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Fred Huffstetler

Pastor of Congregational Care

In college Fred served as a Youth Counselor at his church and during those summers, worked with the Summershine Ministry in North Myrtle Beach, SC. He served with The CLUB Retreat Ministries for 30+ years, worked at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, NC as a Counselor, and served as a Young Life Leader in Knoxville, TN. He also had the opportunity to assist in the launch of several “new” Conference-Wide Methodist Youth Events that began in the 90’s from Beach Advance (later known as SPIRITUS), and Choose Christ Academy (later known as Choose To Share Christ). Fred served on the Leadership Teams for those events for many years. After 28 years of full-time Youth Ministry, beginning in 1990 at Tyro UMC (Lexington, NC),then to Southpark Church (formerly Sharon UMC in Charlotte, NC) and finally to Central here in Asheboro, Fred feels blessed to continue at Central Church in a new Congregational Care role with our older adults. In his free time, Fred loves spending time with his wife Susan and Daughter Jodi.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

There are three key areas in which Fred would like for people to consider participating in with him:

  1. Got A Minute?
  2. “If Money Talked” 4-Part Series
  3. Wednesday Prayer Ministry Team:
    We have a group of ladies that have met on Wednesday mornings for many years that have been responsible for the care of our Central Church prayer needs.  In addition to their holding the needs of many up in prayer, they also send out cards of love and support as weekly prayer requests come in.  They are instrumental in helping with Fred's visitation opportunities.
  4. Stephen Ministry
  5. Grief Share Ministry
  6. Soup Ministry
    Assist with our Staff
  7. Good Times Club
    (presently on hold)

Fred Says:

Growing up I was taught the importance and value that older adults play, and how they are a great resource of wisdom and experience. NOW, I have the chance to serve with adults both young and “seasoned,” and get to walk more intentionally with another generation. These are the folks that have taught and modeled for me faithfulness, presence, responsibility, sacrifice, integrity, selflessness, consistency and generosity. I love the heart and spirit of these folks! They are appreciative of even the smallest of gestures and kindnesses shared, often pouring more out than what they receive.

I’ve always enjoyed the fellowship I found growing up in church. It’s where I have felt closest to God. Church has been that place where I’ve been encouraged to grow in my faith from the teachings in Sunday School, Small Groups, Bible Study, Worship and more. That Christian fellowship is where I experience His love and His joy with the people that I’ve gotten to share in the journey.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:

"In these tough times, Fred Huffstetler has worked hard to come up with new ways to stay in touch. He started weekly calls of the homebound to connect; organized and helped distribute "soup for souls" to shut-ins; made phone tree calls to keep the congregation notified of important church information; led congregational prayer each week during our Livestream worship services; made digital contacts via text message, phone calls, and emails to persons going through medical procedures and hospital stays; launched a new tech ministry “Got A Minute” weekly devotional (via the phone tree); and soon, a finance class via ZOOM (If Money Talked). Fred has worked hard to keep the Central Church family connected during this time of intense disruption and disconnection! "

— JF Howard
Senior Pastor - Central Church

"Fred ministers to many of us as we have need and provides great leadership in prayer and discipleship. He persevered while experiencing the loss of loved ones this year and ministers to us with great patience and persistence."

— NEAL GRIFFIN
Staff and Parrish Relations Committee Chairman