In All Things

Episode 222: Missional Markers of Healthy EPC Churches

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0300

This week, special guest host Marc de Jeu sits down with pastor and author Josh Hayden to discuss the missional markers of a healthy church. They break down the distinction between revitalization and remissioning, the relationship of church metrics to a church’s missional identity, and share a bit about the equipping session they will be leading together at this year’s General Assembly.

Whether you’re leading a church that wants to make disciples or just interested in how to improve your church’s missional health, this episode will allow you to consider the important questions and encouragements needed to for a healthy EPC church.

Read Josh’s book, Remissioning Church, here: https://www.ivpress.com/remissioning-church?srsltid=AfmBOorwhJXYrulGe3_txOVkiOb95fWKFCwxp4oBfH7aEGNKT5-uHf99

Episode 221: Alpha USA and the EPC

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of In All Things, guest host Marc de Jeu, National Director of Church Health, is joined by Julie Hawkins and Michelle Tepper, Alpha USA’s National Director for Denominational Engagement, for a rich conversation about evangelism, hospitality, and the Church’s call to reach those who are searching.

Together, they explore Alpha USA’s ministry and why it serves as such a powerful “front porch” for evangelism by creating welcoming spaces where people can ask honest questions, explore faith, and encounter the gospel in community. Michelle shares Alpha’s heart for discipleship and spiritual conversation, while Marc and Julie reflect on how EPC churches can faithfully integrate Alpha into their local ministry contexts.

Whether your church is looking for new ways to engage your community or strengthen evangelistic pathways, this episode offers encouragement and concrete next steps for ministry.

🔗 Explore EPC Church Health tools and resources: https://epconnect.org/churchhealthtools

🔗 Learn more about Alpha USA and how to get started: https://alphausa.org

Episode 220: What Our Benefits Do

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:11:08 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Brandon Jolley, a member of the Benefits Resources, Inc. (BRI) Committee, for a practical and encouraging conversation about how the EPC’s benefits program works and why participation matters.

Together, Brandon and Dean walk through the heart behind EPC Benefits, explaining how the program supports pastors, church staff, and their families through medical coverage, wellness resources, and long-term care. Brandon offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the benefits plan functions, what makes it different from navigating insurance independently, and why a strong, connected participation base helps strengthen care for everyone involved.

This episode is an invitation to pastors, sessions, and church leaders to explore how EPC Benefits can serve their communities, and a reminder that caring for those who serve the Church is a vital part of the Church’s witness.

🔗 Learn more about EPC Benefits and how to join at epconnect.org/benefits

Episode 219: How Our Benefits Help

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Julie Lynn Ashley, who shares her family’s powerful story of how the EPC and the EPC Benefits program supported them through one of the most challenging seasons of their ministry journey.

Julie Lynn reflects on the realities of pastoral life, the unexpected moments when benefits become more than paperwork, and how the care from the wider EPC family provided when her family needed it most. Her testimony offers a meaningful reminder that ministry families are not meant to walk alone, and that tangible support from the Church makes a lasting difference.

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry spouse, elder, or church leader, this episode offers both encouragement and practical insight into how the EPC seeks to care for those who serve.

To connect with Julie Lynn, visit her website or Alongside Ministry Wives.

🔗 Learn more about EPC’s Benefits Program at epconnect.org/benefits

🔗 Watch Julie Lynn’s most recent webinar here: https://youtu.be/ZLXesFa6NcQ?si=GEvz4eGyT54z62sr

Episode 218: Why Benefits Matter

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the first episode of our new miniseries, The Benefit of Joining Our Benefits, Dean sits down with Carolee Richendollar, Executive Director of Benefits Resources, to explore how the EPC supports pastors, church staff, and their families through comprehensive benefits and holistic care.

Together, they discuss why benefits matter not only practically, but spiritually, and how healthy coverage can create space for pastors to serve with greater confidence and longevity. Carolee also shares why so many people enrolled in the plan aren’t fully utilizing the resources available to them and offers encouragement for pastors and sessions to take a fresh look at what’s already at their fingertips.

This episode is a helpful reminder that caring for those called to ministry is a shared responsibility of the Church. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or church administrator, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical next steps for making the most of the EPC’s Benefits Resources.

🔗 Learn more about EPC Benefits Resources and explore available plans and support at:
https://www.epconnect.org/benefits

Episode 217: Teach Central Asia

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dean sits down with Stuart Chen to explore the often-overlooked seasons of calling that come after a career has ended. Drawing from his own experience serving at an international school in Central Asia, Stuart reflects on the different phases of retirement and the surprising opportunities they can hold for meaningful ministry.

This conversation is an encouragement to believers of all ages, especially those nearing or entering retirement, to prayerfully consider how God might be inviting them to use their time, skills, and availability in this next chapter of life. As Stuart reminds us, the call to follow Jesus doesn’t end with a career; it continues wherever God leads.

📩 Interested in exploring how your retirement years could be used in ministry? Stuart welcomes conversation and questions. Feel free to reach out to him at polycarp316@gmail.com

Episode 216: Generational Community

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the third and final episode of our Generations Series, Dean, Gianna, and Kendra turn their attention to one of the most vital questions facing the Church today: how do we cultivate meaningful community across generations?

The conversation explores how different generations understand belonging, commitment, and connection—especially in a world shaped by both digital and in-person interactions. From the strengths and limitations of online spaces to the irreplaceable value of embodied, face-to-face community, the team reflects on how churches can thoughtfully engage people of all ages within their immediate reach.

🔗 Learn more about the upcoming Next Gen Leadership Summit and how to register here.

Episode 215: Generational Communication

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the second episode of our Generations Series, Dean, Gianna, and Kendra turn their attention to one of the most common and often misunderstood challenges in ministry: communication across generations.

From texting and tone to email etiquette and expectations, the team explores how different generations communicate, where misunderstandings most often arise, and why good intentions can still lead to confusion.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that communication is an act of discipleship. When the Church learns to listen well and speak thoughtfully across generations, it reflects the unity of the Body of Christ and creates space for deeper connection.

🔗 Learn more about the EPC’s Next Generation Council: http://epconnect.org/nextgen/

Episode 214: Generations in Context

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the first episode of our Generational Ministries series, Dean sits down with Kendra Smith and Gianna Lazzaro to explore the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the generations currently present in the Church, and what those differences mean for ministry today.

Rather than viewing generational differences as obstacles, this episode invites listeners to see them as opportunities for mutual learning, humility, and shared discipleship. As the Church looks ahead, the question is not how to choose one generation over another, but how we can faithfully steward the richness of the whole Body of Christ, together.

To learn more about the EPC’s Next Generation Ministries Council, check out their webpage here.

Episode 213: Ministerial Health in the EPC with Annie Rose

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dean sits down with Annie Rose, the EPC’s National Director of Ministerial Health, to unpack the findings from the 2025 Pastoral Well-Being Survey. More than 200 EPC pastors and retired pastors participated, giving us a clear picture of both the joys and the pressures of ministry today.

Annie walks us through the survey’s key insights, including pastoral satisfaction, sources of stress, spiritual health trends, and surprising generational differences in how pastors seek support. She also highlights the critical resources available to EPC pastors, from counseling and coaching to sabbatical planning, medical care, and benevolence funds.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or church member who wants to better understand and care for your leaders, this episode is full of wisdom, compassion, and practical next steps.

📄 Read Annie’s full article here
🙏 Learn more about care resources for pastors:
✉️ Contact Annie: annie.rose@epc.org

Episode 212: God With Us Together (Love): Advent Week 4

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this final week of Advent, celebrate the heart of the season: love. Dean reflects on the miracle of the Incarnation, where the promise of Matthew 1:22-23 comes true, God becomes “Immanuel, God with us,” and where John 1:14 declares that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Through 1 John 4:9-12 and Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35, we’re reminded that this love is not abstract. It is embodied, sacrificial, and meant to be shared. Christmas proclaims that God didn’t just send love; He stepped into our world to transform it. As the Body of Christ, we are called to love one another deeply, living out the truth that we are truly better together.

Merry Christmas from all of us at In All Things!

Episode 211: Rejoicing Together (Joy): Advent Week 3

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This third week of Advent centers on joy, and Dean turns our attention to one of Scripture’s most joyful moments – Mary and Elizabeth’s meeting in Luke 1:39-45, where even the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps at the nearness of Christ. Paired with Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:4-7 to “rejoice in the Lord always,” we’re reminded that joy is not dependent on circumstances but anchored in God’s presence. Advent joy is a shared joy; when we rejoice together, that joy multiplies. As we await Christ’s coming, we celebrate that God is near, God is faithful, and God is at work among His people.

Episode 210: Reconciling Together (Peace): Advent Week 2

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In the second week of Advent, Dean invites us to consider the gift of peace as declared by the angels in Luke 2:8-14 and accomplished through Christ Himself. Ephesians 2:14-18 shows us that Jesus doesn’t just offer peace; He is our peace, breaking down dividing walls and reconciling us to God and one another. Advent reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of a restored relationship. In a fractured world and a divided age, the Church is called to embody this peace together, living as a people reconciled by grace and united in Christ.

Episode 209: Waiting Together (Hope): Advent Week 1

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this first week of Advent, we turn our hearts toward hope, remembering that God’s people have always been a people who wait together. Drawing from Isaiah 9:2-7, Dean reflects on a world that once walked in darkness and the promise of a great light: Christ, our coming King. And as Romans 15:12-13 reminds us, this hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness. Advent teaches us that hope grows strongest in community; we are “better together” when we lift one another’s eyes toward the Savior who keeps every promise and turns our waiting into worship.

Episode 208: Thanksgiving Special 2025

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this special Thanksgiving edition of In All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis leads a heartfelt devotional on Psalm 100, reflecting on what it truly means to give thanks as the people of God.

Through the psalm’s call to joyful worship, intimate relationship, and corporate gratitude, Michael reminds us that thanksgiving is not merely a feeling but a faithful response to who God is. Each verse offers a glimpse into how we express gratitude: with gladness in song, with intimacy in relationship, with unity in community, and ultimately because of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

As we enter this season of gratitude, may we remember that our thanksgiving is better together as a chorus of praise lifted by the Body of Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at In All Things!

Episode 207: Lessons from Church History

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In the concluding episode of our Essentials series, Dean sits down with esteemed church historian Dr. Mark Noll to explore the rich historical and theological context surrounding the Essentials of our Faith. Together, they trace the development of Presbyterianism in America, reflect on the global identity of the EPC, and consider how balancing truth and grace has always been central to our confessional life.

Drawing from centuries of church history, Dr. Noll and Dean discuss how past movements of faith and reform can guide the EPC in navigating present and future challenges. Their conversation reminds us that the Essentials are not only a foundation to preserve but a living testimony of God’s ongoing work in His Church around the world.

This episode offers both historical insight and pastoral encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how the EPC’s theological roots inform its present mission and unity in Christ.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology and its work at epconnect.org/committees

Episode 206: The Lord is in the Details

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dean is joined by Don Fortson, one of the EPC’s leading authorities on our denomination’s history and doctrine. Together, they explore the deep relationship between the Essentials of Our Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith, unpacking how these foundational documents work together to shape the theological core of the EPC’s Constitution.

Don and Dean discuss the importance of doctrinal integrity, the role of confessional subscription in the life of the church, and how the EPC’s distinctive approach preserves both unity in the essentials and liberty in non-essentials. Through their conversations, listeners will gain a richer understanding of why what we believe – and how we hold those beliefs – matters deeply for the church’s witness and health today.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology: epconnect.org/committees
📘 Explore Dr. Fortson’s book on the Essentials: https://epcresources.org/collections/books-and-booklets/products/liberty-in-non-essentials-the-story-of-the-evangelical-presbyterian-church

Episode 205: The Theology of the Essentials

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In the second episode of our Essentials series, Dean sits down with Dr. Clifton Ward, Associate Professor of Church History and Theology, to explore the enduring theological depth and practical significance of the Essentials of Our Faith.

Together, they unpack the relationship between the Essentials and the Westminster Confession, tracing how both shape our understanding of Reformed theology and the unity of the Church. Their conversation highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in illuminating truth, guiding the Church in charity and conviction, and binding believers together across generations and traditions.

Dean and Clifton also reflect on how the EPC’s Essentials foster unity amid diversity, and how these core affirmations of faith can serve as a spiritual anchor for the next generation of believers seeking a firm foundation in an ever-changing world.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology, the committee that first brought the Essentials to the floor of the General Assembly and continues to guide the EPC in matters of doctrine and faith: epconnect.org/committees

Episode 204: The Streams of the EPC

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:43:44 -0300

In the first episode of our series on The Essentials of Our Faith, Dean sits down with Bob Stauffer, who was present at the very first General Assembly of the EPC. Together, they look back on the denomination’s formative years, exploring the streams of thought that flowed into the river of the EPC’s development and the theological and cultural moments that gave rise to who we are today.

Bob shares his firsthand perspective on the early vision of the EPC, the conversations that shaped our identity, and the foundation that led to the creation of the Essentials of Our Faith. This episode provides both historical insight and heartfelt reflection on how God’s providence has guided our denomination from the beginning, laying a firm foundation for generations to come.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology, the group that first brought the Essentials to the General Assembly and continues to guide our denomination’s theological conversations: epconnect.org/committees

Episode 203: The Ultimate Stranger: Incarnational Hospitality

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In the final episode of our Gospel Hospitality series, Dean and Brad Strait conclude their conversation by reflecting on Jesus as the ultimate stranger: the one who entered our world to bring us home. Together, they explore the extravagant love and radical acceptance taught throughout Scripture and what it means for the Church to embody that same spirit of welcome today.

Brad and Dean discuss the importance of creating a safe and gracious space within the Church for those who are seeking, questioning, or longing for belonging. Through stories, Scripture, and personal reflection, they remind us that gospel hospitality mirrors the heart of God who invites everyone to the table, not because they’ve earned it, but because they are loved.

🌐 Learn more about Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church: cherrycreekpres.org
📅 Get the latest updates for the 46th General Assembly of the EPC: epconnect.org/ga

Episode 202: Listening with Grace

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this second episode of our Gospel Hospitality series, Dean and Brad Strait return to dive deeper into what it means to show hospitality, not only with our homes but also with our hearts and minds.

Together, they explore the idea of intellectual hospitality – how we can engage others with both grace and conviction, even when we disagree. Bran and Dean discuss the importance of humility and curiosity in conversations, how to navigate different environments with a spirit of welcome, and how Jesus himself modeled hospitality through his interactions with people across every walk of life.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on how Christ-like hospitality calls us to listen well, speak graciously, and embody truth with gentleness in an increasingly divided world.

🌐 Learn more about Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church: cherrycreekpres.org
📅 Get the latest updates for the 46th General Assembly of the EPC: epconnect.org/ga

Episode 201: The Sacred Duty of Hospitality

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:14:37 -0300

In this first episode of our three-part series on Gospel Hospitality, Dean is joined by Brad Strait, Lead Pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church and the host of the upcoming 46th General Assembly. Together, they explore what it truly means to embody the heart of hospitality as followers of Christ.

Brad and Dean discuss the biblical foundations of gospel hospitality, what Scripture teaches about welcoming the stranger, and how hospitality is not just a cultural nicety but a reflection of God’s own character. They also look forward to the ultimate hospitality we will be granted in heaven, where every tribe and tongue will be gathered around the table of the Lord.

This episode reminds us that gospel hospitality is more than opening our doors. It’s opening our lives to others, just as God has welcomed us through Christ.

🌐 Learn more about Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church: cherrycreekpres.org
📅 Get the latest updates for the 46th General Assembly of the EPC: epconnect.org/ga

Episode 200: From a Closet to a Community

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0300

“In this very special 200th episode of In All Things, our producer and guest host Gianna Lazzaro sits down with Dean to reflect on the incredible journey of the podcast so far. Dean shares stories about the podcast’s humble beginnings, recording in a closet, and how it has grown into a platform that connects and encourages the EPC family around the world.

Dean also reflects on his nearly five years as Stated Clerk, the joys of serving the denomination, and how he has seen God at work across the EPC. Together, Gianna and Dean look back at the impact of In All Things over its first 200 episodes and reaffirm the importance of the podcast’s core verse from Colossians 1, which continues to shape every conversation.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you!

Follow the EPC on social media to stay connected by clicking HERE

Episode 199: Pastors Finding Healing

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Sean Nemecek, Regional Director for PIR Ministries and the author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout, for a candid and compassionate conversation about the realities pastors face behind the pulpit.

Sean and Dean discuss the misconceptions surrounding pastoral burnout, the isolation many pastors experience, and the unique pressures that come with shepherding a congregation. Sean offers heartfelt encouragement and practical advice for both pastors and congregations on how to foster healthy rhythms of rest, support, and care so that churches can thrive and their leaders can flourish.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or member of a congregation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that pastors are people, too – and that building healthy church communities requires caring for the shepherds who care for us.

📖 Read Sean’s book The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout: https://seannemecek.com/book/
🌱 Learn more about PIR Ministries: https://pirministries.org/
💒 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team: https://epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth/

Episode 198: Intercultural Discipleship

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Greg Perry, President of Thirdmill Seminary, for a powerful conversation on the calling and challenges of global discipleship. Greg shares the story behind Thirdmill’s vision to equip church leaders worldwide and reflects on the unique opportunities and obstacles facing the global church.

Together, Greg and Dean explore the difference between intercultural and cross-cultural discipleship, and discuss how understanding those dynamics can transform the way churches approach global ministry. They also offer practical steps for local churches that want to participate in God’s global mission, even if they feel small or far removed from international work.

Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or simply passionate about the Great Commission, this episode will inspire you to see how the flourishing Body of Christ spans every culture, language, and nation.

🌍 Learn more about Thirdmill Seminary: https://thirdmillseminary.edu
💒 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team: epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth

Episode 197: Art as Parable

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver once again sits down with Ritchey Cable to delve into the intersection of art and faith, exploring how art can serve as a parable and a tool for discipleship within the church. They discuss the power of storytelling in art, the importance of engaging with culture through creative expressions, and practical ways for pastors to incorporate art into their ministry. The conversation emphasizes the need for discernment in evaluating media and the potential for art to foster gospel conversations.

Whether you are an artist yourself or simply interested in the function of the arts in ministry, this conversation proves an invaluable resource for understanding how art and media can act as modern-day parables.

👉 Learn more about Ritchey’s films at portalpictures.studio
👉 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team.

Episode196: Diverse Churches, United Body

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Josh Brown, Lead Pastor of Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together, they explore what it means to live out a true partnership in the gospel within the church and beyond.

Their conversation ranges from the theology of place and community engagement, to understanding partnership as more than just pastor-and-congregation dynamics, to the unique role campus ministries can play when they collaborate with local churches. Drawing on both pastoral and presbytery experience, Josh offers practical wisdom and a hopeful vision for how every member of the Body of Christ has a part to play in the Great Commission.

👉 Learn more about resources from the EPC Church Health Team at epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth

Episode 195: A Relationship Based on Promises

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:47:29 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Bryan Rhodes, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to belong to a church. Together, they reflect on the church’s covenant relationship with God, the promises believers keep to one another, and the responsibilities of a faithful community of disciples.

Bryan also shares from his own pastoral experience about navigating seasons of transition and why covenant community matters now more than ever. His book on the importance of family worship will soon be available on Amazon.

👉 Connect with Bryan Rhodes: bryan.rhodes@gcsla.org
👉 Explore Church Health Resources

Episode 194: Creation and Creativity

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:55:52 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by filmmaker, church health coordinator, and our own Digital Content Lead Ritchey Cable to explore how creativity and beauty shape the life and worship of the church. Ritchey shares insights from his dual calling as a film director and presbytery leader, reflecting on how storytelling, art, and imagination can enrich discipleship and renew community.

Whether you’re an artist, pastor, or church member, this conversation will inspire you to see creativity not as extra, but as vital to the church’s witness and worship.

👉 Learn more about Ritchey’s films at portalpictures.studio
👉 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team

Episode 193: The Calling to Church Operations

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:05:06 -0300

In this episode, Dean sits down with Matt Stinson, Executive Director of Finance and Operations at Colonial Village Presbyterian Church, to explore the heart behind church administration.

Matt shares his story of transitioning from the business world into full-time church operations, offering thoughtful reflections on the distinct challenges – and opportunities – of managing the practical life of a congregation. Together, he and Dean discuss how executive pastors and administrative leaders can serve both the mission of the church and the people in the pews.

Whether you're in church leadership or simply curious about the unseen work that keeps ministry running, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a glimpse into what faithfulness looks like behind the scenes.

Episode 192: Evangelism in Church Operations

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this first episode of our special two-part miniseries on church administration, Dean sits down with Greg Flagg, Executive Associate Pastor at Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City, California. Greg shares from his experience as an Executive Pastor to discuss the often-unsung role that church administrators play in building healthy, sustainable ministries.

From navigating HR challenges in small churches to identifying support structures that help pastors and staff flourish, Greg highlights how executive pastors serve as a backbone for their congregations. He and Dean also explore current trends in church administration, the value of intentional leadership development, and the importance of gatherings and networks for XP Admins across the EPC.

Whether you're an executive pastor, a lead pastor, or someone curious about what happens behind the scenes of your church, this episode sheds light on the crucial (and complex) work of church administration.

Episode 191: Replanting Churches

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In the final installment of our Church and Culture series, Dean is joined by pastor and author Luke Johnston for a powerful conversation on what it means to replant a church, and why doing so often requires deep humility, local insight, and faith in the God who brings life out of death.

Drawing from Luke’s book, If It Dies: Why Replanting is the Hope for Dying Churches and How You Can Lead It, he and Dean explore Luke’s journey to replanting his church, how to recognize when a church plant needs to be reimagined, and practical wisdom for leaders facing ministry transitions.

This episode is a meaningful close to our series and a hopeful word for anyone wrestling with cultural change, church decline, or missional calling.

🔗 Check out Luke’s book here: If It Dies
📘 Explore EPC Ministry Resources: epconnect.org/ministryresources

Episode 190: Exegeting Culture

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode, Dean is joined by Chris White, Lead Pastor of Gateway Church EPC, for a thoughtful conversation on discipleship in today’s cultural landscape. Together, they unpack the challenges of forming mature believers in a world of competing stories, and why faithful discipleship is more important than ever.

Chris shares personal experiences from his own journey, explores the power of biblical storytelling in cultural engagement, and reflects on what it means to live out the gospel in our everyday lives. From Sunday mornings to the mundane moments of the week, this conversation calls us back to a life deeply rooted in Christ and faithfully lived in the world.

🔗 Learn more about Chris’s church: gatewaychurchepc.org
📚 Explore more resources on discipleship and ministry at: epconnect.org/ministryresources

Episode 189: What's Your Eschatology?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:05:42 -0300

In this episode, Dean sits down with Michael Langer, CEO of Faithful Presence, to talk about what it means to live as a follower of Jesus in the public square. Drawing from his experience in Washington D.C., Michael reflects on his personal journey, the current cultural and spiritual landscape of our nation’s capital, and the critical need for gospel-rooted engagement in public life.

They discuss the Church’s role in civic discourse, how to model grace and truth in polarized environments, and offer practical wisdom for believers who want to pursue unity, justice, and faithfulness in every sphere of life.

Whether you’re serving in ministry, politics, or the marketplace, this conversation will encourage you to think deeply about your calling and what it means to be a faithful presence in today’s world.

🔗 Learn more about Faithful Presence: faithful-presence.org
📚 Explore EPC’s resources for ministry and discipleship: epconnect.org/ministryresources

Episode 188: Your Faith in Your Life

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0300

How do we faithfully live as disciples of Christ in a world that often divides the sacred from the secular? In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Case Thorp to explore the integration of faith and culture, with a particular focus on living out faith in the workplace.

Case shares wisdom on how to define faithfulness in a professional context, how to navigate the sometimes murky waters of calling versus career, and what practical steps followers of Jesus can take to faithfully engage the marketplace without compromising their beliefs. Whether you’re a pastor, business owner, teacher, or in any other field, this episode will encourage you to approach your daily work as sacred.

🔗 Learn more about Case Thorp and his work at: wecolabor.com
🔗 Explore EPC’s Ministerial Vocation Resources: epconnect.org/ministerialvocation/mvcresources/

Episode 187: Partiality and Privilege

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this special Independence Day episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by pastor, author, and teacher Zack Eswine for a thoughtful conversation on what it means to live faithfully at the intersection of Christianity and citizenship. Together, they explore the complex tensions between faith and politics, and offer encouragement for believers navigating our modern political landscape.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by political division or searching for clarity on how to engage as a Christian, this episode offers grounded insight and a grace-filled perspective on our modern world.

🎧 Listen to the Truth Over Tribe podcast: https://podcast.truthovertribe.com/episodes
🔗 Explore the EPC's Ministerial Vocation Resources: https://epconnect.org/ministryresources/

Episode 186: The Firm Foundation of Our General Assembly

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0300

Join us for our last episode of Season 4 and our last day of General Assembly. Guest host and podcast producer Gianna Lazzaro sits down with Michael Davis, the EPC's Assistant Stated Clerk, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan and execute a successful General Assembly.

To watch the replay of our General Assembly worship services, plenary sessions and business sessions, click HERE.

Episode 185: Live from General Assembly

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0300

This special episode of In All Things comes to you straight from the 45th General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church! Guest host and podcast producer Gianna Lazzaro sits down with Dean Weaver, the EPC's Stated Clerk, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on all that's been happening this week in Michigan.

Together, we reflect on the worship services, fellowship, and equipping opportunities that are energizing the EPC family, as well as some of the highlights from across the Assembly. From networking lunches to powerful reaching, from late-night laughter to Spirit-filled moments of prayer; this episode captures the heart of what it means to gather as a denomination grounded in our Firm Foundation.

Whether you're here with us or listening from afar, we invite you into the rhythm and beauty of GA week.

Be sure to catch next week's episode for a full debrief on the business decisions made at this year's Assembly and what's ahead for the EPC.

Episode 184: World Outreach at GA

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this final episode of our General Assembly series, special guest host Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach, is joined by Nancy Cimprich, Director of Mobilization, for a forward-looking conversation on Engage 2025 and the future of global mission in the EPC.

They discuss the impact of Engage 2025 on local presbyteries, the importance of global partnerships and collaboration, and what lies ahead for the denomination’s missional efforts. Nancy also shares about opportunities to connect with World Outreach at General Assembly this year, including special events, prayer gatherings, and interactive spaces.

If you’re wondering how your church or presbytery can engage in meaningful mission work – or you’re looking to discern your own calling in global ministry – this episode is for you.

🔗 Register for General Assembly (just one week away!)
🌍 Learn more about World Outreach: epcwo.org

Episode 183: Understanding the Courts of the EPC

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean sits down with Zach Hopkins, a teaching elder and member of the EPC’s Permanent Judicial Commission. Together, they explore the courts of the church, the importance of presbyteries in our connectional system, and how overtures shape the life and direction of our family of churches.

As his presbytery brings several overtures to this year’s General Assembly, Zach also gives us a closer look at what it means for an overture to “ascend” to GA, what the discernment process looks like at every level, and how the permanent Judicial Commission serves in maintaining our shared commitments.

Whether you’re a first-time commissioner or a long-time attendee, this conversation offers a helpful and accessible look into how polity strengthens our Firm Foundation.

📍 Learn more and register for the 45th General Assembly at https://epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 182: Clarity, Clarity, Clarity

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, special guest host Annie Rose welcomes Doug Resler and Julie Hawkins, co-chairs of the EPC’s Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards and Processes. As the 45th General Assembly approaches, Doug and Julie provide a thoughtful behind-the-scenes look at the purpose and work of their committee, formed to evaluate and recommend updates to the EPC’s ordination standards.

Together, they discuss the why behind their recommendations, the theological and pastoral considerations that shaped their work, and their hopes for how these changes might serve the long-term health and unity of the EPC. Whether you're a Teaching Elder, Ruling Elder, or someone discerning a call to ministry, this episode offers a helpful and hopeful look at how we affirm and equip those called to serve Christ’s church.

To read more about the committee’s recommendations coming before the General Assembly this June, visit: https://mailchi.mp/513e337c0134/ad-interim-committee-on-the-ordination-standards

Episode 181: Building on the Rock

Fri, 23 May 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this special episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver is joined by Rev. Dr. Scott McKee, Lead Pastor of Ward Church in Northville, Michigan—this year’s host of the 45th General Assembly of the EPC. As the final worship speaker for the week, Scott shares how deeply honored the Ward Church community is to welcome the EPC family this June and what it has meant to prepare for this gathering of pastors, elders, and leaders from across the denomination.

Scott also opens up about his recent health journey and the unexpected diagnosis that has tested his faith—and strengthened it. In a world that often shakes beneath our feet, Scott points us back to the firm foundation of God’s Word and reminds us of the importance of building our lives not on the shifting sands of circumstance, but on the unshakable rock of Christ.

Whether you're heading to GA this year or simply seeking encouragement in your walk with Jesus, this conversation is rich with hope, humility, and a clear call to faithfulness.

Episode 180: God’s Building Project

Fri, 16 May 2025 10:05:18 -0300

In this episode of our General Assembly 2025 Series, Dean sits down with Dr. Karen Jobes – Professor Emerita of New Testament Greek and Greek Exegesis at Wheaton College, and one of our featured worship speakers at GA 2025.

Karen shares how her love for Greek and Scripture led her to teaching, study, and service to the Church. She and Dean talk about the passage Karen will be preaching from during General Assembly, found in 1 Peter, and how it ties in with this year’s theme of Firm Foundation. Her reflections point us back to the living hope we have in Christ – and the Word that sustains and anchors us in every season of life and ministry.

📚 You can explore Dr. Jobes’ work and writing here.

📍Register for GA and learn more at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 179: Trusting the Word

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, Dean sits down with Dr. Michael Kruger – President of Reformed Theological Seminary, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, and author of The Bully Pulpit. Michael will open the 45th General Assembly with the first worship message on Tuesday morning, helping set the tone for a week rooted in the firm foundation of the gospel.

Together, Dean and Michael reflect on what it means to trust the Bible in a skeptical age, how the authority of Scripture shapes our identity as a church, and why that foundation is crucial for the EPC.

📚 Learn more about The Bully Pulpit here.
🌐 Connect with Michael and his work: michaeljkruger.com
📍 Register for GA and get all the details: epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 178: The Ethos of the EPC

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In his episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver is joined by Bob Garment, the Chief Parliamentarian of the EPC. As we look ahead to the 45th General Assembly, Bob walks us through the courts of the church, explains the role of the Chief Parliamentarian, and helps us understand how our polity supports the mission of the EPC. He also shares some insider tips for commissioners preparing to attend General Assembly – whether it’s your first time or your forty-fifth!

This episode is a great behind-the-scenes look at what happens during business sessions and how these gatherings reflect our theological commitments and shared vision.

📩 Have questions? You can reach Bob directly at bob.garment@epc.org.
🔗 Learn more and register for General Assembly at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 177: Getting Excited for the 45th General Assembly

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:05:00 -0300

In this kickoff episode of our General Assembly 2025 Series, Dean is joined by Marti Ratcliff, the General Assembly Team Lead and the EPC’s go-to expert for all things GA. Together, they take listeners behind the scenes of what it takes to pull off a week like this – and why it matters.

Marti shares what the role of GA Lead really entails, how she works year-round to bring the vision for General Assembly to life, and what attendees can expect from this year’s experience at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan. From worship services and equipping sessions to networking lunches and registration logistics, Marti gives us a preview of the meaningful moments – and the moving parts – that make GA a rich and welcoming space for commissioners, leaders, and guests across the EPC.

🗓️ Whether it’s your first time attending or your tenth, this conversation will help you walk into GA confident, equipped, and ready for all God will do.

📍 Learn more and register today at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 176: Good Friday Special

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this special Good Friday episode of In All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis leads us in a time of reflection on the suffering, sacrifice, and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Focusing on Jesus’ words on the cross in reference to Psalm 22, Michael invites us to pause and remember the weight of the crucifixion and the hope it brings to a broken world.

As we journey through this sacred weekend, may this episode guide your heart toward deeper worship and gratitude for the love poured on our behalf.

Happy Easter from all of us here at In All Things!

Episode 175: The Seamless Life - Key Themes

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0300

In this special final episode of our In All Things Book Club, our guests from throughout the series – Marcos Ortega, Nancy Duff, Joe Kim, and Rodger Woodworth – gather once more to speak directly with the author of The Seamless Life, Steven Garber.

Together, they reflect on key themes from the book, such as vocation, friendship, lament, and hope, and share the moments and ideas that resonated most deeply with them. With thoughtful questions and rich dialogue, this conversation brings the series full circle, offering personal insights and deeper engagement with the author’s vision of a life lived seamlessly in faith and work.

Whether you’ve read every page or are just listening in, this episode offers a meaningful conclusion to our journey through The Seamless Life.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 174: The Seamless Life: Sacredness In Everyday Moments

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:16:47 -0300

In the penultimate episode of our In All Things Book Club series, Dean Weaver is joined by Marcos Ortega, Nancy Duff, Rachel Toone, Joe Kim, and Rodger Woodworth for a thoughtful conversation on the last section of Steven Garber’s The Seamless Life. Special guest Steven Garber himself also joins the conversation to reflect on the themes woven throughout his writing.

Together, the group explores how vocation shapes our lives, the sacredness found in everyday moments, and what it means to remain faithful to the “something” we’ve been given to do – even when it may not feel like everything. They reflect on grace, friendship, brokenness, and the hope that sustains us in the tension between what is and what ought to be.

Whether you’ve been reading along or are just joining the conversation, this episode offers a meaningful stop to a rich journey through The Seamless Life.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 173: The Seamless Life: Making Sense of Life

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:26:00 -0300

In this episode of our In All Things book club series, Dean is joined by guests Marcos Ortega, Rachel Toone, Nancy Duff, and Rodger Woodworth to continue exploring Steven Garber’s The Seamless Life. As they discuss the second half of the book, they wrestle with the challenges of dualism in faith and life, the intersection of vocation and lamentation, and what it means to truly know the world while still loving it.

How do we hold together the tension between the way things are and the way they ought to be? What does it mean to live with coherence in a fragmented world? Join us for this deep and thoughtful conversation on faith, calling, and what it takes to remain faithful in the face of brokenness.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 172: The Seamless Life Part 2: Vocation and Occupation

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0300

In this episode of In All Things, our book club series continues as we explore the next section of Steven Garber’s The Seamless Life. Dean Weaver is joined by a thoughtful panel of guests—Rachel Toone, Nancy Duff, Marcos Ortega, Joe Kim, and Roger Woodworth—to discuss vocation, occupation, and the intersection of the two.

How do we understand the work we do in light of God’s calling in our lives? Is there a difference between our job and our vocation? Together, our guests reflect on Garber’s insights, sharing their own experiences of living faithfully in their professions while holding onto a broader vision of calling.

From wrestling with fragmentation in our daily lives to embracing the responsibilities that come with knowing and loving the world, this conversation challenges us to think deeply about what it means to integrate faith and work. Whether you’re in ministry, business, education, or any other field, this episode will encourage you to consider how your occupation is part of something much bigger—an invitation to live with coherence, purpose, and love.

Tune in for a rich discussion on calling, responsibility, and the beauty of a life well-lived.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 171: The Seamless Life: At Work in the World (Part I)

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:53:17 -0300

We're kicking off a special four-part book club series on The Seamless Life by Steven Garber, a thoughtful collection of essays exploring the integration of faith, work, and everyday life, Throughout this series, Dean Weaver will be joined by EPC leaders to reflect on the themes of calling, coherence, and what it means to live faithfully in a fragmented world.

In this episode, Dean is joined by Rachel Toone, Marcos Ortega, and Rodger Woodworth to discuss the opening of the book. Together, they explore the idea of seeing “seamlessly” – living with integrity and purpose in both our occupation and vocation. What does it look like to follow Jesus not only in our worship, but in our work, relationships, and everyday activities?

Join the conversation and read along with us as we reflect on the habits, hopes, and heart of a seamless life.

📖 Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 170: Serving The Next Generation of Leaders

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of In All Things, Joe Stroup joins Dean Weaver to discuss the upcoming Next Gen Leadership Summit, a transformative event for those serving in youth, young adult, and children’s ministry. Joe shares his journey in Next Gen ministry, reflecting on the challenges and joys of discipling the next generation. He and Dean explore the importance of connection and collaboration among Next Gen workers and how the Summit is designed to equip, encourage, and strengthen ministry leaders across the EPC.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into Next Gen ministry, this episode is full of insights and encouragement. You can sign up for the Next Gen Leadership Summit [here], and learn more or connect with Joe Stroup at https://graystonepc.org/.

Episode 169: The Gift and Time and Space

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver sits down with David Pleuss to discuss the vital role small churches play in their local communities. They explore the importance of churches facing outward rather than inward, embracing their unique calling to be a light in their neighborhoods. David shares practical ways churches can engage their communities, even when resources are limited, and how collaboration with other churches and the presbytery can create a greater impact.

Whether you’re part of a small church looking for new ways to serve or simply passionate about the power of local outreach, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for being the hands and feet of Christ in your community.

Episode 168: Exegeting the Community

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:42:58 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean sits down with Bill Heming, a pastor with extensive experience shepherding small churches. Having led three different congregations, Bill offers a wealth of insight into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with small church ministry.

Throughout the conversation, Bill emphasizes that no two small churches are alike—each one carries its own distinct personality, gifts, and calling. He and Dean explore the importance of flexibility in small church ministry, the power of focusing on just a few things and doing them well, and how small congregations can play a vital role in community revitalization and outreach.

Additionally, they discuss the significance of disability ministries within the church. If you’re interested in learning more about disability ministry, check out these EPC-endorsed organizations:

Key Ministry

King's Table Ministries

Whether you're a small church pastor, a leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of small churches, this episode will encourage and inspire you to lean into the strengths God has given your congregation.

Episode 167: Incorporating Revelation 7:9 in a Small Church Context Series – Small Churches

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:46:24 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean sits down with Steve Burton to discuss his journey to Selma, Alabama, and the profound lessons he has learned in ministry along the way. Steve shares how he and his church have sought to engage with their community, not just as a place of worship but as an active presence responding to the unique needs of their neighbors.

Together, Dean and Steve explore the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, the importance of truly listening to a community’s needs, and how small churches can make a lasting impact by embracing where God has placed them. Steve’s story is one of faithfulness, humility, and a deep commitment to the gospel in action.

Tune in for a conversation that will encourage and challenge you to see your community with fresh eyes and to consider how your church can be a light in the place God has called you to serve. To learn more about Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, click here.

Episode 166: God’s Definition of Success

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:58:36 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Bill and Julia Crawford join Dean to share their journey of ministry in a small church context. They discuss how God’s definition of success often looks different from our own, the deep importance of community and relationships, and the unique joys that come from long-term ministry in a small church context.

For anyone serving in a small church – or simply wondering how God works powerfully in smaller congregations – this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on faithful ministry.

Learn more about Bill and Julia’s church here.

Episode 165: Small and Mighty: The Unique Perspective of a Small Church

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:34:39 -0400

In the first episode of our new Small Churches series, host Dean Weaver sits down with Suzanne Zampella, a seasoned transitional pastor and advocate for small church ministry. Suzanne shares her wealth of experience, offering insights into the unique challenges small churches face, including limited resources and maintaining healthy congregational dynamics.

The conversation explores the vital role of community engagement and mission in the life of a small church, emphasizing how these congregations can make a significant impact despite their size. Suzanne also unpacks the concept of transitional ministry, explaining how it serves as a crucial tool for churches navigating periods of change.

For more information or to connect with Suzanne, you can reach her through her church’s website: http://fpcdexter.org/

Tune in to this inspiring conversation and discover how God is at work in small but mighty ways through His church!

Episode 164: Putting Shabbat in Sabbatical

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:22:37 -0400

In the final episode of our Pastor Care series, Dean Weaver sits down with Rev. David Henderson to explore the transformative power of sabbaticals in the life of a pastor and their congregation. Together, they unpack the biblical foundation for sabbaticals, rooted in the concept of Shabbat, emphasizing that a sabbatical is far more than just an extended vacation—it's a sacred time to cease, listen, and engage deeply with the Lord.

David shares insights on how a well-planned sabbatical can revitalize a pastor's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, creating space for renewal and vision. He also discusses the ripple effects sabbaticals can have on a congregation, fostering growth, resilience, and an opportunity for shared leadership.

Whether you’re a church leader, a member of a congregation, or simply curious about how rest and renewal impact ministry, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the importance of creating rhythms of rest in the life of the Church.

Resources Mentioned:
Tranquility: Cultivating a Quiet Soul in a Busy World by David Henderson

Connect with David at covenantepc.org to listen to his sermon archives or to find contact information.

Episode 163: Deflecting Glory: A Pastor’s Spiritual Formation

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:01:37 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, we sit down with Sean Carroll, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Ward Church, to explore the transformative power of spiritual formation in ministry. Sean shares his insights on what spiritual formation truly is and why it’s essential for every believer, especially pastors. From the tools that guide us in deepening our relationship with Christ to the inspirations that have shaped Sean’s own journey, this conversation is both practical and profoundly encouraging.

Sean also delves into the unique challenges pastors face in cultivating their own spiritual health while leading others. With a focus on humility, joy, and dependence on God, he offers wisdom for navigating obstacles and staying rooted in the Gospel. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or simply someone seeking a richer spiritual life, this episode is full of guidance and encouragement.

If you'd like to connect with Sean, you can reach him at sean.carroll@ward.church.

Tune in to this thoughtful discussion and discover how embracing spiritual formation can lead to a life of greater humility, joy, and purpose!

Episode 162: A Journey of Partnership and Purpose

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:32:30 -0400

In the second episode of our Family Care series, we’re diving into the unique dynamics of marriage and ministry with Rob and Kim Hock. Rob, the Senior Pastor at Southport Presbyterian Church, and Kim, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a member of the EPC’s Interim Committee on Domestic Abuse, share their heartfelt story of 29 years of marriage intertwined with a life of ministry.

Together, Rob and Kim explore how their journey has shaped them both as individuals and as partners. They offer practical insights into the importance of communication and mutual support in navigating the joys and challenges of ministry life. From balancing personal and professional roles to relying on God’s grace in difficult seasons, this episode is filled with wisdom and encouragement for couples walking a similar path.

Whether you’re in ministry, married to someone who is, or simply seeking ways to strengthen your own relationships, Rob and Kim’s candid conversation will inspire and uplift you!

Episode 161: Blessing the Shepherds Who Guide Us

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 10:30:00 -0400

In this first episode of In All Things for 2025, we kick off a new series on Pastor Care with a conversation between Dean Weaver and Earla Bethel, ruling elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Nassau, Bahamas. Earla, a natural encourager with a deep gift for hospitality, shares her wisdom on how church sessions can care well for their pastors and teaching elders.

Drawing from Scripture, Earla unpacks the biblical foundation for pastoral care, emphasizing the importance of love, encouragement, and practical support. With stories from her own life and leadership, she inspires and equips church leaders to minister to their pastors with intentionality and grace. Earla also offers practical tips for sessions, from fostering open communication to creating environments where pastors feel seen, valued, and spiritually refreshed. Her unique perspective, shaped by decades of service and her deep commitment to God’s Word, is a rich source of encouragement for anyone seeking to bless the shepherds who guide their congregations.

Join us for this insightful and inspiring conversation to discover how hospitality, prayer, and biblical principles can transform the way we care for the pastors God has placed in our midst.

Episode 160: Prayer is Our Priority

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:24:05 -0400

In this special New Year’s episode of In All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis reflects on the past year and looks ahead with hope and faith. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, Michael reminds us to “forget the former things” and focus on the new work God is doing in our midst.

Through heartfelt reflections on God’s faithfulness in 2024, Michael explores the transformative power of prayer and offers practical tips to deepen your prayer life in 2025. Whether you're an individual seeking to grow spiritually or a church leader planning for the year ahead, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable insights.

As we step into 2025, Michael calls the denomination to move forward with confidence, trusting in God’s promises and seeking His guidance for what lies ahead. Join us for this uplifting and inspiring conversation to start the year off with renewed hope and purpose. Happy New Year from all of us at In All Things!

Episode 159: Christmas Without the Credit

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:29:09 -0400

In this special Christmas episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver reflects on the often-overlooked role of Joseph in the nativity story, drawing inspiration from Luke 2:1-7. Through a heartfelt devotional, Dean unpacks Joseph’s quiet humility, steadfast obedience, and unwavering faith as he carried out God’s plan without seeking recognition or reward.

Episode 158: God Doesn’t Waste Anything

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:45:02 -0400

In this episode, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis steps in as guest host to chat with Saul and Jessie Huber, EPC’s Coordinators of Mobilization. With humor and heartfelt conversation, this trio of friends dives into the vital role of mobilizers, the importance of cultivating a call to missions in younger generations, and the practical steps missionaries take to get started. Along the way, they share a powerful missionary testimonial and reflect on the challenges of the mission process. This episode, equal parts insightful and entertaining, is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the Great Commission and global movement.

Episode 157: You Can Never Have Too Many Friends

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:52:22 -0400

In this special episode, Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach, steps in as guest host to have a meaningful conversation with Alan Trafford, Chairman of the EPC Fraternal Relations Committee. Together, they explore the powerful collaboration between Fraternal Relations and the Global Movement, showcasing how these initiatives work hand in hand to advance the gospel worldwide.

Episode 156: The Ministry of God's Word In The Holiday Season w/ Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:08:49 -0400

Join Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis this holiday weekend as he explores the practical ways to minister Christ's love with our families and loved ones. In this episode, we are challenged to bring peace, joy and glory to God through our speech, songs, and actions as we share space with one another in deep gratitude.

Episode 155: Stability, Instability, and ParaDucks: Nick and Amanda's Journey Part 2

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:58:58 -0400

Episode 154: Not Super Christians: Nick and Amanda’s Journey

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:35:53 -0400

In this episode of In All Things, Dean Weaver sits down with Nick and Amanda, global workers of the EPC, to explore the joys and challenges of following God’s call. Nick and Amanda share candidly about their doubts, struggles, and how their home church and presbytery have been vital in their journey. They remind us that missionaries aren’t “super Christians” but ordinary people relying on an extraordinary God. Through tough seasons, they’ve discovered the gentle and faithful character of God, who sustains their family and work.

Join us as we unpack what it means to live out the gospel in the everyday and embrace God’s call with authenticity and trust.

Episode 153: How the EPC is Responding to Hurricane Helene | Gianna Lazzaro Interviews Dean Weaver About Hurricane Helene Relief

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:46:20 -0400

Gianna Lazzaro, EPC’s Communications Associate, changes things up as she interviews EPC Stated Clerk Dean Weaver to talk about the devastation of Hurricane Helene and how the EPC is ministering and caring for those in need.

Episode 152: Laying the Groundwork for the Next Steps of World Outreach | Global Movement discussions with Johnny Long, Director of Operations at World Outreach

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:28:43 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Johnny Long, Director of Operations of World Outreach. Dean and Johnny talk about the preparation that has gone into preparing our global workers and denomination for the next steps of World Outreach.

Episode 151: Reflecting Your Neighborhood | Church Health Discussions with Pastor Sean Brubaker

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:55:27 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dr. Sean Brubaker, pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church, to talk about how they used extraordinary circumstances to reflect the community around them. Sean shares how this has made them more effective in ministering to their surrounding neighborhood.

Episode 150: Leading a Church to Life | Church Health Discussions with Pastor Stefan Bomberger

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:26:31 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Stefan Bomberger , pastor of Manoa Community Church to talk about what the Lord is doing at Manoa as they experience a dramatic increase in people coming to faith in Christ and baptisms. Stefan also shares very practical advice he has learned around the ideas of children’s ministry, evangelism and leadership to lead a church to life found in the Gospel.

Episode 149: A Response to the Pastor Shortage Crisis | Church Health Discussions with Rosemary Lukens, Bill Rasch and Bob Stauffer

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:03:12 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rosemary Lukens, the 42nd Moderator of the EPC General Assembly, Bill Rasch, National Director of Transitional Pastor Training, and Bob Stauffer, National Director of Church Health to discuss the pastor shortage crisis of our day and how the EPC has responded.

Episode 148: When Two Church Planters Plant Two Churches in the Same City | A Discussion with Pastors Sean Boone and Eric Stiller

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:50:32 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes two church planters, Sean Boone and Eric Stiller, who both planted churches in the St. Louis area. Boone shares his experience of planting The Bridge North County in Ferguson while Eric Stiller talks about his story of planting Central West End Church in another section of the city.

Episode 147: Why We Plant Churches | A Discussion with South Regional Church Planting Director, Richard Rieves About the Trends, Challenges, and Benefits of Church Planting

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:53:25 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes South Regional Church Planting Director, Richard Rieves, to talk about trends in the culture and how church planting remains a unique solution to reaching the world with the Gospel.

Episode 146: Who’s Your One More Person? | Church Planting Discussions with Pastor Mike Moses

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:18:05 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes pastor Dr. Mike Moses to talk about reaching the unchurched and the importance of church planting in that process. Mike also gives practical self-assessment questions for possible future church planters to ask as they engage with the idea of whether the Lord might be calling them to church planting. Mike is the founding and lead pastor of the Lake Forest Family of Churches.

Episode 145: So, You Think You’re Called to Church Planting | Discussions About Church Planting with Elizabeth Gibson of the Northampton Church Planting Network

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:16:16 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Elizabeth Gibson of the Northampton Church Planting Network, as they talk all things church planting from assessments to information that will help those wrestling with a possible call to church planting.

You can connect with Elizabeth at elizabethgibson@nhcpn.org.

Episode 144: A Beautiful Tension: Reflecting Your Community While Remaining Countercultural | Discussions About Church Planting with Pastor Justin Garrett

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 19:03:35 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Justin Garrett, church planter and pastor at Athens KC. In this episode, Justin shares his heart and story the story behind planting a church in Kansas City, Missouri, while giving encouragement and practical advice to ministry leaders.

Episode 143: Honest Conversations About Planting a Church with National Director of Church Planting, Dr. Tom Ricks

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:01:09 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes the EPC’s National Director of Church Planting, Dr. Tom Ricks, for an authentic discussion on church planting. Many church plants don’t make it and Tom and Dean discuss the lessons we can learn from these past attempts.

Episode 142: The Ordinary Means of Grace | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with Pastor Zach Hopkins, Part 2

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 21:32:11 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Zach Hopkins a second time to finish their conversation from last week. Zach is pastor of Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church and joins Dean to talk about practical ways to implement the ordinary means of grace and catechisms into the discipleship ministries of the local church.

Episode 141: Lessons on Leadership for Younger Ministry Leaders | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with Pastor Zach Hopkins

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 18:56:37 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Zach Hopkins, pastor of Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church, who joins the podcast today to help younger pastors think through how to lead church leaders well.

Episode 140: How is Your Spiritual, Physical and Emotional Health as a Leader? | A Discussion with Pastor Betsy Rumer

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:16:44 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes pastor Betsy Rumer, who has served in a number of roles within EPC churches, in her Presbytery and at the General Assembly level. Betsy joins the podcast today to help pastors ask important questions about their spiritual, physical and emotional health.

Show Notes: On today's podcast Betsy references another podcast, Becoming New with John Ortberg, work by Brene Brown, Emotionally Healthy and Spirituality and Day by Day by Pete Scazzero.

Episode 139: Authentic Lessons From a Personal Crisis, Part 2 | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with Pastor and Gulf South Facilitator, Bob Vincent

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:59:08 -0300

Ritchey Cable, Digital Content Lead of the Office of the General Assembly, welcomes again pastor and Gulf South Presbytery Facilitator, Bob Vincent, for a second episode. Bob shares the story of a personal crisis that unexpectedly changed his course of ministry. Bob's redeeming story can both warn pastors of dangerous situations, but also encourage others who might be struggling in ministry. You can connect with Bob at bob@rbvincent.com and read some of his articles and letters at www.rbvincent.com.

Episode 138: Authentic Lessons From a Personal Crisis, Part 1 | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with Pastor and Gulf South Facilitator, Bob Vincent

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 20:34:26 -0300

Ritchey Cable, Digital Content Lead of the Office of the General Assembly, welcomes pastor and Gulf South Presbytery Facilitator, Bob Vincent. Bob opens up for other pastors and church leaders about a personal crisis in his own life that occurred during his 40 years pastoring at a local church. Bob's situation is not unlike the experience of other pastors as they seek to carry out meaningful ministry. Bob's redeeming story can both warn pastors of dangerous situations, but also encourage others who might be struggling in ministry.

Episode 137: A Warning Bell for Pastors | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with PIR Ministries Executive Director, Roy Yanke

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:12:34 -0300

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk, welcomes Roy Yanke of PIR Ministries, in this equipping episode of Season 3 of In All Things. Roy sounds the warning bell for pastors everywhere as he shares how the dynamics of pastoral ministry can often lead to personal failures. Roy shares his own story and offers helpful insight to move forward in healthy ways.

Episode 136: Stories of Ministry | Effective Biblical Leadership Discussions with Pastor Jim Farrell

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:22:00 -0300

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk, welcomes pastor, Jim Farrell, to kick off season 3 of In All Things. Jim gives insight into what he has learned through decades of pastoral ministry experience. If you have questions about transitional pastoring or are seeking to become an “effective biblical leader” you can connect with Jim HERE.

Episode 135: “Trailer” for New Upcoming Season of In All Things!

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:47:14 -0300

Ritchey Cable, Digital Content Lead of the Office of the General Assembly, gives a brief glimpse into the new upcoming season of In All Things that begins next week!

Episode 134: A Final Recap of the 44th General Assembly with Michael Davis

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:31:45 -0300

Assistant Stated Clerk and Chief Collaborative Officer of the EPC, Michael Davis, gives a final, brief recap of the 44th General Assembly at Hope Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Episode 133: Conversations at the 44th General Assembly | A General Assembly Discussion with Attendees and Volunteers of the 44th GA

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 20:56:56 -0300

In this special episode, we interview a number of people during the 44th General Assembly meeting at Hope Church in Memphis.

Episode 132: Faces and Voices from GA 2024, Part 2 | A General Assembly Discussion with Five Leaders of the 44th General Assembly

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:05:45 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes back five guests for the second week of this two-part series preparing us for the 44th General Assembly. Those participating in the podcast are upcoming moderator, Victor Jones, EPC Chief Parliamentarian, Bob Garment, Hannah Attaway of Hope Church, and two individuals delivering GA messages, pastors Tim Johnson and Corrina Gambrell. In this episode, the panel discusses some of the issues and conversations we will be having at GA this year.

Episode 131: Faces and Voices from GA 2024, Part 1 | A General Assembly Discussion with Five Leaders of the 44th General Assembly

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:43:21 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes five guests this week for a two-part series preparing us for the 44th General Assembly. Those participating in this podcast are upcoming moderator, Victor Jones, EPC Chief Parliamentarian, Bob Garment, Hannah Attaway of Hope Church, and two individuals delivering GA messages, pastors Tim Johnson and Corrina Gambrell. This is part one of the two part series.

Episode 130: Westminster as a Middle Name | A General Assembly Discussion with GA Preacher, Marcos Ortega

Fri, 24 May 2024 12:56:26 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes EPC pastor, Marcos Ortega, who will be preaching on Tuesday night at the 44th General Assembly. Dean and Marcos discuss the meaningful nature of this worship and commissioning service. Marcos also served on the committee forming the Pastoral Letter of Racial Lament and Hope, and Marcos reflects on the process of creating the letter, and the role the Westminster Standards played in creating that document.

Episode 129: A Past Tornado, an Important Letter and An Upcoming Assembly | A General Assembly Discussion with Outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly, Joe Kim

Fri, 17 May 2024 16:59:43 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes church planter, transitional pastor, and outgoing moderator, Joe Kim. Dean and Joe reflect on last year’s brush with a tornado, and discuss important issues coming up at the 44th General Assembly.

Episode 128: To Run After | A Generational Discussion with Michael Morefield, Pastor, Gashland EPC

Fri, 10 May 2024 12:55:21 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Michael Morefield, author and pastor at Gashland EPC in Kansas City, Missouri, as they consider how the generations must work together in the church to “run after” God’s mission, as well as within the family as Michael shares about his heart for family discipleship.

Episode 127: From Generation to Generation | A Discussion with BRI’s Savannah Baker About the Beauty of Generations Working Together

Fri, 03 May 2024 16:09:01 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Savannah Baker, the Communications Coordinator of Benefit Resources, Inc. and World Outreach. As a younger employee at the GA office, Savannah speaks with Dean about different generations working together as this podcast prepares us for a major theme of the 2024 General Assembly, entitled Next.

Episode 126: Unexpected: When Tragedy and Hardship Creates the Unexpected | A Discussion with author and speaker, Katie Robertson, Executive Director of The Anchor Gathering

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:23:34 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Katie Robertson, author, speaker, and Executive Director at The Anchor Gathering, a ministry to connect and challenge women in their faith. Katie shares about a private tragedy as well as the trials of a pandemic and how each of them shaped and created something unexpected. Subscribe at the bottom of The Anchor Gathering webpage for weekly encouragement!

Episode 125: Your Faith and Your Vocation | A Discussion with Case Thorp, Theologian in Residence at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:58:31 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Case Thorp, author and Theologian in Residence at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando discuss the importance of understanding how our Christian faith influences our work and all of life.

Episode 124: Understanding and Caring For the Pastor | A Discussion with Jay Fowler of PastorServe Ministries

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:00:26 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jay Fowler, pastor and regional director at PastorServe. In this episode, Jay discusses some of the challenges of a pastor, especially during an election year, and practical ways members of a congregation can meaningfully care for their pastor.

Episode 123: Things You Might Not Have Known About The Sermon on the Mount and Apologetics | A Third Discussion with Holly Lazzaro, Author and Founder of Study with Friends Ministries

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:40:56 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Holly Lazzaro, author and founder of Study with Friends Ministries, for part three of their discussion. In this episode, Holly shares in-depth about her book on The Sermon on the Mount as well as several practical ways to engage with the non-believer in the role of an apologist.

Episode 122: A Guide to Navigate and Engage in Digital Ministries | A Discussion with Holly Lazzaro, Author and Founder of Study with Friends Ministries

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:41:33 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Holly Lazzaro, author and founder of Study with Friends Ministries, for part two of their discussion. In this episode, Holly gives practical advice to help Christian leaders and churches consider how to engage in the digital realm.

Episode 121: A Consideration of Digital and Analog Ministries | A Discussion with Holly Lazzaro, Author and Founder of Study with Friends Ministries

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:08:07 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Holly Lazzaro, author and founder of Study with Friends Ministries as they begin a multipart In All Things' miniseries. In this first episode, we hear Holly’s testimony followed by a thought provoking consideration of analog vs. digital ministries and some helpful guidance as we meet people where they are.

Episode 120: Until Money Do Us Part | A Discussion with EPC Author Enid Flores

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:26:35 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Enid Flores, author of Until Money Do Us Part. Enid and Dean discuss the issues of money within marriage and practical steps people can take to make sure they approach their finances from a biblical worldview.

Episode 119: The Church as a Reflection of Eternity | A Discussion with Rufus Smith, Pastor at Hope Church in Cordova, Tennessee

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:59:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rufus Smith, pastor at Hope Church in Cordova, Tennessee, where the EPC will be having its 44th General Assembly and Gospel Priorities Summit. While touching on the upcoming General Assembly and all they have planned at Hope, Rufus spends much of his time sharing about church planting, the Revelation 7:9 Task Force within the EPC, and the importance of striving for a church that reflects the body of Christ we will witness in eternity.

Episode 118: The Architecture of Truth | A Discussion with Pastor, Professor and Author, Rodger Woodworth

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:18:21 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rev. Dr. Rodger Woodworth, a longtime member of the EPC, who carries titles of pastor, professor and author. Rodgers' newest book, The Architecture of Truth, as well as this podcast, engages with the idea of reclaiming truth in a culture that rejects absolute truth. Dean and Rodger have a helpful conversation around what it looks like to remain biblically faithful as you minister in a culture that is anchored instead to ideas of individual, personal “truths”.

Episode 117: The Story of Life | A Discussion with Rev. Ron Horgan

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:27:44 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Ron Horgan, former attorney and longtime EPC pastor Ron Horgan, who is currently on staff with Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Katy, Texas. Ron encourages us with the testimony of his life and his current work in church health.

Episode 116: Marti’s Top 5 Tips for a Great General Assembly (GA) Experience | A Discussion with GA Lead, Marti Ratcliff

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:23:17 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Marti Ratcliff, the GA Lead of the EPC, to share some of the exciting things happening at this year’s event and how you can make the most of it.

Episode 115: Family Reunion | An Invitation to the 44th General Assembly (GA) at Hope Church with GA Coordinator, Megan Steele

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Megan Steele, GA Coordinator from Hope Church in Cordova, Tennessee, to share the theme and heart of this year’s denominational meeting. Megan also reveals some of the new opportunities for families with children/students at this year’s meeting as well as an exciting time of fellowship at GA 2024 for everyone to enjoy.

Episode 114: Three Times More Likely | Reasons Behind Young People Staying Connected to Their Faith and the Church, a Discussion with Jen Burkholder of CCO and Lead Pastor Josh Brown

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:57:53 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jen Burkholder, Director of Strategic Partnerships at CCO and Josh Brown, Lead Pastor at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. to discuss one of the secrets behind young people staying in the church post-college age. Jen and Josh discuss the ministry of CCO and the importance of investing in the next generation for the Gospel.

Connect with CCO and learn more at:

JubileeConference.com

JubileeProfessional.com

CCOJubilee.org

Episode 113: Filling and Fixing | Connecting the Sovereign Dots of Your Life, a Discussion with Darrin Grove, CEO of Truefit and Jubilee Professional Speaker.

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:14:11 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Darrin Grove, CEO of truefit, Co-Founder of OnlineGiving.org to discuss a life-changing perspective every Christian can have regarding their vocation and occupation. Darrin is a speaker at this years Jubilee Professional conference, a ministry of CCO which helps Christians understand the creation mandate to “fill and fix” the world for the kingdom of God.

Episode 112: The God Who Owns All Things | A Discussion with CCO Campus Ministry Staff Member, Geraud Brumfield and Fresno Pacific University Student, Sarah Tacchino

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:17:20 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes CCO campus ministry staff member, Geraud Brumfield, and Fresno Pacific University student, Sarah Tacchino who share about EPC’s partnership with CCO and how this ministry and their Jubilee Conference challenges college students all over to understand that the lordship of Christ is over all things and how this changes everything.

Episode 111: The Most Important Conversations You Will Have | Vibrant Prayer with Phil Thrash, World Outreach Eastern US Associate for Missions Advancement

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:02:04 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Phil Thrash, World Outreach Eastern US Associate for Missions Advancement who shares the extraordinary ways the Lord has challenged and grown him in the area of prayer and the importance for all Christians to engage with intercessory prayer. Phil invites you to reach out to him at phil.t@epcwo.org.

Episode 110: The Great Big Small Church | A Discussion with Corrina Gambrell, Pastor at Rocky River Presbyterian Church (EPC)

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:08:04 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Corrina Gambrell, pastor at Rocky River Presbyterian Church in Calhoun Falls, SC. Corrina encourages us with her amazing and unexpected testimony, as well as her powerful call to Gospel ministry. She shares her compelling perspective on the local church (regardless of its size) with her contagious passion for the “great, big” small church.

Episode 109: A Promise of Renewal for a New Year | A Devotional with EPC Stated Clerk, Dean Weaver

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:56:26 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, gives a devotional for the New Year about a God who takes brokenness and makes “all things new”. As we consider a new calendar year and the many attempts humans make to reinvent and renew ourselves, we spend several minutes in Revelation 21 to consider the God who can, and will, renew all things. Dean leads this devotional to encourage us to turn over our every part of our lives to the One who specializes on eternal renewal.

Episode 108: Advent | Redemptive Change Agents and the Redeemer Himself | A Devotional with EPC Assistant Stated Clerk and Chief Collaborative Officer, Michael Davis

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:09:55 -0400

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk and Chief Collaborative Officer, gives an advent devotional that challenges the Christian and non-Christian alike. During the holidays, our culture often presents the idea that all will be well when brokenness is corrected, and then offers a hope of worldly ways that will fix the broken things. Michael leads a thought provoking devotional about why fixing all of the wrongs without Jesus won’t bring true peace and yet why, as Christians, we are still called to be redemptive change agents whose displays of redemption flow from our hope in the Redeemer Himself.

Episode 107: Advent: Biblical Lament Always Leads to Hope | A Devotional with EPC Stated Clerk, Dean Weaver

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:54:42 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, gives a thoughtful devotional regarding Advent, as he shares the unlikely partnership of lament and hope during this season.

Episode 106: Reading God’s Book: Approaching the Bible with a Plan | A Discussion with Greg Daniels, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the West and RE of Parker EPC

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:26:16 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Greg Daniels, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the West and RE of Parker EPC, to discuss his role at the Presbytery level and the lifechanging practice of reading through the scriptures yearly.

Episode 105: Game Changer: Technological Tools That Aid Ministry | A Discussion with Steven Ballard, Co-Founder, OnlineGiving.org

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:01:56 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Steven Ballard, Co-Founder of OnlineGiving.org to discuss the changing landscape of the church post-COVID and meaningful ways to use technological tools to create ministry interactions with church visitors and members.

Episode 104: The Generous Side of Fair | A Discussion with Johnny Long, Executive Director and World Outreach National Committee Member.

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 12:14:35 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Johnny Long, Executive Director of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, to discuss the challenges of overseeing ministries at the local church and the exciting mission efforts going on at the EPC.

Episode 103: Love and Policies, Unlikely Friends | A Discussion with Bob Garment, Chief Parliamentarian of the EPC

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:30:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bob Garment, Chief Parliamentarian of the EPC, to have an engaging conversation around staying faithful to biblical truth, while also striving for unity in the church, as well as the role policies and procedures can play in creating a vibrant environment for meaningful Christian relationships within the denomination.

Episode 102: Dean and Dave Robinson, author of “Unwavering Resolve” and Executive Director of Church Movements at Cru

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Church Movements at CRU, EPC Teaching Elder and author, as his guest for this new episode of “In All Things”. Dean and Dave discuss global church movements and his new book “Unwavering Resolve: A guide for apostolic leadership” an essential guide for church planters, missionaries, pastors and anyone working to share the gospel with the unreached.

Episode 101: Dean and Paige Stitt McBride, author of “Beauty Not Beheld: A Daily Guard Against the Lies of Self-Love Culture”

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:46:29 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Paige Stitt McBride, Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry at Covenant Church in Sharon, PA and author as his guest for this new episode of “In All Things”. Dean and Paige discuss her devotional book and how beauty reveals God’s truth to us.

Episode 100: Flip the Script | A Discussion with Dean Weaver as He Sits In the Guest Chair at ”In All Things”

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:24 -0300

Special Host, Pastor Mark Farrell, interviews Dean Weaver, Stated Clerk of the EPC, to learn about his life, testimony, favorite podcast memories and upcoming vision.

Episode 99: Pastor or Filmmaker | A Discussion with Ritchey Cable, Filmmaker and Digital Content Lead of the EPC

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:45:19 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Ritchey Cable, creator of feature length film, The Author, and the Digital Content Lead at the EPC have a fruitful discussion around our calling, filmmaking and new creative endeavors within the EPC.

Episode 98: Doubts During the Dark Night of the Soul | A Discussion with Tim Filston, Pastor and Blogger

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:20:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Tim Filston, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville, GA and blogger at FaithAndDoubt.com as they discuss the seasons of life that create questions of doubt and how to create a place for safe conversations.

Episode 97: Caring for Others Will Involve Caring for Yourself | Meeting Carolee Richendollar, Director of Benefits Resources, Inc.

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Carolee Richendollar, Director of Benefits Resources, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of EPC, Inc., which provides health care and retirement benefits to members of the EPC family. We have a chance to meet Carolee, learn more about the benefits available in the EPC and discover why caring for ourselves as we care for others is important.

Episode 96: The Crisis of the Modern-Day Pastor: Restoring God’s Leader

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Doug Resler, Senior Pastor of Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colorado and adjunct professor at Denver Seminary. The two assess and discuss the current condition of the post-pandemic modern-day pastor and the common struggles pastors everywhere are facing as they lead their church during turbulent times.

Episode 95: Dean and Ruling Elder, Joi Williams a new member of the National Leadership Team

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:29:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Joi Williams, Ruling Elder at Hope Church in Richmond, VA and Professor of Applied Engineering Technology at Virginia State University as his guest for this new episode of “In All Things”. Dean and his Joi discuss her journey to become a Ruling Elder as well as her thoughts and initial impressions as a new member of the EPC’s National Leadership Team.

Episode 94: National Leadership Team with Rosemary Lukens and Victor Jones

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:13:04 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rosemary Lukens (Chairman of the National Leadership Team), and Victor Jones (Moderator-elect of the 43rd General Assembly) as his guests for this new episode of “In All Things”. Dean and his guests, both Ruling Elders, discuss a variety of topics related to how God is working with the denomination at the National level.

EPISODE 93: EPC author and former Mormon Lisa Brockman, Part 2 (encore presentation)

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, continues a conversation with Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. In the conclusion of a two-week dialogue, the two discuss how her path from a devout Mormon childhood to accepting Christ affected her relationships with Mormon family members—especially after she wrote her book, Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.

Episode 92: Devout Mormon to Evangelical Christian with Lisa Brockman, Part 1 (encore presentation)

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida, and author of Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple. In part one of a two-week conversation, the two discuss her path as a sixth-generation Mormon—including her childhood dream of a temple marriage—to accepting Christ as a student at the University of Utah. She recounts how her spiritual journey was influenced by Josh McDowell, Larry Crabb, and James Spencer. She also describes coming to the realization that the biblical God is the only God who will not abuse His authority.

Episode 91: “Purposeful Pain: What Your Troubles Achieve” with Bryn MacPhail (encore presentation)

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:24:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bryn MacPhail, Senior Pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, and author of Purposeful Pain: What Your Troubles Achieve. The two discuss how God uses suffering to make believers more like Jesus, and how repeated pain and suffering—unlike manual labor that develops strength and durability—results in a heavy burden that only being yoked to Christ can relieve.

Episode 90: “The Apostate: My Search for Truth” with Mark Christian (encore presentation)

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:46:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Mark Christian, member of the EPC’s Covenant Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and author of The Apostate: My Search for Truth. The two discuss Christian’s upbringing in Egypt in a family of the Muslim Brotherhood, becoming an imam at age 12, and how a journey of questioning the claims of Mohamed for a deeper understanding of Islam resulted in a failed attempt on his life and ultimately to faith in Christ.

Episode 89: EduNations and the EPC of Sierra Leone with Samuel Sesay (encore presentation)

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:40:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Samul Sesay, missionary evangelist with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone and President of EduNations. The two discuss Sesay’s journey to faith from a Muslim background within the syncretic religious environment of Sierra Leone. Sesay also describes the mission and vision of EduNations, which operates 15 Christian schools with more than 3,500 students in predominantly Muslim villages in the West African country, as well as how the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone—which has witnessed more than 1,000 baptisms in the past eight years—was birthed from the ministry of EduNations.

Episode 88: Tragedy, suffering, grief with Jennifer Prechter (encore presentation)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:16:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jennifer Prechter, EPC Teaching Elder who serves as a palliative care chaplain at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Fla. The two discuss her journey to hospital chaplaincy, and how her ministry provides opportunity for addressing deep questions of life with unchurched people across a wide spectrum of life experience. Prechter also discusses how “longing and lament” can help people process tragedies such as a child with a terminal illness, or the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Episode 87: Podcasting as evangelism

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:10:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Brandon Queen, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and host of the podcast “E.A.R.: Evangelical and Reformed.” The two discuss Brandon’s involvement in the EPC’s Westminster Society, how he launched his podcast as a tool for evangelism as well as his desire to use the podcast as a means of racial reconciliation.

Episode 86: Ministry to abused and trafficked women

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:57:01 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bonnie Gatchell, Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the East and Executive Director of Route One Ministry in Boston, Massachusetts. The two discuss how God led her to begin a ministry to strip club dancers in Boston, and Route One Ministry’s efforts to train church leaders on how to minister to victims of trafficking, trauma, and abuse. Gatchell also describes the qualities of a “safe church” and some of the resources on trauma and abuse that Route One Ministry provides.

Episode 85: Rural ministry and local history

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:50:15 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Stephen Morefield, Pastor of Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. Morefield discusses his spiritual path as a covenant child of the EPC to urban church planting to rural church ministry. He also describes some of the joys and challenges of serving as an introverted solo pastor in a rural setting, how “falling in love with the community” is essential to rural outreach, and how writing the historical novel But the Blood: A Novel Based on the True Story of America’s Bloodiest County Seat Battle based on events in the town in the 1880s has built bridges for ministry in the community.

Episode 84: The EPC in the American Presbyterian story

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:13:28 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Don Fortson, Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at the Charlotte, N.C., campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. The two discuss how Fortson’s most recent book, Reformed and Evangelical, fills a need for a comprehensive, current Presbyterian history, as well as how it traces the symbiotic relationship between Presbyterians and evangelicals. In addition, Fortson describes the Presbyterian heritage of evangelistic renewal, and how the EPC may be uniquely positioned to respond to revivals, such as what occurred in early 2023 at Asbury University in Kentucky. Fortson also describes how gifts of the Spirit and the ordination of women are examples of how the EPC lives out its motto of “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty.”

Fortson is the author of numerous books on Presbyterian history, including Reformed and Evangelical Across Four Centuries: The Presbyterian Story in America, and Liberty in Non-Essentials: The Story of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Episode 83: Dean Weaver and Michael Davis 43rd General Assembly reflections

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:31:42 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, and Michael Davis, Assistant Stated Clerk, reflect on the EPC 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit—the “tornado Assembly”—held June 20-22 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Episode 82: Training leaders among the least-reached with Mike Kuhn

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:20:35 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Mike Kuhn, Director of the International Theological Education Network (ITEN) of EPC World Outreach. The two discuss how Kuhn’s spiritual heritage of a missions passion growing up in North Carolina led to several decades serving in Morocco and Egypt among Muslim-background believers, as well as in Jordan during the Syrian refugee crisis. He also describes how his experience in the Middle East illustrated the biblical definition of hospitality as “loving the other,” as well as how ITEN trains Christian leaders among least-reached peoples.

Episode 81: Pastoring a growing rural church with Aaron White

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:47:33 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Aaron White, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, Ohio. The two discuss the joys and challenges of pastoring a growing church in a rural community and how White intentionally harnessing the cycles of the year for discipleship. White also previews his General Assembly sermon from 1 Corinthians 12, and highlights the GA presentations of the Westminster Society, an EPC networking group that seeks to promote confessional churchmanship in the denomination.

Episode 80: How an East Texas vineyard models John 15 with Shelley Kral

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:47:57 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Shelley Kral, Associate Pastor for Longview Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas. The two discuss her path to ministry from Southern California to a Lutheran college in the Pacific Northwest to Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando to Longview in East Texas. Kral also describes a vision she and her husband had for a pastoral retreat center eventually resulting in the creation of Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery near Longview. She also explains how the vineyard illustrates the truths of John 15.

Episode 79: Sharing the gospel in dissimilar contexts with Curt Taylor

Fri, 26 May 2023 11:01:34 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Curt Taylor, Pastor of Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado—host church for the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit, June 20-22, 2023. The two discuss Cherry Hills’ excitement in hosting this year’s Assembly. Taylor also describes his path to Colorado and the EPC from Texas, including some of the challenges and opportunities in sharing the gospel in those two culturally different parts of the country. He also relates some ways the church can address division in culture.

Episode 78: Learnings from serving as Moderator with Rosemary Lukens

Fri, 19 May 2023 11:33:39 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rosemary Lukens, Moderator of the 42nd General Assembly and Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, Washington. The two discuss how serving as Moderator has strengthened her faith, as well as encouraged women across the EPC to be involved in the life of the church. Lukens also reflects on her enthusiasm for accessible theological education in an ever-changing vocational ministry pipeline landscape, funding for the mission of the larger church, and the importance of building relationships in ministry leadership.

Episode 77: Church Planting as an evangelism strategy with Dave Strunk

Fri, 12 May 2023 12:03:17 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dave Strunk, planting pastor of Church of the Redeemer in suburban Knoxville, Tennessee. The two conclude a 5-episode series on Church Planting by discussing Strunk’s journey to the EPC from a Baptist background, including how he started Church of the Redeemer and how church planting is a viable evangelism strategy for established churches. In addition, Strunk reflects on his service on the EPC’s National Leadership Team from 2019-2023 and how trust serves as a form of leadership currency.

Episode 76: inFaith serving the underserved and underreached with Jerry Iamurri

Fri, 05 May 2023 10:05:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jerry Iamurri, Executive Director and CEO of inFaith. The two discuss how inFaith ministers among the most underserved and underreached communities in the U.S., as well as how the organization serves church planters with a variety of administrative support functions. In addition, Iamurri describes how governance serves mission and vision, and how his experience as Assistant Stated Clerk informs his leadership at inFaith.

Iamurri is a Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the East and served as EPC Assistant Stated Clerk from 2017-2022.

Episode 75: God’s glory, generosity, and joy in church planting

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:14:46 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Abe Radmanesh, member of the EPC’s Church Planting Team. The two continue a series on church planting by discussing how an established church can begin a church planting movement, based on Radmanesh’s experience at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. Radmanesh also describes how his experience in the business world provides fresh perspective in church planting, the value of entrepreneurial skills in church planting, and the benefits that established churches receive by starting new churches.

Episode 74: EPC church planting “parent, patron, partner” with Shawn Robinson

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:58:18 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Shawn Robinson, Pastor of Clayton Community Church in Clayton, California. The two discuss how Robinson planted Clayton Community Church in 1996 as part of the EPC’s Key Cities Initiative. Robinson also describes the EPC’s strategy of “every EPC church a parent, patron, or partner of church planting” and how people loving their neighbors is foundational to maintaining an outward focus as a church.

Episode 73: Trajectory of EPC church planting with Jack Cathey and Tom Ricks

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:11:44 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jack Cathey and Tom Ricks, founding members of the EPC’s National Church Planting Team. Cathey is a Ruling Elder for the Lake Forest family of churches in Charlotte, North Carolina; Ricks serves as the EPC’s National Director of Church Planting.

The three kick off a series on church planting by recounting how church planting in the EPC has gone from being aspirational to operational. They also discuss steps churches can take to get involved in starting new churches, and how relationships are the key to successful church planting.

Episode 72: The raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44) from Dean Weaver

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0300

This week, EPC Stated Clerk Dean Weaver shares an Easter weekend message about the raising of Lazarus as recorded in John 11:38-44.

Episode 71: Holy Week devotional from Michael Davis

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:13:04 -0300

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk, is the guest host for episode 71 of the EPC’s weekly podcast, “In All Things.” This week, Davis shares a brief Palm Sunday/Holy Week devotional from John 12:12-18.

Episode 70: World Outreach serving EPC churches with Jordin Greer

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:31:19 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jordin Greer, Assistant Director of EPC World Outreach. The two discuss her role serving EPC congregations as well as World Outreach global workers. In addition, Greer describes how a mission trip to Guatemala crystalized her call to ministry, as well as her desire to empower local churches to fulfill the Great Commission globally and how World Outreach partnerships with churches facilitate long-term relationships.

Episode 69: Discipleship and coaching for church health with Brandon Addison

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:41:52 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Brandon Addison, Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the West and a ministry coach with Tin Man Ministries. The two discuss how a healthy church helps its members have a healthy understanding of discipleship. Addison also describes how a church is a relational system, the value of inter-generational connection, and the value of coaching for both pastors and congregations.

Episode 68: Discipleship culture for the next generation with Andy Koesters

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 11:00:13 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Andy Koesters, Pastor to Churches and Families for FamiliesAlive and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the New River. The two discuss how discipling the next generation is critical to church health. Koesters also explains how God’s “Plan A” is for parents to be the primary disciplers of their children, as well as some key steps churches can take to develop a discipleship culture for children, students, and families.

Episode 67: Church revitalization principles with Ritchey Cable

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:27:45 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Ritchey Cable, Pastor of Gashland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo., and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of Mid-America. The two discuss Cable’s experience leading revitalization efforts in two churches. Cable also shares three revitalization principles from Revelation 2, and explains how and why he wrote the screenplay for the motion picture “The Author.”

Episode 66: Intersection of church health and church planting with Marc de Jeu

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 10:55:31 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Marc de Jeu, Church Health Coordinator and Mission Mobilizer for the Presbytery of the Alleghenies. The two discuss a variety of avenues for church health, including the role of a mentor in the life of the pastor, how healthy churches are those that are outward-focused and relational, how mission catalyzes community, and how church health and church planting intersect under the EPC’s goal for churches of “faithfulness in the neighborhood.”

Episode 65: Personal evangelism’s role in church health with Mark Farrell

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:23:23 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Mark Farrell, Pastor of Tampa Covenant Church in Tampa, Florida. The two discuss the impact of a high school coach on Farrell’s faith journey, as well as how his 22-year Air Force career prepared him to serve both as a pastor and as Church Health Coordinator for Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean. Farrell also explains how to develop an evangelistic culture in the church; how the 3 Circles method is a fully biblical, effective tool for personal evangelism among all ages; and how to incorporate the 3 Circles in a variety of avenues in the church.

Episode 64: Building an evangelistic church culture with Stefan Bomberger

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:41:42 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Stefan Bomberger, Pastor of Manoa Community Church in Havertown, Pennsylvania. The two discuss three aspects of church health in the EPC—evangelism, revitalization, and transitional pastorates. In addition, Bomberger explains how and why Manoa Community Church went into “growth mode” during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how the denomination’s Church Health Team helps congregations develop an evangelistic culture.

Episode 63: Business ownership, stewardship of EPC resources with Earla Bethel

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:44:55 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Earla Bethel, Ruling Elder for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, and Chair of the NEPC National Leadership Team Finance Committee. The two discuss her faith journey, as well as how St. Andrew’s and Lucaya Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Bahamas, came to the EPC from the Church of Scotland. Bethel also describes how she applies the principle of Luke 12:48 as a business owner. The two also discuss the background behind the EPC funding formula conversion from Per Member Asking (PMA) to Percentage of Income (POI), and how the Office of the General Assembly stewards those resources.

Episode 62: Developing flourishing churches and pastors with Dana Allin

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:10:34 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dana Allin, Synod Executive with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. The two discuss some of the fundamental principles for how churches flourish, areas of collaboration between ECO and the EPC, how ECO’s Flourish Institute of Theology meshes theological education with practical application, and how ECO is defining itself as a church for its second decade and beyond.

Episode 61: Inclusive leadership with Kim Wells

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:56:12 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Kim Wells, Executive Director of Executive Education and the Center for Career Excellence at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The two discuss how inclusive leadership does not necessarily mean racial diversity but is the discipline of seeking information from a variety of sources, listening, pausing, and then reflecting.

Episode 60: EPC Chaplaincy ministry with Mark Ingles

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:05:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Mark Ingles, the EPC’s Chaplain Endorser. The two discuss the various ministry opportunities for chaplains in both the military and civilian institutions, as well as his how his role as Chaplain Endorser helps facilitate those pursuing chaplaincy ministry in the EPC. Ingles also recounts his path as the son of an Army father to his own calling as an Air Force chaplain.

Episode 59: Discipleship and discipleship culture with Nate Dreesmann

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:56:33 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Nate Dreesmann, Executive Director of Ecclesiastical Support with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. The two discuss discipleship in the post-pandemic church, as well as the importance of the members of a congregation understanding theology. Dreesmann also provides insights on developing a discipleship program and discipleship culture in light of research that reveals 90 percent of American churches are experiencing a decline in attendance.

Episode 58: New Year’s challenge from Brad Strait

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:30:42 -0400

This week, EPC National Leadership Team Chairman Brad Strait offers a challenge for 2023 from Psalm 46.

Episode 57: Christmas devotional from Dean Weaver

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:21:00 -0400

This week, EPC Stated Clerk Dean Weaver shares a brief Christmas devotional from chapters 1 and 15 of John’s gospel.

Episode 56: From suicide try to serving Christ with Cathy Flores

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 11:20:47 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Cathy Flores, Benefits Administrator for EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. (BRI). The two discuss her journey from three suicide attempts while growing up with an alcoholic mother to being a teenaged unwed mother herself to committing her life to Christ as an adult. Flores also recounts her experiences during a recent mission trip to Cuba in which she led two marriage conferences.

Episode 55: EPC author and former Mormon Lisa Brockman, Part 2

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:47:29 -0400

Episode 54: Devout Mormon to Evangelical Christian with Lisa Brockman, Part 1

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:22:58 -0400

Episode 53: Thanksgiving devotional from Michael Davis

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 11:17:21 -0400

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk, is the guest host for episode 53 of the EPC’s weekly podcast, “In All Things.” This week, Davis shares a brief Thanksgiving devotional from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.

Episode 52: Prison to planting churches with Sean Boone

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:09:24 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Sean Boone, Pastor of Woke Bridge Community Church in Ferguson, Missouri. The two discuss Boone’s journey from gang life and prison to freedom in Christ, and from an independent, historically Black church to planting a Southern Baptist church to planting Woke Bridge in the EPC. Boone explains how Woke Bridge Community Church got its name, and his vision for how the gospel can transform Ferguson and grow a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural congregation.

Episode 51: Ethnic identity, The Antioch Room with Marcos Ortega

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:33:00 -0400

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Marcos Ortega, Lead Pastor of Goodwill Church’s Beacon campus in Beacon, New York. The two discuss Ortega’s journey to the EPC from a since-rejected Dispensationalist theology, and his involvement on the ad-interim committee writing a Pastoral Letter of Racial Lament and Hope. Ortega also describes The Antioch Room, a fellowship of EPC Teaching Elders of color designed to foster cultural and theological discussions in which ethnic minorities are the primary voice.

Episode 50: Global engagement, church revitalization with Doug Resler

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 10:08:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Doug Resler, Senior Pastor of Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colorado. The two discuss the benefits a congregation receives when its pastor is involved in ministry beyond their local church, as well as Resler’s passion for church revitalization and the importance of that process starting with a revitalized pastor and Session. In addition, Resler describes how global engagement helps the church minister to the world that is coming to the United States in increasing numbers.

Episode 49: Hurricane relief, small church ministry with Bill Crawford

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:20:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bill Crawford, Pastor of the First Presbyterian churches in Thibodaux and Houma, Louisiana. The two discuss Crawford’s call to small church ministry and his 21 years in south Louisiana, including some of the challenges and opportunities for the small church. Crawford also describes his experience with disaster relief beginning with back-to-back hurricanes in 2001, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Ida in 2021, and how he brought that experience to Fort Myers, Florida, following Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Weaver also shares how listeners can contribute to relief efforts by donating to the EPC's Emergency Relief Fund at www.epc.org/emergencyrelief.

Episode 48: Small church and Transitional Pastor ministry with Suzanne Zampella

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:04:57 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Suzanne Zampella, Transitional Pastor for First Presbyterian Church in Monett, Missouri.

The two discuss how her sense of calling to the ministry was awakened when she was ordained as a Ruling Elder. She also talks about serving in an ECO—Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians—church, and how the role of a Transitional Pastor is as a change agent, helping a congregation know who they are and what they want to be.

Zampella also reflects on the EPC’s Small Church Summit, held October 11-13 in Orlando, and how it not only provided opportunity for pastors to build relationships with each other, but also demonstrated that the denomination values and supports pastors of smaller churches. In addition, she discusses some of the challenges and joys of serving the small church.

Episode 47: Pastoral stress points with Annie Rose

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:42:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Annie Rose, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes and a member of the interim committee writing a Pastor Letter of Racial Lament and Hope.

The two discuss her path to ministry as the child of a Complementarian church, as well as how serving as a Presbytery Stated Clerk provides avenues to observe pastoral stressors. She provides counsel for both pastors and elders based on those observations, and also discusses her involvement on the Pastoral Letter interim committee and how the group sees love as the basis for biblical lament.

Episode 46: Small church and rural church ministry with Kent Mathews

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 09:15:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, continues his discussion with Kent Mathews, President and Academic Dean of Heartland Theological Seminary in Kansas City and Director of the EPC’s Mentored Apprenticeship Program for seminary students.

In the second of a two-part conversation, the two discuss strategies and resources for preparing pastors to serve in small churches and rural churches, including how Commissioned Pastors and the EPC’s CEEP (Candidates Educational Equivalency Program) serve the church by offering a pathway to ordination for prospective ministers who do not have an MDiv degree.

Episode 45: Theological education, rural church pastor pipeline with Kent Mathews

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:20:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Kent Mathews, President and Academic Dean of Heartland Theological Seminary in Kansas City and Director of the EPC’s Mentored Apprenticeship Program for seminary students.

The two discuss the challenges and opportunities in preparing people for vocational ministry, and how Heartland Seminary and the EPC Mentored Apprenticeship Program combine rigorous academic preparation with practical, mentor-partnered application.

Mathews also describes the need to develop a pipeline of ordination candidates for ministry in rural churches—including the benefits of serving in rural communities—and how small churches can be better equipped for fostering community.

Episode 44: EPC churches in Memphis respond to tragedies

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:05:00 -0300

EPC Stated Clerk Dean Weaver and Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis discuss a week of tragedy and grief in Davis’s home city of Memphis, Tenn., following the murder of Eliza Fletcher and a series of shootings in the days following. The two also reflect on the commitment of EPC churches in the city to continue to proclaim the gospel in their community.

Episode 43: Church polity and governance with Bob Garment

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:21:59 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bob Garment, longtime Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean and the EPC’s new Chief Parliamentarian.

The two discuss Garment’s path to the EPC from his former denomination, including how a newsletter from an EPC church in Louisiana started the process.

Garment also describes how his relationship with Howard Shockley, longtime Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic, resulted in his own service for more than 30 years as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean, and how polity serves the mission of the church.

Episode 42: Multicultural Spanish-language ministry with Luis Quiñones

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:21:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Luis Quiñones, pastor of Iglesia Presbiteriana Evangélica Nación Santa (Holy Nation Evangelical Presbyterian Church) in Haines City, Florida.

The two discuss Quiñones’ spiritual journey from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to serving as pastor in Philadelphia, Pa., to planting Nación Santa in Central Florida, and how prayer in an EPC Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean meeting solidified the decision to transfer the church to the EPC from its previous denomination. Quiñones also describes how Nación Santa lives out Revelation 7:9 as a Spanish-language congregation but with multiple Latin nationalities and cultures in its membership.

Episode 41: Wholistic church ministry, integrating faith and work with Case Thorp

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 09:08:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Case Thorp, Senior Associate Pastor of Evangelism for First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Florida (FPCO). The two discuss Thorp’s spiritual roots in evangelistic camp meetings in Georgia, FPCO’s church planting efforts, and his ministry in Orlando through missions, evangelism, and leadership of The Collaborative—designed to help people bridge the secular-sacred divide by integrating their faith and their work.

Thorp also previews the World Reformed Fellowship’s sixth General Assembly, to be held October 27-30 at FPCO, and The Collaborative’s podcast, “Nuance,” launching in mid-September.

Episode 40: Church planting DNA in the EPC with Michael Flake

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:44:06 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Michael Flake, pastor of Storyhill Church in Davidson, North Carolina.

The two discuss Flake’s church planting DNA in the EPC, including his childhood at then-church-plant Hope Church in Memphis, followed by involvement during his college years with EPC church planter Mike Moses at Lake Forest Church in Huntersville, N.C., and culminating after seminary by serving as Lake Forest’s first church planting pastor at the Lake Forest Davidson campus which localized as Storyhill Church in December 2021. Flake describes how the EPC's vision of every local church being a parent, partner, or patron of church planting is embedded in Storyhill, including possibly planting churches in other college towns.

Flake also discusses how he bridges the generation gap as a 38-year-old pastor with the large Davidson College student population that attends Storyhill, and their perspective as Christians in a culture that is increasingly antagonistic toward Christianity.

Episode 39: Leadership involvement with Enid Flores

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:31:09 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Enid Flores, Ruling Elder for Iglesia Presbiteriana Westminster in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

The two discuss Flores’ involvement in the EPC’s Next Generation Ministries Council and Revelation 7:9 Task Force, as well as her recent service as Moderator of the Presbytery of Florida and Caribbean. Flores also describes her vision for developing pathways of service for younger leaders in the denomination, as well as her desire that every EPC church member would be engaged in the work of the larger Church.

Episode 38: EPC finances with Pat Coelho

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:18:33 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Patrick Coelho, the EPC’s Chief Financial Officer.

The two discuss Coelho’s upbringing as a first-generation American and his role as CFO of the denomination. Coelho also explains how he serves as a resource for EPC churches, including how the EPC set up online giving for churches at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and his leadership of the annual gathering for EPC Executive Pastors and church administrators. In addition, he describes the EPC’s fiscal year, annual financial audit, and the recently approved change in funding formula from Per Member Asking (PMA) to Percentage of Income (POI).

Episode 37: EduNations and the EPC of Sierra Leone with Samuel Sesay

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:05:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Samuel Sesay, missionary evangelist with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone and President of EduNations. The two discuss Sesay’s journey to faith from a Muslim background within the syncretic religious environment of Sierra Leone. Sesay also describes the mission and vision of EduNations, which operates 15 Christian schools with more than 3,500 students in predominantly Muslim villages in the West African country, as well as how the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone—which has witnessed more than 1,000 baptisms in the past eight years—was birthed from the ministry of EduNations.

Episode 36: “Purposeful Pain: What Your Troubles Achieve” with Bryn MacPhail

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 12:37:30 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Bryn MacPhail, Senior Pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, and author of Purposeful Pain: What Your Troubles Achieve. The two discuss how God uses suffering to make believers more like Jesus, and how repeated pain and suffering—unlike manual labor that develops strength and durability—results in a heavy burden that only being yoked to Christ can relieve.

Episode 35: “The Apostate: My Search for Truth” with Mark Christian

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 11:33:51 -0300

Episode 34: Pastor and spouse care with Jim and Shari Hobby

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:46:20 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jim and Shari Hobby, facilitators of the House of Gladness in Thomasville, Ga. The Hobbys—both of whom are ordained in the Anglican Church in North America—were the guest speakers for the EPC’s 2021-22 pastor/spouse retreats. The three discuss how the Psalm 13 passage they taught from at the pastor/spouse retreats helps those in ministry walk through—but not stay too long in—the process of lament so they can look to and embrace hope. The Hobbys also describe their House of Gladness ministry and the importance of pastors and spouses connecting with other pastors and spouses.

Episode 33: Innovation in ministry with Dave Wahlstedt

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:58:57 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dave Wahlstedt, Pastor of The Table in Dallas, Texas, and author of Shift: Catalyzing Creative Change in Innovative Christian Ministry. The two discuss the ministry of The Table as a worshipping community—what Wahlstedt calls a “craft church” surrounded by megachurches in suburban north Dallas—and how spiritual formation became the focus of the ministry. They also talk about how Wahlstedt’s book is a reflection of his ministry experience, and describes ways to innovate in the local church and among its people.

Episode 32: Christian fantasy literature with Dustin Leimgruber

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:27:15 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Dustin Leimgruber, EPC Teaching Elder and author of The Sanctus Chronicles: The Plague of Tradium. Host Dean Weaver and Leimgruber discuss his journey to faith as a Jew in a rural area, to reading the Gospels in an Intervarsity Fellowship Bible study in college. Leimgruber also describes the story behind the book, and how fantasy literature in general can frame spirituality in a “I am in a struggle but the good guys win in the end” context that often is relatable for the reader.

Episode 31: 42nd General Assembly Update from Dean Weaver

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:40:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, explains the purpose behind and activities at the 42nd General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, held June 21-24 at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan.

Episode 30: Hosting the 42nd General Assembly with Scott McKee

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:29:44 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Scott McKee, Senior Pastor of Ward Church in Northville, Michigan. The two discuss discuss preparations for the denomination’s June 21-24 annual meeting, including how the worship service speakers will help develop the theme of “Recharge” based on Acts 1:8. The two also discuss several business items coming before the Assembly—including McKee’s involvement in the Giving Culture Study Committee and how that group helped lay the groundwork for Recommendation 42:11 to change the EPC’s funding model from Per Member Asking (PMA) to Percentage of Income (POI).

Episode 29: Marketplace Ministry and Evangelism with Doug Walker

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:40:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Doug Walker, Pastor of River City Church in DeBary, Florida. The two discuss how evangelism is a catalyst to a growing faith, as well as Walker’s journey from the financial services industry to the pastorate. In addition, Walker describes his experience integrating his faith and work in a marketplace ministry, and his expectation as a pastor that the members of the church view themselves as missionaries.

Episode 28: Reflections on serving as EPC Moderator with Brad Strait

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:48:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Brad Strait, Moderator of the EPC’s 41st General Assembly. The two look back on Strait’s year as Moderator of the Assembly, and peer into the future as Strait serves the next year as Chairman of the denomination’s National Leadership Team.

Strait also describes two seminars on persecution at the EPC’s Leadership Institute on June 21-22 that he is co-leading with Andrew Brunson, EPC Teaching Elder who was imprisoned in Turkey from 2016-2018. On Tuesday afternoon at the 42nd General Assembly at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan, Brunson will share his experience of being persecuted for his faith and what believers in the western world can expect as hostility toward Jesus and the gospel grows. On Wednesday afternoon, Brunson and Strait will be joined by a panel of Christian leaders who have experienced significant persecution, including EPC Teaching Elder Setan Lee, who escaped the “killing fields” genocide of the Communist Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia in the 1970s, and Erick Schenkel, Executive Director of Cru’s “The Jesus Film Project.”

Episode 27: Tragedy, suffering, grief in light of Uvalde, Texas, shooting with Jennifer Prechter

Fri, 27 May 2022 08:40:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Jennifer Prechter, EPC Teaching Elder who serves as a palliative care chaplain at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. The two discuss Prechter's journey to hospital chaplaincy, and how her ministry provides opportunity for addressing deep questions of life with unchurched people across a wide spectrum of life experience. Prechter also discusses how “longing and lament” can help people process tragedies such as a child with a terminal illness, or the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Episode 26: Missions mobilization and student ministry with Shawn Stewart

Fri, 20 May 2022 08:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Shawn Stewart, Mobilization Coordinator for EPC World Outreach. The two discuss what mobilization is, and how Stewart serves the denomination in his role. Stewart also describes some challenges related to finding those whom God has called for service, and how World Outreach is ministering among refugees in the U.S. and around the world. He also reflects on his early days in student ministry, including how he integrated the concept of “holy sweat: the blessing of sweating and serving” into the student groups he worked with.

Episode 25: EPC National Leadership Team reflections with Chris Danusiar

Fri, 13 May 2022 11:25:39 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Chris Danusiar, Ruling Elder for Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Warrenville, Ill., who rotated off the EPC National Leadership Team (NLT) after six years of service. The two discuss how the EPC is both the same and has changed over Danusiar’s two three-year terms, as well as some thoughts for the future of the denomination.

Episode 24: Evangelism, Africa baptisms with Glenn Meyers

Fri, 06 May 2022 08:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Glenn Meyers, Chairman of the EPC National Leadership Team (NLT) and Commissioned Pastor of Ardara United Presbyterian Church in Ardara, Pennsylvania. The two discuss Meyers’ six years serving on the NLT. As part of that discussion, Meyers expects the renewed commitment to evangelism in the EPC to inform how the denomination’s four strategic priorities of church planting, church health, global movement, and effective biblical leadership are carried out in the years to come.

In addition, Meyers relates his recent experience baptizing Muslim-background converts in a river in Sierra Leone, and how his church of 120 members has committed to a capital campaign to help the African village construct a church building.

Episode 23: Church Planting in Philadelphia with Joe Kim

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 08:30:00 -0300

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, Joe Kim, church planting pastor of Hope Philly Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pa. The two discuss the church planting strategy of establishing community around Christianity, Kim’s perspective on being Asian-American during the cultural firestorms of 2020-2021, and how he accepted the Nominating Committee’s invitation to serve as Moderator-elect of the 42nd General Assembly.