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The Central District has a variety of ministries and events. Some of the highlights are mentioned here. All of the leaders and coordinators can be contacted through our Central District office. 
Pastoral MentoringNorm Adamson, Associate Superintendent of Care and Counsel, has developed a mentoring program for men who are serving in their first solo or senior pastorate or for men who are pastoring a new church plant. Norm and several veteran pastors lead groups that meet every 4 to 6 weeks to encourage pastors and discuss the issues of pastoral ministry that may be new territory for a young pastor or young church. In addition, Norm is working with our Pastor/Church Relations Committee to provide mentoring relationships for pastors who are preparing for credentialing in the EFCA.
Healthy Church NetworksPromoting healthy churches is a high value for the Evangelical Free Church of America and for the Central District. Larry Austin, Pastor of Adult Ministries at First EFC in Ames, Iowa, is working with Superintendent Cal Swan to develop Healthy Church Networks. The prototype network has completed their initial track and from this group, several more networks are being launched.
Hispanic and Intercultual MinistriesWe are committed to "Multiply Healthy Churches Among all People" Luis Martinez brings a wealth of experience to this position from over 30 years of pastoral experience. If you are interested in starting a ministry for Hispanics in your community, interested in knowing how to successfully incorporate Latinos into your church or interested in starting a Hispanic Church Plant contact Luis Martinez at 515-432-9175. Hispanic Ministry Resources
Student MinistriesThe Student Ministries Team is committed to training, mentoring and accountability for District Youth Pastors. Two people to contact for additional information are:
The Central District sponsors two district-wide events each winter. IMPACT for high school students and WINTER BLAST for junior high students. Each weekend includes LOUD worship times with live music, challenging teaching, and built-in time for discussion with your group provides opportunities for students to grow in spiritual maturity. Of course, time is also provided for fun and fellowship, including games for everyone.
Hidden Acres Christian CenterHidden Acres is located near Dayton, Iowa, about a half hour northwest of Boone. It is located on 600 plus acres that were purchased in 1979. In the early days there was a main lodge building and "tentels", but now the camp has a lodge, bunkhouse, retreat center, boys and girls cabins, cottages and tree-toppers, a lake and a climbing tower. A new Administration Building has been recently completed. A Family Life Center with pool and gymnasium has been planned and is waiting for the funding stage to be completed so that construction may begin. Sports activities at the camp include a climbing tower, a toboggan run, horseback riding, and a lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also plenty of areas for hiking and hunting (in season). Over 2000 boys and girls camped last summer and most weekends are filed with church, family, or other kinds of retreat events.
 Other District EventsThe Central District sponsors several key events throughout the year, including: 
District ConferenceHeld the first week of March, leaders and delegates from across our District gather to celebrate what God is doing in our local churches. Local leaders develop relationships that provide support and new ideas for ministry. It is a good time to seek God's direction for the District as well as for local ministries. 2009 District Conference (March 1, 2 &3, 2009)
Spring RetreatIn the spring, the district staff usually holds a mini-retreat that helps with theological and practical issues of ministry. For example, a recent retreat dealing with marriage issues was held for our pastors. A Sabbath retreat for pasotrs and pastoral staff is also offered at Hidden Acres every spring. Contact our District office for specific dates.
Pastors' and Wives' Spiritual RefresherThe Central District is committed to encouraging healthy pastoral couples who can lead healthy churches. This event is one of the highlights of the year in our District. As a gift to our pastoral couples, Hidden Acres invites them, without charge, to enjoy the camp's hospitality for three days. Encouragement and rest are the key elements of this event, but we also try to provide some excellent preaching and worship during this event. Previous speakers have been Dr. John Piper, Dr. Warren Wiersbe, and Dr. David Larsen. 2008 Annual Fall Pastors, Planters and Spouses Refresher held at Hidden Acres will be 2008 Missouri/Arkansas Retreat for Pastors, Planters and Spouses
Women's RetreatAll the women in the Central District are invited to two Women's retreats
Men's RetreatHeld in January for all the men of the District. 
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Central District OfficeP.O. Box 607 Boone, IA 50036 (515) 432-9175 (515) 432-9180 office@efcacentral.org |