Jim London's Page

Metanoia -- I love this word! :) My understanding of both the greek and some of it's contextual uses means not only repentance but continual repentance of the mind, heart and body ~ ongoing conversion -- the daily walk of the Christian, the life long work of new growth in the Spirit. And formation -- really a synonymous concept; we are BEING formed, with emphasis on the being. Frankly we have just started, and are currently a group of 3, so in terms of how we function, much of that will develop as we go. And yet the name IS relevant in terms of how we function already. We wanted to be formed, to repent, to grow. There is no life apart from growth. We come together and tell the truth about where we are now, or what confuses us, or how God has spoken to us, etc ... and we encourage each other with love and God's wisdom as we are able. We relate to others who need to be transformed, as ones who also desperately need to be tranformed. As far as disciplines and formats -- these are very loose and individual right now, but really we are just getting started.

Thanks Jim - I appreciate that. I don't know if you've read much of Dallas Willard but I think also the use of "formation community" refers back to concepts he expressed in "Rennovation of the Heart" as well as his Renovare orhanization. Also, when I was in my early twenties I was part of an ecumenical formation community / religious order called Doulos, the character and fruit of which I very much hope to emulate.

Hi Jim! Thanks for the welcome :) My husband and I have two small children and we have increasingly (over the past 2 years) wanted to worship and learn with them instead of leaving them with others to look after them/instruct them.

We've been searching for a house church in our area but to no avail ... I'm beginning to think that if we do';t start one, we're not going to be doing church for a long, long time!

I'll definitely check out your blog! I actually live in an intentional Christian community and have a few people who are interested in a more organic expression of church. Otherwise it would be much the same as you guys. Hav you had someone helping you with the planting of the church?

Hi Jim, Thanks for your welcome! Norwich is just about 20 minutes south of Woodstock on Hwy 59.

I was just down your way a couple of months ago giving a presentation on the Tabernacle (with a 5'x9' model) to the Church at Niagara (on the Lake) a group of saints who are mostly former Old Colony Mennonites. They are planning some tent meetings this supper on the Old Eden Christian School parking lot on Hwy #55 at Virgil and have asked me to come down and speak a couple of nights. I see you are from Virgil!! We will have to connect!

Would love to hear something of your journey re simple/housechurch! We've been at it for nearly 10 years now and enjoying it more all the time! You could email me at [email protected] if you like.
A brother in Christ,
Bruce

Thank you Jim, I confess I had forgotten how to search for fellow pilgrims close by and was going to contact you for a reminder, but God already did. He is sooooo good.

We are in His hands :)

Fiona

Hey Jim,

I enjoyed being at Threshold 2010 very much. The worship without music was wonderful, just voices singing to our Lord. Both Frank and Milt advocate just getting to know each other when a new home church is starting, not to worry about leadership, format, organization, just get to know one another and go slow! The best thing is they talked about Jesus, but I felt it was real. They did not have an agender apart from Jesus and seeing New Testament church lived as it was, that we need each other to be the church.
I must admit I came home abit concerned that I would not realize my potential for God because I have no community or church family here to be the church. However I decided I am living one day at a time and finding resources to help me detox from all the legalism and just sit at His feet. When Christ in me is magnified then His light will shine :) It is just a huge comfort to know that God has put me on the right path. Just think when I am full of Him there will be no more I's in my conversation, how wonderful!!!

Take care Jim and hope life is good in Ontario, my daughter really enjoyed her trip and visiting with family.

Fiona

Hi Jim, Thanks so much for the rescue on this page! I did exactly as you said and found a page of folks right in my area! Pray we find a body of believers who we can love and be loved by. Blessings. Ann

Jim you are an extension of Jesus' hand. We found a group who has emailed me and invited my husband and I to their fellowship this Sunday. We are very excited to connect and fellowship in such a Biblically foundational way that we know is blessed by God and empowered by The Holy Spirit. As a side note, we love Canada! We haven't been to Ontario but to Vancouver, drove from there to Banff and have flown to Niagra Falls. I would move to Canada in a flash it is so beautiful.
May the Lord Bless your faithfulness.
Ann

Thanks, Jim. :)
After I posted those comments I was sortof afraid that they were offensive, but then they were too honest to delete. I'm glad you found my words encouraging. You've encouraged me as well. :)