What is Spiritual Formation?

Jesus’ invitation to follow Him includes the journey that we each must take toward increasing Christlikeness. It is much more than life in eternity. It is learning to live—day by day—in His unforced rhythms of grace. At Oak Hills, we firmly believe that this transformation is a non-negotiable part of the life of a Christ follower, and we are committed to helping others discover and walk their journey.

We offer a variety of groups, retreats, and mentor opportunities. Please contact our Formation Pastor, Colleen Gray, for more information.

Vantage Point 3 Groups

The Journey groups meet each week for approximately 8 months exploring three primary questions: Who is God? Who am I? What does God desire to do through me? These are questions we never grow out of but continue to grow into. Whether you are new to the faith, or have followed Jesus for many years, The Journey will take you deeper into the heart of God, help you know yourself (the good, the bad, and the ugly) more completely, and awaken your awareness of God’s work in the world and how you can join him. These groups are intentionally small and require high commitment while offering real life change.

A Way of Life groups build on the work done in The Journey. These Groups are also about 8 months long and focus on three overarching themes: Friendship with God, Community with others, and Mission on the way. A Way of Life invites you, with a small group of committed fellow travelers, to a set of reflections, practices, and relationships that will help you explore and sustain a way of life faithful to God’s good work. The commitment level is high with work to be completed before each session.

Walking with Others is the third part of the Vantage Point 3 materials for small groups. The Journey and A Way of Life are required before entering this last 7-8 month phase. Walking with Others is for those who share the Apostle Pauls’ deep concern—helping others grow up in every way into Christ. (Ephesians 4:15), recognizing we deepen our Christian life for more than our private edification. We grow to help others grow.

ReFocus Retreats

ReFocus Retreats are quarterly gatherings, happening right here at Oak Hills on a Friday night and Saturday. They focus on different formational areas that often require unhurried time and intentionality, areas where God’s Spirit is needed to help us pull back the veil and see more clearly. These retreats are open to all. Retreats offered have included: Moving Beyond Our Distorted Images of God, Moving From False Self to Our Truest Self as God’s Beloved, Equipped for the Kingdom (Spiritual Gifts), Knowing Myself and Others through the Enneagram, Come Away for a Vacation with God, Living Missionally in All of Life. Watch our app and website for more information about upcoming ReFocus Retreats.

Mentoring Relationships

Trained mentors are available to walk with you in your journey toward Christlikeness. For more information about becoming a mentor or about finding a mentor, email Holly Carlson.

From the Inside Out

These six-week small groups work through Renovare’s From the Inside Out curriculum asking six big questions: What is Spiritual Formation? What is My Picture of God? What is My Picture of Myself? What is My Picture of the Gospel? How Do People Change? How Do I Follow Jesus? Each session includes a short video, discussion questions, and supplement interviews and daily devotionals for those that want to go deeper. Groups form as needed.

MoMs: Finding God in the Mundane of Motherhood

Motherhood is in and of itself a spiritual discipline filled with incarnational practices of nurture, sacrifice, surrender, service, prayer and so much more. This group reminds each other that in this season of life where all of life revolves around little ones and endless responsibilities, we need not add extra practices but instead, recognize God’s presence in the countless mundane tasks of each day. This is an open group which meets on the second Sunday of each month during the 11AM services. Contact Colleen for more info or just show up and enter in.

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is a ministry of discernment, listening, and prayer, set in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. In spiritual direction, you’re invited to reflect deeply on the experiences of your daily life, notice the presence of God, and nurture your relationship with God’s Spirit.

• Individual Spiritual Direction: A personal, one-to-one relationship with one of our directors. These are typically one-hour appointments and meet once a month.
• Group Spiritual Direction: A group experience that helps each participant become more aware of God in their lives to be formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others. These groups have a defined start and stop date.

To meet with a Spiritual Director or find out more about Spiritual Direction, email Valerie Harrison.