ENCOUNTER

Encountering Christ, Building Community

Encounter is a Christ-centered, relationally-styled experience in Christian community.  Through the formation of leadership teams, retreat weekends, & various forms of follow-up, the candidates are given the opportunity to grow in personal faith & to express a corporate faith in witness & service to others. (Formerly known as YATEC)

About

WHAT HAPPENS AT ENCOUNTER?


INSPIRATION:

Over three days, eight adults on the team give talks on subjects such as “Growing in Christ”. These talks are personal witnesses by team members. Those who attend will then have an opportunity to share & discuss how the talks relate to them personally.

FRIENDSHIP:

Many lasting friendships are created & cultivated during an Encounter weekend.

RENEWAL:

This is a three day opportunity to share & renew or learn more about your personal faith in Christ along with others.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

All post high school & older young adults, whether married, single, employed or students. If you wish to participate in a weekend you must fill out a candidate (first time attendee) registration or team application.

To obtain an application/registration, you may fill one out online or print a hard copy, call 712-722-4900, email us at [email protected], or contact anyone who has already attended a YATEC/Encounter weekend.

HOW IS TEAM SELECTED?

The Encounter Council has a committee that chooses team & leadership before every Encounter weekend. Leadership is chosen prayerfully & intentionally by this committee using suggestions from past leaders of each team, past experience of individuals, leadership abilities, as well as chemistry with other leaders. Encounter has emphasized the value of raising up leaders in the context of consistency, so many people who have served in leadership are intentionally asked back into positions of leadership in order to be partnered with someone who has less leadership or Encounter experience. Any questions about choosing leadership can be directed to one of the council members.

ENCOUNTER COUNCIL

Becky Hiemstra

Amy Keahi

Jen Clark

Becky Riskedahl

Nick Van Beek

Molly Van Berkum

ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS & REGISTRATION

UPCOMING WEEKEND(s):

ENCOUNTER 68
February 14-16, 2025 (team will arrive February 13 at 6:30pm)

Centerpoint Church
160 10th Street SE, Sioux Center, IA

Leadership Meeting:  Saturday, January 25 - 7:30am to 9:00am
Team Meeting:  Saturday, January 25 - 9:15am to 4:15pm

*All team is required to attend the team meeting in order to work the weekend.



ENCOUNTER 69
February 13-15, 2026 (team will arrive February 12 at 6:30pm)

Centerpoint Church
160 10th Street SE, Sioux Center, IA

Leadership Meeting:  Dates TBD
Team Meeting:  Dates TBD

*All team is required to attend the team meeting in order to work the weekend.

Online Candidate Registration
Online Team Registration

TESTIMONIALS

  • Encounter (formerly YA-TEC) has been one of the most formational experiences in my life. Encounter taught me what it means to worship in Spirit in truth. It taught me how to be appropriately vulnerable with my problems and challenges (thus avoiding a life full of shame) and gave me skills to lead spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. I would not be the person I am, the mother I am, the wife I am, or have the career I do without the relationships and shaping that occurred because of my involvement in the Encounter community. It’s certainly uncomfortable to be out of our comfort zones and to not have control over a weekend, but that is where God meets us and shapes us in some of the most important ways. I would highly encourage you to attend.

    Tara B – Hull, IA

  • I entered my Encounter experience not knowing what to expect, and thankfully, not having any set expectations, but also knowing that I desired a deeper relationship with God. I walked in the door that first day worried and nervous, but my worry and fear was soon relieved as it was immediately made clear to me that I was wanted and welcomed there. I could just feel it. The next three days were a whirlwind filled with worship and scripture, joy and sadness, laughter and tears, contemplation and reminiscing, internal spiritual conflict and most importantly, peace. Through it all I could feel the Holy Spirit working in ways that I had never felt before. The generosity and grace of the volunteers was abundant, and they gave it their all to make sure that everyone attending that weekend had a life, and spiritually altering experience. I can honestly say that I’ve known love my whole life. I had loving parents and siblings; I have a loving wife and daughters; I have wonderful friends and I’ve known the love of Jesus Christ, but the one thing that stands out to me most about my Encounter weekend, is that I walked out of there having never felt more loved in my entire life. I will remember my Encounter experience for the rest of my life and can honestly say that my relationship with Jesus Christ was remarkably strengthened that weekend. I would wholeheartedly recommend Encounter to anyone and everyone, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey.

    Kyle P – Orange City, IA

Contact

Regular Business Hours: 8am to 5pm

Feel free to leave a message and we will call you back!

+1 712 722 4900
[email protected]
540 N Main Avenue
Sioux Center, Iowa
51250

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