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 Mentoring

Norm 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 Networks

Promoting 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 Ministries

We 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.

Cross-Cultural Resources

  Student Ministries

The Student Ministries Team is committed to training, mentoring and accountability for District Youth Pastors. Two people to contact for additional information are:

• Tim Olson, Youth Pastor of the Grace EFC in Ealge Grove, IA, phone number 515-448-5414 - the chair of Student Ministries.
• Brent Thomas, Youth Pastor at First EFC in Ames, IA - the District Student Ministries Director.

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.

Check out the Central District Student Ministries new website at http://www.thecdsm.com/.

  Women's Ministry

EFCA RESOUND is the new name for women's ministry.  We're here to support, encourage, coach, and train women in the Central District out of a Great Commandment love to engage their culture, be established in their faith, and be equipped for ministry resulting in Kindgdom expansion.  Mary Lou McDowell is the Central District Women's Ministry RESOUND Director.  You can reach her at mmcdowell@efcacentral.org or by phone at (515) 432-1742.  For more information regarding RESOUND ministries click here.

  Hidden Acres Christian Center

Hidden Acres is located near Dayton, Iowa, about thirty minutes northwest of Boone. It is located on 660 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, boys and girls cabins, cottages and tree-toppers, a lake, climbing tower, chapel, Welcome Center, Family Life Center and the new Inn. The Family Life Center is complete with a pool, game room, hospitality room, four sleeping rooms, and a full-size gymnasium. The new Inn contains 27 rooms with a 1-5 beds and a private bath in each room, great for retreats or families looking for a quiet place to stay. Sports activities at the camp include a climbing tower, a toboggan run, a paintball field, horseback riding, a lake for boating, fishing, and swimming, and much more. There are also plenty of areas for hiking and hunting (in season). Almost 2000 boys and girls camped last summer and most weekends are filled with church, family, and other retreat events.

  Other District Events

The Central District sponsors several key events throughout the year, including:

• District Conference
• Spring Retreat
• Pastors and Wives Spiritual Refresher
• Women's Retreat
• Men's Retreat

Held 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.

  Spring Retreat

Pastors' and Wives' Spiritual Refresher

The 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.

  Women's Retreat

All the women in the Central District are invited to two Women's retreats
one provided in the Spring and one in the Fall.

The Spring Retreat is hosted by the Missouri/Arkansas ladies and will be held in Missouri.
The Fall Retreat is held in September at Hidden Acres.

Men's Retreat

Held in January for all the men of the District.