A Brave Place for Spiritual Exploration
What is King’s Way’s Center for the Ozarks?
KING’S WAY’S Center for the Ozarks was established through the vision and leadership of Rev. Karen Hayden. Today, that vision continues to grow as a ministry of King’s Way Church, serving our congregation, the Ozarks, The Missouri Annual Conference, and the wider Church through Christian spiritual formation, spiritual direction, retreats, discernment, and renewal. We remain committed to creating sacred spaces where people encounter God, deepen their faith, and discover faithful ways to live and serve in the world.
KING’S WAY’S Center for the Ozarks exists to create sacred spaces where people encounter Christ, deepen their faith, discern God’s leading, and discover sustainable rhythms for life and ministry. Through contemplative worship, spiritual direction, retreats, pilgrimages, workshops, and formation cohorts, we invite people into the historic practices of the Christian faith that nurture lifelong discipleship.
Whether you are taking your first steps in faith, seeking renewal in your walk with Christ, or serving as a pastor or ministry leader, you are welcome here. We believe God continues to form His people, and we are honored to accompany individuals and communities as they listen for His voice and respond to His call..
Our Team
Tadd Kruithoff
Director of Christian Spiritual Formation
Center of the Ozarks
Rev. Dr. Tadd Kruithoff serves as Director of King’s Way’s Center for the Ozarks and Lead Pastor of King’s Way Church. His passion is helping individuals, churches, and ministry leaders cultivate a deeper life with God through Christian spiritual formation, spiritual direction, pastoral renewal, and institutional discernment.
Drawing on more than two decades of pastoral ministry, Tadd leads retreats, teaches spiritual practices, and equips churches to listen attentively for God’s leading. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary with a focus in Christian Spiritual Formation and is a graduate of the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation.
Tadd believes the deepest renewal of the Church begins with transformed hearts, attentive prayer, and communities that learn to discern God’s voice together.
You can reach Pastor Tadd at 417-881-6363 orpastor@kwumc.com
Michelle Wicks
Michelle Wicks is the Program Manager of King’s Way’s Center for the Ozarks, and is a Licensed Local Pastor. She received her training in Spiritual Direction from Soul Formation. Michelle oversees the programming, events, and all connections made through The Center.
Michelle has a love and passion of others. Michelle is a Spiritual Director, and is excited to partner with those naviagting their own spiritual journey in whatever form that takes.
Michelle is excited to teach others about Spiritual Practices, methods of mindfulness, and other creative ways to connect with the Divine in their normal, everyday lives.
Want to meet Michelle? Schedule an appointment at thecenter@kwumc.com or via phone at 417.881-6363.
Events at the center
Holy Hobbies
Book Club
Contemplative Worship Service
King’s Way Chapel
Sundays at 5:30pm
Join us on Sunday evenings for a time to gently come into the presence of our Beloved Creator. As we gather together, we find the opportunity to center ourselves in the presence of our Loving God, surrounded by the beauty of King’s Way’s wonderful gardens.
When you come, expect times for prayer, silence, listening to beautiful music and encountering God through ancient modern spiritual practices.
Enter the King’s Way campus at the South entrance. Park in the Center/Atkins parking lot and enter the building through the Center/Atkins doors on the South side of the building.
Wreath Making Workshop
led by Lisa Munkatchy
When: Sunday December 6, 2026
Where: Atkins House – King’s Way
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $30
Create your own Mixed Greens Wreath. Learn how to take the raw materials and create a wreath for your home or as a gift. Basic materials will be supplied with your fee(greens, wire, form).
Bring your own ribbon and embellishments to decorate your wreath to your style. If you have favorite clippers for the greenery feel free to bring those too.
Young Adult Gathering
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
Small Groups – Spiritual Practices – Fellowship
Where: Atkins Charter House – Park in the Atkins/Center parking lot and enter through the Atkins/Center doors on the south side of the building.
King’s Way’s Center for the Ozarks is excited to host for persons 18 – 25 any Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
If you have questions or if you are interested in volunteering at this gathering, please contact Pastor Tadd at pastor@kwumc.com
