A Sudden Realization

Android phones are crap.

That is all.

Eric Dunaway

Sent from my iPhone

Lessons in Communication

There have been a few things happen in the media lately that have become case-studies in communication. I thought I'd just blog them as a reminder to me.

First of all, there's been the whole Netflix fiasco. First they hike up the prices, while almost immediately announcing that a major content provider (Starz) has backed out. On the heels of all that good news, they announce that their movie by mail service will become a separate service under a whole new brand, new site, new account, and everything. What happened next - their stock dropped by almost half. Next thing I know, Netflix is eating crow and I'm getting an email stating that they've changed their mind, and won't be splitting the company after all. This serves as an example in poor communication.

The next example comes from the most profitable company on the planet - Apple. Several years ago they rolled out their "cloud" data sync service called MobileMe. For $99 a year, you could store all your data in the cloud and have it synced to all your devices. This month, Apple put their loyal fans through the hassle of changing all that when they switched to their new cloud service, iCloud. How did we respond? With school-boy giddiness. This was partly due to the fact that the service is much more effective, and free. But still, Apple killed a product they had marketed for a very brief amount of time to unveil a new service that does essentially the same thing...and they did it successfully. This would be an example is good communication.

Finally, let's talk about another highly successful company, Google. For all that Google does well, there's one thing they just can't seem to get a handle on, and that's social media. Just last week it was announced that Google was officially giving up on their previous attempt at social media, Buzz. Some will argue that their current go is seeing some staying power with Google+. But the real thing I think that's worth taking away from this is that huge company's take big risks to innovate. Even company's like Google occasionally fail. And that's okay.

My thumbs are tired.

Eric Dunaway

Sent from my iPhone

The Downside

I'm becoming quite a tech blogger these days. Not really. But it has been a popular subject recently. Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, I recently upgraded phones to an iPhone 4...something I was excited about because of the way technology allows my world to get in "sync". The newest software for Apple gadgets was released yesterday, and I was more than a little excited. It allows me to keep my tablet, phone, work and home computers all synced up with no need to ever connect a cable.

The only problem was that in order to sync my computers, I had to upgrade the OS to Lion. Not a costly upgrade, but time consuming. Then I had to download the software for my phone and tablet...not a big deal under normal circumstances. But when several MILLION people are doing it at the Same time, it gets pretty slow...and, again, time consuming.

Then there are the joys of getting it figured out and working properly. Several hours of downloading and installing, and two calls to tech support later, I'm happy to say that it works.

But I have to say that it didn't do much for my productivity yesterday. Today will be different.

Eric Dunaway

Sent from my iPad.

Moving People

This past weekend I had the opportunity to help some friends move into their new house. It reminded me of how much I hate moving. Not that I minded helping my friends (I never know if they'll be reading this), but it made me appreciate the reality that we won't be going anywhere for a while.

We've had our fair share of moving experiences. Mostly good, but probably more than we'd care to have. We moved into our first house in February of 2000. In January of 2004, we moved out of state when I began my first ministry in Ohio. I think it was fourteen months later that we moved into a different house there in Ohio, only to move again eighteen months after that.

I'm happy to say that we've been in our current home for over five years...and, as I already said, we won't be going anywhere soon. Unless, of course, something changes. But if it does, and we end up moving in the near future, I know I have at least two friends we can count on for help.

Eric Dunaway

Sent from my iPad.

Back In the iSaddle

Just a few months ago I wrote about my detox from technology. That's over, now. I'm happy to say that after two years of using an Android phone, I'm thrilled to be back on an iPhone. Is my dependence on gadgetry a bad thing? Well, I suppose it could be. I also suppose that if I should up and move to a third world country, I would be quite content without it. But here I am in a culture that has fully embraced all that has a touch screen, and keeps a calendar. So for now I'll blame it on Steve Jobs, the late great innovator who is already greatly missed by the world he helped change...the world of gadgets. I'm living in that world.

Eric Dunaway

Sent from my iPhone

Burning the Midnight Oil

...literally. It's just past midnight, and I'm cramming to get my 2012 ministry plans in. They're due tomorrow. Do I normally put things off until the last minute. Of course. But this was an honest mistake, and normally i wouldn't be cutting it this close. The good news that I have one finished...but there's still one to go. It could be a long night with very little sleep.

From Evernote:

Transitions

This past summer I celebrated five years of leadership in my church. When I started here in August of '06 I came in as the middle school pastor. I was in that role for roughly 16 months when I transitioned into the role of adult small groups in January of '08. I remember something my pastor said as he announced this transition to the body one weekend: "We may have other needs for Eric in the future." ...or something like that. While the exact wording has been lost, the implications weren't. I was filling a need for a time. 

If anyone ever thought that developing and organizing a small group ministry was an easy endeavor, I have news for you. It's perhaps one of the most challenging things I've ever done. I can honestly say, however, that I've enjoyed the opportunity to serve in that role for over three and half years, and have learned a lot in the process. And I've been quite content in that role, as well. I believe so strongly in the power of community to shape us in our spiritual journeys, and have always sought the encouragement, accountability and protection of community throughout my relationship with Christ. So leading the groups ministry at church has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure on many levels. 

In June I asked my pastor a simple question: "Where do you see my fit right now at PCC? Is it in groups or somewhere else?" His response was almost immediate: "Communications and missions." He suggested we meet for coffee later that week, and so we did. Out of those conversations, a little bit of planning, and a lot of praying, it was decided that I would once again change roles at Pathway, and would become the Communications and Missions Pastor. 

Transitions always bring about unique challenges, but also a lot of excitement...I'm there right now. But I can honestly say that I'm so excited to step into this new role. In my previous career (before I went into full time ministry) I was in advertising as an art director. I've worked on print and web design, both of which have served me well in the various ministries I've been privileged to serve. Now I'll be able to put those abilities to use more directly and effectively for the church as a whole. In addition, I've long had a deep passion for the work of missions, locally and abroad, and have enjoyed the opportunity to lead several mission trips over the pas eight years (about once a year). The opportunity to develop these opportunities for deeper discipleship really gets my heart pumping with excitement. I'm truly thankful to serve in a church that has allowed me to serve in various areas of leadership, and am thrilled to use whatever gifts and abilities I may have to further His Kingdom. Who knows where God will call me next. For now, I'm definitely enjoying the ride.