Cedar Falls Bible Conference in Iowa

Many years ago, when our son and daughter were young, my wife and I registered our family for a Bible conference held on the grounds of Northwestern College in the Twin Cities. We paid our fees, got housing in one of the college dormitories, and thoroughly enjoyed the conference.

Today, that conference is no longer held. For different reasons, many Bible conferences across the country have "gone out of business." That is not to say, however, that Bible conferences are few and far between. Run an Internet search on U. S. Bible conferences and you will find page after page of opportunities to join with other believers to study and learn about the message of the Bible.

One major Bible conference that continues to operate is the Cedar Falls Bible Conference held on the grounds of the Riverview Conference Center on the north edge of Cedar Falls, Iowa. The conference center was formerly a United Methodist campground. Years ago, when the United Methodists were reducing the number of campgrounds they owned and operated, they sold Riverview to the Cedar Falls Bible Conference for $1.00, with the understanding that the Bible Conference would take over the operation and maintenance of the grounds.

My wife and I first heard of the Bible conference when we traveled to Cedar Falls from our home in Iowa Falls. We kept seeing a sign beside the highway pointing to the Cedar Falls Bible Conference. We eventually learned what the conference was and began attending it over 30 years ago. It has been one of the annual highlights of our lives. We enjoyed the conference and its setting so much that we bought a cabin on the grounds. Even though we now live in Minnesota, we still attend the conference as often as we can.

We recently attended the 88th annual Cedar Falls Bible Conference. Over the years of its existence, the conference has attracted nationally (and even internationally) known Bible scholars, pastors, and professors. For example, the 2009 conference included Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie, a former chaplain of the United States Senate, and Josh McDowell, well-known for his work with young people during his 50 years of ministry. Four other speakers rounded out the program.

Several years ago, special sessions for pastors and church leaders were instituted on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

A typical daily schedule for adults begins at 9:30 a.m. with the first teaching session. At 10:30, there is a break for cookies and coffee. The second teaching session begins at 11:00 and ends at noon. Unless you take part in the sessions for pastors and leaders, you are free until 7:30 p.m. when the evening session begins. The evening usually concludes at 9:00 p.m. A group of "prayer warriors" meets each day (except Sundays) at 8:30 a.m. to pray for the day's conference activities.

The Sunday schedule has just one morning session beginning at 10:45 a.m. and an evening session at 7:30 p.m.

Music is a large part of each year's conference with outstanding organ and piano artists as well as vocal soloists and/or groups. An impromptu choir made of up volunteers meets an hour before the evening session to rehearse a song for that session.

While the conference sessions for adults are being held, there are activities for children up through teenagers. A vacation Bible school is held during the weekdays. A nursery is provided for toddlers and infants.

The conference begins on the last Saturday of July with a musical event. The preaching/teaching sessions begin the next day and run through the first Sunday of August. One of the amazing things about the Cedar Falls Bible Conference is that there are no registration fees. Instead, free will offerings are taken twice each day-once in the morning and again in the evening.

For an overview of the Cedar Falls Bible Conference with details about housing and the schedule for the conference just concluded, go to the Bible Conference's website. This well-done site also includes a video.

If you love the Bible and would like a relaxing week of learning and fellowship, give the Cedar Falls Bible Conference a try. You won't regret it.

Source: www.cedarfallsbibleconference.org/index.html