it with you. When you get a chance, take a look at it. It's an excellent look at what we really need in order to be good group leaders. I hope it will encourage you and inspire you as you lead, or participate in, your own journey group. The link to the article is provided below.

www.smallgrouptrader.com