A Brave Place for Spiritual Exploration
The Center of the Ozarks
What is The Center?
The Center of 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.
The Center 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 the Center of 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 The Center of 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
Contemplative Worship
Sundays at 5:30 PM
Contemplative Worship is a setting in which we quiet ourselves in order to open our souls to the ministry of God within.
It is one way to hear God’s voice with our hearts. Offering extended times of stillness, Scripture reading, reflection, acoustic music, and Holy Communion in our Chapel.
Please park in the The Center/Atkins Parking lot at the front of the church (closest to the south entrance).
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.
The Center of 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