This spring I went to a conference called the Spiritual Formation Forum. At that conference I heard about a church called Oak Hills that had these groups called “One Thing Groups.” They seem almost too simple, but in their simplicity they are quite radical.
In short, in these groups the goal is not to grow spiritually in leaps and bounds; the goal is to grow in one small area of your life. Here is how their website puts it: “Recognizing that spiritual formation happens in the details of our lives, the premise of a One Thing group is that by identifying one area in our lives where Christ-like transformation is desired…” even greater change and growth can happen than if we focused on a much loftier goal.
Here are some examples of small changes that could lead to big growth: deciding not to speed, practicing the discipline of silence and listening, fasting from sweets, etc.
Hopefully this fall we will have some people interested in being involved in a “One Thing” small group. If interested, let Pastor Matt know.
