News from the Forge

We have allowed this site to lay idle for many months but still have hopes that it can be a useful tool for conversation. This summer brought hard challenges for those connected to The Forge. We are thankful that deep, loving and real relationships in the Lord Jesus grew out of our time together. The report of this summer's Forge is posted below.

For those of you who do not know what The Forge is, I attach a description. We in Charlottesville are blessed to be part of the renewing work that the Lord is doing in our country and around the world. Our roots go deep into the soil of what God has done to bring freedom and life to his people through house church gatherings over the last 40 years. We rejoice He is still on the move today.

With love in Christ,

Lance Thollander


What is The Forge?

The Forge is a four week long conference centered on showing believers their freedom in Christ and giving them an experience of his life, love, and peace. The conference is hosted at a manor home close to Charlottesville, Virginia. Morning, afternoon and evening meetings are scheduled throughout the month. The meetings are open to the public and local believers are welcome to attend any or all of the meetings. Believers from out of town are welcome to join in for weekly sessions or may come for the whole month. Housing is available onsite for about 30 people. Besides local Virginians, attendees have come from 7 nations and 9 states.

Who Should Come to the Forge?

The foundation on which The Forge rests is that there is only one perfect person that will be in attendance. That person is the Lord Jesus. The rest of us are those seeking to know Jesus better and who want a richer life in Him than what this world offers to us. Do you have questions about your faith? You are welcome. Do you have doubts about what it means to be a believer? You are welcome. Do you have the sense that there is a vibrant experience with the body of Christ available? This is the place for you.

What is The Forge Age Range?

Forge Life is like family life. Last year those who lived at The Forge ranged in age from 19 through 70. We have a wide cross section of people of all ages and back grounds. The message of Life is appropriate for all. And we have fun.

Who Teaches at The Forge?

There is a variety of teaching presented over the course of the month, all rooted in the Scriptures. Those you will hear from are former teachers, seminary and Bible school graduates, authors, mission leaders, those who have pastored, foreign missionaries, professional business people, experienced counselors and an airline pilot,. They represent more years of Christian living than we could count up and between them have traveled just about everywhere on the planet. You won’t be disappointed.

What Topics Are Covered?

The Love of God, Freedom in Christ, Life in the Spirit and Kingdom living will always be hallmarks of Forge teaching. This summer will include an in depth look at the books of Galatians and Ephesians. The truths presented in these books are some of the greatest known to mankind. In addition we will focus on Christ as Life, the importance of the Kingdom of God and what life as a community of believers can look like. Attention will be paid to how to have refreshing, quality time with the Lord. We will also cover both New Testament church history and our heritage as believers down through the ages. While much information will be presented, the strength of The Forge is not what you learn but what you experience of the Lord. You will have a deep experience of Him that will change your heart.

Who is Hope Builders International?

Hope Builders International sponsors The Forge Program. Hope Builders International is an accredited 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Virginia. We are involved in Christian ministry around the world and at home. We support people and projects proven effective in ministering the love of God to their unreached communities. In that way we participate on the frontlines of God’s work overseas. On the local level, Hope Builders offers discipleship programs like The Forge and partners with other like minded organizations involved in reaching people for Christ. Hope Builders is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and the Combined Federal Crusade. We are certified to display the Independent Charities of America logo of Best in America. All contributions to HBI are tax deductible.