"W" #9: Outward Focused

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

A couple of weeks ago I started a series of posts in which we're taking a look at the "wins" of a life group at PCC. I've made a list, and I'm making my way through it at random. Here's today's "W": when your group maintains an outward focus.

Brief Touch, Lasting Impact

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

I was recently reminded of one of my "Most Embarrassing Moments," and it got me thinking. It's amazing to me how even the smallest encounters in our lives can have a lasting impact on those around us. Whether it's an occasion that will forever inspire laughter, life lessons, tears of joy, or even tears of pain, we rub shoulders with various people in and out of every season of life. With each exchange, we brush by them through shared life experiences that impart on them a piece of ourselves. It definitely makes me think twice about how I allow even the shortest interaction to transpire.

"W" #2: All In!

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

A while back I read a book that talked about the importance of "clarifying the win." Over the years, I've been thinking about that. What's a win look like for our groups? In other words, what are the things that mark a successful group? As I thought about this, I jotted down a list of things that I would consider wins for our life groups. Over the next several weeks, I'd like to reveal those to you - in no particular order.

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.