After pastoring for 5 years we shut down "The Church" and I started to investigate the home church, desiring to go back almost 30 years to what we (About 25 married & single & Single Parents) called "The Friday Nite Fellowship". Which BTW after about a year, join 2 other home churches and became a Calvary Chapel. :-( A friend of mine Down Under inroduced me to the writings of Frank Viola (Gainsville FL) 3yrs ago and been looking for a Home Body in our area.
Now Funny (Not Ha Ha) that today I googled Home & House Church and have found several forums that do not seem to be reaching the Hunger & Thrist that has been voiced in them. All thru these forums I have not once (Yet) came across FV being mentioned.
AnyHoo a valuable resourse. If anyone is interested. No desire to start one myself, (Probably end up Like the rest.)
What Say You? dp, as we all are about our FATHER's Business!
-------------------- Making A Difference And Helping Other People Reach Their Goals!
posted
Howdy dp! I have enjoyed Mr. Viola's books especially "Pagan Christianity" since I am a history buff, but I have a check inside my spirit concerning him. It has to do with the connection that he has with Gene Edwards and both of there emphasis on the very prominant role that "Apostles" have in beginning and administrating a local church, the illegitimacy of all meetings which began without a modern day "Apostle" and most of all there claims to be such an "Apostle". I'm genuinely afraid of what I might find behind the seens if I knew these guys personally, that I might discover some kind of Megalomania lurking about. Added to this fear is the knowledge that Mr. Edwards came out from Witness Lee's headship in the Local Church. And reports of bitter breakups and unresolved conflicts. These I admit I have no personal knowledge of and would like to be corrected if illinformed. Not only because I want the best for these people but also because I truly have benefitted from Mr. Viola's detailed and thorough treatment of the Church in his writings. I would like to know that he is not flakey.
posted
Hey there again! I thought I'd do the brave (right) thing and voice my previous reservations directly to Mr. Viola and he was very good to give a prompt reply. He said that he despised megalomania and that the rest of my suspicions weren't true. Here's a quote:
"I suggest you read my two books, who is your covering? and so you want to start a house church? [URL=http:// www.ptmin.org/books.htm]www.ptmin.org/books.htm]www.ptmin.org/books.htm[/URL][/URL]
These will give you a FIRST HAND account of my view on so-called apostles. You will see that I don't hold to what you stated. Also, I've never claimed to be an "apostle." In fact, I hate the word.
Gene Edwards is a friend. We used to work together years ago, but that is no longer the case.
I despise megalmania.
There is very little similiarity between myself and Witness Lee. I'd say the main points of contact with us is in the ministry of W. Nee and T. Austin-Sparks. Those men had a great influence on my life and ministry. So have their disciples, Stephen Kaung and DeVern Fromke, personal friends of mine and giants in the faith.
I hope that helps.
Frank"
It did help to reassure me about him, not that all my questions are answered. I have to admit, I felt alittle embarrassed for going public on these questions before talking with Mr. Viola. I would ask you all if you could, to please forgive me for being too foreward with my thoughts and so to risk influencing you think ill of someone before I verify such serious allegations. Attempting to set the record straight, Newbe Mick
Email this page to someone.
