ALLEGHENY DISTRICT

Contact:
Jim Culbertson
Church Planting Director
20662 Irish Road
Edinboro, PA 16412

Phone: 814-450-3737
Email: JimC_adcp@myway.com
Fax: 814-217-0398

Cleveland-Akron Metro
This area consist of approximately 5 million people; 3 to 3.5 million do not claim involvement in an evangelical church.  The area ranges from wealthy suburban to poor inner city with a wide range of ethnicities.  Currently our Ohio Alliance of Free Churches is working together at the development of a strategy for creating a multiplication movement.  We envision a variety of churches and ministries being formed to reach a wide variety of people.  Just one new church for every 100,000 people would mean the need for 50 new churches.

West Virginia
We currently have only two EFCA churches for all of West Virginia; a state with a range of demographics from slow rural to fast suburban.  We are particularly interested in seeing churches started in Wheeling, Beckley, and Charleston.   Additionally, church planter Josh Perry would welcome partnerships for creating a planting movement in the tri-state area of Huntington (KY, OH, WV).

Erie, PA
Pennsylvania's third largest city.  Currently, Crossroads Community Church of McKean is working the soil in preparation for the launch of one of four church plants envisioned for Erie.  Erie is a tri-state city, located 90 miles from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.  It boasts a strong tourism industry, but a recessed economy due to the decline of manufacturing.  Erie is heavily Roman Catholic but is full of many disillusioned people who yearn for a church that is authentic and biblical; focused more on people than programs and buildings.

Areas in the works: Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Shelby, OH; and Huntington, WV.

Other areas of interest include: Pittsburgh and Youngstown

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Contact: Mark Doss
P.O. Box 607
Boone, IA 50036
(515) 432-9175

For Hispanic church planting, contact:
Luis Martinez at 515-432-9175

St. Louis Metro Area
The EFCA has developed a positive presence in the St. Louis metro area. However, there is a great need for additional EFCA churches to serve this area in the name of our Lord Jesus. Both the urban center and the outer rim of the metro are potential targets for significant ministry.

Council Bluffs, IA
On the Iowa side of the Omaha metro, this area has strong potential for developing more EFCA churches that complement the existing ministries of the larger Omaha area.

Des Moines Metro Area
Des Moines is the largest population area in Iowa and continues to show healthy economic development. It is a key area for developing new churches. Both the urban parts and the rurban circle of communities provide key target areas.

Northwest Arkansas
The Central District is interested in developing church plants in Fayetteville or Bentonville.  Change and development is very typical of northwest Arkansas and the area seems ripe and ready for new churches.

Hispanic Churches
The Central District has been developing a Hispanic Initiative to encourage ministry to Hispanics.  Contact Luis Martinez at the Central District office (515) 432-9175 to talk with him about opportunities for ministry among Hispanics.

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EASTERN DISTRICT

Contact: Eric Orke
eorke@edaefca.org

Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Washington DC
Baltimore, MD
Richmond, VA
New York, NY
Harrisonburg, VA
Herdon, PA
Long Island, NY
Arlington, VA
the northern Virginia area around DC

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EFCA-Texas Oklahoma

Wherever Needed in Texas!
We are open to where God may be leading a church planter and where there is a need. 

Daughter Plants
Our desire is to reduce the number of pioneer plants we are doing, and see more and more of our churches planting churches.

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EFCA West

Dave Page
dave.page@mac.com

The Greater San Jose area (South SF Bay area)
Population 3+ million. Opportunities for plant churches among the various cultures of this great urban area, including Silicon Valley, Asians, Hispanic, African American, Eastern European. Potential partnership with healthy area churches available.

Livermore, CA
An outlying suburb of the SF Bay area (pop. About 60,000) Great need for effective churches in this high tech. area.

Salinas, CA
Principle city of a major vegetable growing agricultural area an hour south of San Jose. Population (over 100,000) consists of more than 50 percent "minorities" - largely Hispanic - and 50 percent anglo. Though there are some good churches in the city, only a small percentage of the population are actively involved in church life.

Stockton, CA
This city of nearly 250,000 is a center of industry, agriculture, and shipping (its inland seaport accommodates freight-carrying ships of significant size). It is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley (Central Valley). Stockton is a racially and culturally diverse city offering many urban and suburan church planting opportunities.

San Joaquin Valley, CA
There are literally hundreds of cities and towns in this part of the Central Valley (south of Stockton) in which Evangelical Free Churches could and need to be planted. Many of these towns have a population of 10,000 or 20,000 or more and have a serious need for strong evangelical disciple-making churches. Call us for more details on some of these places.

Los Angeles/Orange/San Diego Counties, CA
More than 16 million people from every nation on earth . . . this is an opportunity to come west and experience the world . . . and with that, have the privilege of bringing Christ to the most populous part of the most populous state in the United States.  A vast majority (well over 80 percent) have no meaningful spiritual relationships.  We will help people find the right communities in which to serve.

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FOREST LAKES DISTRICT

Contact: Ray Olson
P.O. Box 525
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 344-4288


Eau Claire, WI
This community of 70,000 plus offers many great advantages. It is home to one of our larger universities, is located in a beautiful area, and is seeing solid growth. We have special funding for this church plant, and there is strong interdenominational support for church planting.

LaCrosse, WI
One of our larger churches is eager to plant a daughter church on the south side using an internship/adolescent daughter church model. Significant funding is available to plant in this city of 70,000.

Hudson, WI
Just minutes from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, this rapidly growing community could see a core group formed quickly.  The census bureau listed Hudson in the 75 fastest growing counties in the U.S.

Marinette/Menominee, WI
This beautiful twin city area of 30,000 on Lake Michigan is in great need of a solid evangelical church.

Arcadia, WI
Recently, a young doctor moved to this small community with a strong sense of call to help plant a church.  He now leads a core group which is eager for a new church in this western Wisconsin city of 4,000.

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GREAT LAKES DISTRICT

Contact: Brett Gleason
brettcgleason@aol.com
or
Great Lakes District Office
PO Box 286
Osceola, IN 46561
574-299-9711
gld@gld-efca.org

HAWAII DISTRICT

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST

Ross Anderson
Wasatch EFC
Roy, UT
801-731-7118
ross@wasatchchurch.org

Heber City, UT
A growing semi-rural, semi-resort community in a mountain valley one hour from Salt Lake City.  A healthy, growing congregation nearby is prepared to act in a mother church relationship.  This may take shape as a staff position at the mother church leading to a core group for the church plant.

Saint George, UT
A fast growing county with a strong retirement community and links to southern California.  A pioneer planter is needed, as no EFCA churches are nearby.

Cedar City, UT
A growing university town with Mormon roots. A pioneer planter with cross-cultural sensitivity and strength in student ministry is needed.

Boise, ID
The larger metro area is growing rapidly, especially the western suburbs, and affords many opportunities for suburban church planting.

Salt Lake City, UT
Opportunities abound in the greater Salt Lake metro area for churches that will target the growing ethnic communities (especially Hispanic) or the "emerging culture."  A partnership of local churches will provide various kinds of support.

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MIDWEST DISTRICT

NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT

Contact:
Mark Overmyer
mobiewan@metrocast.net
603-731-5694

We are looking for innovative leaders who can think beyond the box to help us launch a multiplying movement in this part of the country.  We have a vision to plant 300 additional churches in 30 years.  Less than 24 out of 1000 people in New England are evangelical.  These 300 churches will only be a drop in the bucket of need.  Thankfully, church planting in New England is receiving new energy, bold vision, and innovative thinking.  We are looking for gifted planters for rural, "rurban," metro, and suburban areas.  If God has ever spoken to you about ministering in New England or if you believe you have the special gifts to labor in difficult parts of the harvest field, we would love to hear from you.  You can learn more about the New England District Assoication by visiting www.efcneda.org or by visiting our church planting site www.nedacp.org.

Naugatuck, CT
This community of just over 30,000 people is to receive the fist of five churches to be planted in this beautiful valley of all-American middle-class towns.  There are already 35 people passionate for outreach meeting for worship and mutual encouragement in the local YMCA.  It will be a church that plants churches.

Boston, MA
Looking for an Hispanic leader to join an already high-powered team and its African American lead pastor to establish this intercultural effort to reflect the diversity of the body of Christ.  Launching in fall of 2006.

Camden, ME
This is a real missiological challenge for the right person.  Join a seasoned lead pastor and another committed couple to establish this flagship church along the mid-coast region of one of the most under-churched states in the union.  Work starts immediately.  Launching in fall 2007.

Alton, NH
About 30 people are already planning to leave their healthy, vibrant mother church and go with the youth pastor to start this relevant work with lots of great DNA already established.  Launch is fall of 2006, and the mother is already looking to incubate the next one.  The daughter church won't be far behind; both are open to bringing on interns and developing them into planting pastors.

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NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

Contact: Bob Nieuwendorp
711 Tenth Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-338-1716
ncd@ncdefca.org
or
Dan Moose
danhefc@hutchtel.net

1. Fairmont (Hispanic)
2. Duluth
3. Austin (Hispanic)
4. Cannon Falls
5. Little Falls
6. Crosslake
7. Edgerton
8. Woodbury (St. Paul suburb)
9. Oakdale (St. Paul suburb)

Spicer-New London, MN
A daughter church coming out of the Willmar EFC has an established core group and is looking for a pastor who is strong in pastoral leadership, evangelism, discipleship, and preaching.  They are ready to start core group training as soon as the pastor gets on site.

Blaine, MN
An EFC and an independent church are interested in teaming together to plant a church in Blaine.

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NORTHERN MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

Contact:

Rick Weinert
District Superintendent
nmd@undershepherd.com

www.nmd.efca.org

Moses Lake, WA (center of the state)

Ellensburg, WA (university community)

Yakima, WA (Anglo, Hispanic, or Native American)

Big Sky, MT (ski resort community)

Meade, WA (north Spokane)

NORTHERN PLAINS DISTRICT

Contact: Todd Harder
revharder@abe.midco.net

Casselton, ND
This is a growing community of young families wanting to be out of the city yet close to the city.  A bedroom community of Fargo, ND, it provides a church planter a true "ruban" culture. A core group has worked out a purpose statement and four strategies for their local church. The need is for a church planting pastor to bring leadership, vision, and direction for this group.

Brookings, SD
South Dakota State University is located in this college town of 32,000 plus.  Brookings sits on the I-29 corridor about 50 miles south of Watertown, SD, and 50 miles north of Sioux Falls, SD. It is the anchor community for the southeast corner of the district.

Dickinson, ND
One of the four key cities along I-94 in North Dakota and the hub city for western North Dakota. The city is the host to Dickinson State University. With a population of 18, 300, it reaches into the surrounding small towns providing the opportunity to be a resource church to rural communities.

Huron, SD
Huron has a population of 16,800 and is the central city along highway 14 from Brookings to Pierre, SD.  A recent contact in Huron makes it a city ready for a church plant. It is surrounded by small lakes and the arrival of hunters from all over America.  It is a hub community drawing from the surrounding towns and communities for worship and community services.  With the opening of a new meat processing plant, the potential for a mult-ethnic or Hispanic ministry is now a reality.

Mandan, ND
This is the fifth largest city in North Dakota and the twin city to the capital, Bismarck. This city of 16,500 is home for many workers in the coal and power industry to the northwest.  It is the "beginning of the west" after crossing the Missouri River.

Pierre, SD
The capital of South Dakota is a city of influence and impact. The decisions made at the state capital extend to every community of South Dakota and into the world through economic development.  Pierre has a population of nearly 16,000 and is located along the Missouri River near three Indian reservations.

Crookston, MN
In northwest Minnesota, Crookston is a community built around agriculture and outdoor recreation.  The University of Minnesota has a campus here.  This community of more than 10,000 has believers who travel about 35 miles to Grand Forks, ND, to worship.

Sydney, MT
Sidney is the largest town in northeast Montana (population 6245).  This agricultural community is situated on the banks of the Yellowstone River, a short distance from the North Dakota line.  Oil and agriculture are the prominent industries.  This is an area of bluffs, badlands, and red scoria hills and offers excellent fishing and hunting along the Yellowstone.

Miles City, MT
Nestled in the fertile Yellowstone River Valley, Miles City is at the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone rivers.  It is the center of commerce for most of eastern Montana with a service area extending 100 miles in all directions and is the financial activity center for southeastern Montana.  Miles City is strategically located along I-94 with state highways connecting both north and south.  The population is about 8,500.

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Contact:
Rev. Bruce Martin
District Superintendent
Pacific Northwest District
pnwdefca@gmail.com

Sites not available at this time - please check back!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

Contact: Bruce Redmond
Canon City, CO 81212
(719) 331-2729

Trinidad, CO
Trinidad, population approximately 10-12,000, is located about 80 miles south of Pueblo on I25 about 11-15 miles north of the New Mexico border.  The city stretches along a beautiful southern mountain range.  The area is drawing people in early retirement and for recreational activities.  The weather is terrific all year with all four seasons.  The city hosts Trinidad State Junior College that focuses on graduates with skills in liberal arts, the trades (building & computer), graphic design, and cosmetology.  The city boasts of one of the largest collections of old Victorian style homes west of the Mississippi.  Trinidad is unique in its architecture and history.  It is a mixture of cultures with the census reporting White Non-Hispanic 48.4%, Hispanic 48.1%, and other races 12.1%.  Visit the city's web site at www.trinidadco.com.  Presently, we have a number of contacts, and in the spring of 2007, we will begin gathering a core team together to see a new church begin.  Contact us if you are interested.

Alamosa, CO
Alamosa, population 15,000 and elevation 7,800, is a central community to the San Luis Valley.  It is home for a large Mormon population; early retirees from TX, CA, and NM; Hispanic and Asian populatons; and young families.  It has a regional airport, medical center, and a four-year college.  You must be able to work with middle class and AG people.  This valley, one of the largest mountain valleys in the nation, is one of the critical areas in Colorado without healthy churches or churches at all.  Six smaller communities within an hour drive of Alamosa do not have any type of church.  They need the Gospel which will have to be contextualized in a cross-cultural way at times.  We will encourage the new church planter to consider beginning with a multicultural staff and be English speaking.  Naturally, Spanish would be great.  There is a new EFCA church one and a half hours away that would help out in practical ways. 

Woodland Park, CO
This city calls itself the city above the clouds and is a bedroom community of Colorado Springs. There are 8,000 people living in the city limits and another 10,000 people living near by in the county. Woodland Park is fast becoming the place to live if you enjoy mountain living and desire to live close to a major city. We have several couples that may be interested in discussing the possibility of a new church.

Denver, CO
The city has been changing because singles and young families are moving back into the city from the suburbs. The people tend to be more middle class, and they need Jesus Christ! Check out Denver Community Church at http://www.denverchurch.org/ or www.larkridgechurch.com.  Contact one of our church planters to find out more.  A church plant in Denver will need a team of people coming together to make a difference for the gospel.  Also, some of the surrounding suburban communities like Arvada, the east side of Westminster, and the south Thornton area are in terrific need of a new church for transitioning people.  Check out these communities online and get back to me.  We have some contacts in the Commerce City area too.

Green Valley, CO
The community of Green Valley is a growing community that is racially and economically diverse.  The location is near Denver International Airport and home to thousands of new homes, young families, and new businesses.  It is located north of I-70 on both sides of Tower Road.  This community used to have an EFCA church, so there might still be some contacts available.  Near this location is another new community developing called Reunion, CO.  Check out the chamber of commerce for this area, and contact our office.  The community has many young families.

Fairplay, CO
This changing community is in the mountains near South Park.  There are thousands of new people that have moved in from Texas and California seeking a peaceful life with all of the amenities they had back home.  A lot of change and some new schools too.  I have a few contacts in this mountain community just over the pass from Breckenridge, CO.  They would like a church that has good Bible teaching and desires to be relevant in reaching others.  If you like the outdoors and a recreational lifestyle, this might be it.  Go to http://www.city-data.com/city/Fairplay-Colorado.html and check things out.

Wyoming
We have contacts in Thermopolis, WY, plus there are three other EFCA churches within two hours driving time.  Thermopolis is a stable community that serves tourists traveling to Yellowstone Park.  There are some state offices located there with all of the amenities needed.   

We also need churches in Wheatland, Buffalo, and Sheridan, WY.

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SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT

WESTERN DISTRICT

Contact:
Dan Lahl
pastorlahl@sbcglobal.net

Oakland/East Bay Area
A highly multicultural urban area with communities up to 95 percent unchurched. The challenge is great, but the potential is greater for entrepreneurial planters who have a passion for reaching people.

San Francisco
This is a city that needs the Lord. We will not seek to mislead people. It is not easy to start churches in this beautiful city, but is is important that we do so. We have several Chinese and Chinese/American churches here, but we need to help people from other cultures find the Lord as well.

Outlying Suburban Bay Area Cities
Especially the Brentwood/Antioch area. These are fast growing suburbs with great opportunities for planting among many cultural groups.

Sacramento
This is the other major population center in the district. There has been huge population growth in the suburbs that are reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in the east, and north to the Natomas area and south to the Elk Grove area.

Smaller communities in the Highway 101 costal corridor
Some planters have the skills to plant in smaller towns ranging from a thousand to 15,000. Great opportunitites in lower cost environments.

Sacramento Valley--north of Sacramento
This large center of agriculture in the great Central Valley of California has many small to medium sized cities. We may have some churches that are willing to plant daughter churches.

Santa Rosa/Napa-Sonoma wine country
The growing population of this area north of San Francisco demands that healthy new churches be planted here.

Sierra Nevada Communities
Smaller mountain communities offer great opportunities to planters who are attracted to having a great impact on a small community by planting a healthy church with the goal of reproducing the church in other communities nearby in the coming years.

Reno/Sparks/Carson City area of western Nevada
This is another fast growing area where we need to plant healthy new churches. the image of this being just a gambling mecca is misleading. Many young families are moving into this area. A great opportunity.

Key Cities across Nevada
Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, Tonopah, Hawthorne, Minden/Gardnerville are examples. These are the kind of communities that are often forgotten but which provide an enormous opportunity to planters who love the wide-open spaces of the West.

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