Jon Harris [harvest first] wants more
(and he's not talking about our coffee)
[10.03]

Hi, welcome to our virtual coffee shop. Pull up a chair, take the load of your feet. Let's chat.
Why thank you, I feel better already!

So who are you, where you from, what do you do in life?
Jon Harris, from Malaysia and East Acton (Mum’s Chinese, Dad’s English), but born in London and living in Northwood, NW London, and what do I do in life… pretty much all things “church”.

Can I get you a drink? Cappucino, earl grey, dandelion and burdock, pale ale?
So kind. My exact choice of drink is the product of a complex equation involving the current weather forecast, last night’s lottery numbers and the distance in miles between Malaysia and East Acton. Or else a pint of London Pride - do you do that?

Would you like a doughnut or pastry to go with that?
Then I’d better switch to a Tall Americano after all, cold milk. And a doughnut please. The ones with soft sugar on the outside and apple on the inside. Smashing.

So, if you had to describe the church/project/experiment/thingy you are currently involved with in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Harvest First is about transforming our communities through the power and love of God. (Why do vision statements always sound so pretentious? But that really IS our heart, in a sentence…)

Are you an instigator? / new recruit? / have absolutely no recollection of how you got involved?
Errrr… new recruit turned instigator when original instigators were recruited to go instigate elsewhere. Okay: I lead it.

What do you value most about being part of it?
The amazing sense of discovery, fun and confidence in God we share. I’d never ever trade it and can’t adequately communicate it to those beyond our group, either.

What excites you most about it?
When God breaks in and shatters our cynicism and hopelessness. When Jesus says or does something for someone who least expects it - an undeniable miracle that shouts God’s love out loud and turns a person’s world upside down. Make that right way up. God’s power at work like that always excites me and makes me feel: “Everything’s been worth it.”

Has anyone ever turned up out of the blue not knowing what to expect?
What did they say?
“Why don’t you meet on Sundays?” or else “You’re all mad!” (which is true).

Three words that describe your attitude to 'being church' in the big wide world: Seeking lost people

Three words that DON'T:
Committee, predictable, religiousity

You have this weird dream - you meet Jesus face to face.
Where does it happen, what does he say to you?
I’m praying for just such an experience, in reality. If I ever do have that kind of dream, Jesus probably wouldn’t need to say anything. Judging by the stories from numerous Muslims and Jews and others around the world who are experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus right now, one look from him is enough to ruin you and run you straight through with his total, perfect, holy love. Wow, I want some more of that.

What's the big secret you're itching to share with everyone?
God’s real.

What would your 'emerging church survival kit' contain?
My toothbrush, obviously, and lots of dark chocolate.

Anything else you'd like to share with us before you have to rush off?
Story, unity, transformation, prayer, creativity, worship, laughter (lots of), tears, shimmy, Canada, pilgrimage, Colchester, kids, global, grace, food, wine, drop in and see us, more food, townwide, prophetic, London Bible College, hang out with us, marketplace, angels, identity, truth, songs, big, small, team, and food.

Thanks. Good to see you. Have a good day!
Cheers. Or, as they say in London these days … Ciao!