IN ALL THINGS PODCAST

“In All Things” is a podcast of the Office of the General Assembly, hosted by Stated Clerk Dean Weaver. Each week, Dean and his guests discuss topics related to the EPC and the greater Church. Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and many more. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

Click the blue play button to listen to any of these audio files.

EPISODE 154: NOT SUPER CHRISTIANS: NICK AND AMANDA’S JOURNEY

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.

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EPISODE 153: HOW THE EPC IS RESPONDING TO HURRICANE HELENE | GIANNA LAZZARO INTERVIEWS DEAN WEAVER ABOUT HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

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.

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EPISODE 152: LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE NEXT STEPS OF WORLD OUTREACH | GLOBAL MOVEMENT DISCUSSIONS WITH JOHNNY LONG, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT WORLD OUTREACH

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.

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EPISODE 151: REFLECTING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD | CHURCH HEALTH DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR SEAN BRUBAKER

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.

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EPISODE 150: LEADING A CHURCH TO LIFE | CHURCH HEALTH DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR STEFAN BOMBERGER

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.

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EPISODE 149: A RESPONSE TO THE PASTOR SHORTAGE CRISIS | CHURCH HEALTH DISCUSSIONS WITH ROSEMARY LUKENS, BILL RASCH AND BOB STAUFFER

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Rosemary Lukens, the 42^nd 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.

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EPISODE 148: WHEN TWO CHURCH PLANTERS PLANT TWO CHURCHES IN THE SAME CITY | A DISCUSSION WITH PASTORS SEAN BOONE AND ERIC STILLER

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.

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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

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.

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EPISODE 146: WHO’S YOUR ONE MORE PERSON? | CHURCH PLANTING DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR MIKE MOSES

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.

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EPISODE 145: SO, YOU THINK YOU’RE CALLED TO CHURCH PLANTING | DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHURCH PLANTING WITH ELIZABETH GIBSON OF THE NORTHAMPTON CHURCH PLANTING NETWORK

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.

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EPISODE 144: A BEAUTIFUL TENSION: REFLECTING YOUR COMMUNITY WHILE REMAINING COUNTERCULTURAL | DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHURCH PLANTING WITH PASTOR JUSTIN GARRETT

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.

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EPISODE 143: HONEST CONVERSATIONS ABOUT PLANTING A CHURCH WITH NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CHURCH PLANTING, DR. TOM RICKS

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.

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EPISODE 142: THE ORDINARY MEANS OF GRACE | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR ZACH HOPKINS, PART 2

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.

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EPISODE 141: LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP FOR YOUNGER MINISTRY LEADERS | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR ZACH HOPKINS

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.

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EPISODE 140: HOW IS YOUR SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH AS A LEADER? | A DISCUSSION WITH PASTOR BETSY RUMER

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.

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EPISODE 139: AUTHENTIC LESSONS FROM A PERSONAL CRISIS, PART 2 | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR AND GULF SOUTH FACILITATOR, BOB VINCENT

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. 

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EPISODE 138: AUTHENTIC LESSONS FROM A PERSONAL CRISIS, PART 1 | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR AND GULF SOUTH FACILITATOR, BOB VINCENT

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.

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EPISODE 137: A WARNING BELL FOR PASTORS | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PIR MINISTRIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROY YANKE

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.

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EPISODE 136: STORIES OF MINISTRY | EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR JIM FARRELL

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.

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EPISODE 135: “TRAILER” FOR NEW UPCOMING SEASON OF IN ALL THINGS!

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

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EPISODE 134: A FINAL RECAP OF THE 44TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH MICHAEL DAVIS

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.

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EPISODE 133: CONVERSATIONS AT THE 44TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY | A GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION WITH ATTENDEES AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE 44TH GA

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes back five guests for the second week of this two-part series preparing us for the 44^th 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.

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EPISODE 132: FACES AND VOICES FROM GA 2024, PART 2 | A GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION WITH FIVE LEADERS OF THE 44TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes back five guests for the second week of this two-part series preparing us for the 44^th 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.

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EPISODE 131: FACES AND VOICES FROM GA 2024, PART 1 | A GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION WITH FIVE LEADERS OF THE 44TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes five guests this week for a two-part series preparing us for the 44^th 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.

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EPISODE 130: WESTMINSTER AS A MIDDLE NAME | A GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION WITH GA PREACHER, MARCOS ORTEGA

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.

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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

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.

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EPISODE 128: TO RUN AFTER | A GENERATIONAL DISCUSSION WITH MICHAEL MOREFIELD, PASTOR, GASHLAND EPC

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.

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EPISODE 127: FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION | A DISCUSSION WITH BRI’S SAVANNAH BAKER ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER

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.

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EPISODE 126: UNEXPECTED: WHEN TRAGEDY AND HARDSHIP CREATES THE UNEXPECTED | A DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR AND SPEAKER, KATIE ROBERTSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ANCHOR GATHERING

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! 

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EPISODE 125: YOUR FAITH AND YOUR VOCATION | A DISCUSSION WITH CASE THORP, THEOLOGIAN IN RESIDENCE AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO

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.

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EPISODE 124: UNDERSTANDING AND CARING FOR THE PASTOR | A DISCUSSION WITH JAY FOWLER OF PASTORSERVE MINISTRIES

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.

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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

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 indepth 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.

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EPISODE 122: A GUIDE TO NAVIGATE AND ENGAGE IN DIGITAL MINISTRIES | A DISCUSSION WITH HOLLY LAZZARO, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF STUDY WITH FRIENDS MINISTRIES

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.

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EPISODE 121: A CONSIDERATION OF DIGITAL AND ANALOG MINISTRIES | A DISCUSSION WITH HOLLY LAZZARO, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF STUDY WITH FRIENDS MINISTRIES

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.

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EPISODE 120: UNTIL MONEY DO US PART | A DISCUSSION WITH EPC AUTHOR ENID FLORES

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.

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EPISODE 119: THE CHURCH AS A REFLECTION OF ETERNITY | A DISCUSSION WITH RUFUS SMITH, PASTOR AT HOPE CHURCH IN CORDOVA, TENNESSEE

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EPISODE 118: THE ARCHITECTURE OF TRUTH | A DISCUSSION WITH PASTOR, PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR, RODGER WOODWORTH

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EPISODE 117: THE STORY OF LIFE | A DISCUSSION WITH REV. RON HORGAN

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EPISODE 116: MARTI’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR A GREAT GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA) EXPERIENCE | A DISCUSSION WITH GA LEAD, MARTI RATCLIFF

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EPISODE 115: FAMILY REUNION | AN INVITATION TO THE 44TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA) AT HOPE CHURCH WITH GA COORDINATOR, MEGAN STEELE

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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

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EPISODE 113: FILLING AND FIXING | CONNECTING THE SOVEREIGN DOTS OF YOUR LIFE, A DISCUSSION WITH DARRIN GROVE, CEO OF TRUEFIT AND JUBILEE PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

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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

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EPISODE 111: THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS YOU WILL HAVE | VIBRANT PRAYER WITH PHIL THRASH, WORLD OUTREACH EASTERN US ASSOCIATE FOR MISSIONS ADVANCEMENT

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EPISODE 110: THE GREAT BIG SMALL CHURCH | A DISCUSSION WITH CORRINA GAMBRELL, PASTOR AT ROCKY RIVER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (EPC)

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EPISODE 109: A PROMISE OF RENEWAL FOR A NEW YEAR | A DEVOTIONAL WITH EPC STATED CLERK, DEAN WEAVER

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EPISODE 108: ADVENT | REDEMPTIVE CHANGE AGENTS AND THE REDEEMER HIMSELF | A DEVOTIONAL WITH EPC ASSISTANT STATED CLERK AND CHIEF COLLABORATIVE OFFICER, MICHAEL DAVIS

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EPISODE 107: ADVENT | BIBLICAL LAMENT ALWAYS LEADS TO HOPE | A DEVOTIONAL WITH EPC STATED CLERK, DEAN WEAVER 

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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 R.E. OF PARKER EPC

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EPISODE 105: GAME CHANGER: TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS THAT AID MINISTRY | A DISCUSSION WITH STEVEN BALLARD, CO-FOUNDER OF ONLINEGIVING.ORG

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EPISODE 104: THE GENEROUS SIDE OF FAIR | A DISCUSSION WITH JOHNNY LONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WORLD OUTREACH NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

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EPISODE 103: LOVE AND POLICIES, UNLIKELY FRIENDS | A DISCUSSION WITH BOB GARMENT, CHIEF PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE EPC

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EPISODE 102: DAVE ROBINSON, AUTHOR OF “UNWAVERING RESOLVE” & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT CRU

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EPISODE 101: DEAN AND PAIGE STITT MCBRIDE, AUTHOR OF “BEAUTY NOT BEHELD”

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EPISODE 100: FLIP THE SCRIPT | A DISCUSSION WITH DEAN WEAVER AS HE SITS IN THE GUEST CHAIR AT “IN ALL THINGS”

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EPISODE 99: PASTOR OR FILMMAKER | A DISCUSSION WITH RITCHEY CABLE, FILMMAKER AND DIGITAL CONTENT LEAD OF THE EPC

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EPISODE 98: DOUBTS DURING THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL| A DISCUSSION WITH TIM FILSTON, PASTOR AND BLOGGER

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EPISODE 97: CARING FOR OTHERS WILL INVOLVE CARING FOR YOURSELF

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.

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EPISODE 96: THE CRISIS OF THE MODERN-DAY PASTOR

Doug Resler, Senior Pastor of Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colorado and adjunct professor at Denver Seminary joins host, Dean Weaver, for this new episode of “In All Things”.

Dean and his guest 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.

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EPISODE 95:  DEAN AND JOI WILLIAMS, RULING ELDER AND A NEW MEMBER OF THE NLT

Joi Williams, Ruling Elder at Hope Church in Richmond, VA and Professor of Applied Engineering Technology at Virginia State University joins host, Dean Weaver, for this new episode of “In All Things”.

Dean and his guest 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.

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EPISODE 94: NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH ROSEMARY LUKENS AND VICTOR JONES

Rosemary Lukens, Chairman of the National Leadership Team and Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, and Victor Jones, Moderator-elect of the 43^rd General Assembly and Ruling Elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church join Host, Dean Weaver, for this new episode of “In All Things”.

Dean and his guests discuss a variety of topics related to how God is working with the denomination at the National level.

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EPISODE 93: EPC AUTHOR AND FORMER MORMON LISA BROCKMAN, PART 2 (ENCORE)

In the conclusion of a 2-part conversation, Dean Weaver and Lisa Brockman discusses her path as a sixth-generation Mormon to accepting Christ as a student at the University of Utah. She relates how her decision to follow 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. Brockman serves with Cru and is a Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida.

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EPISODE 92: DEVOUT MORMON TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, welcomes Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. In part one of a two-week conversation, the two discuss her path from a devout Mormon childhood—including her 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.

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EPISODE 91: PAIN AND SUFFERING HAS A PURPOSE (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

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.

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EPISODE 90: FORMER IMAM’S JOURNEY TO CHRIST (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

Dean Weaver and 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.

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EPISODE 89: EPC AFRICAN MINISTRY PARTNER SAMUEL SESAY (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

Dean Weaver and Samuel Sesay 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.

Sesay serves as a missionary evangelist with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone and is the President of EduNations.

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EPISODE 88: TRAGEDY, SUFFERING, GRIEF (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

Dean Weaver and Jennifer Prechter 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.

Prechter is an 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.

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EPISODE 87: PODCASTING AS EVANGELISM

Dean Weaver and Brandon Queen 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.

Queen is a Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and host of the podcast “E.A.R.: Evangelical and Reformed.”

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EPISODE 86: MINISTRY TO ABUSED AND TRAFFICKED WOMEN

Dean Weaver and Bonnie Gatchell 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.

Gatchell is a Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the East and Executive Director of Route One Ministry in Boston, Massachusetts.

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EPISODE 85: RURAL MINISTRY AND LOCAL HISTORY

Dean Weaver and Stephen Morefield discuss his spiritual path as a covenant child of the EPC to urban church planting to rural church ministry. Morefield 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 Leoti, Kansas, in the 1880s has built bridges for ministry in the community.

Morefield serves as Pastor of Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. 

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EPISODE 84: THE EPC IN THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN STORY

Dean Weaver and Don Fortson discuss how his 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 serves as Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at the Charlotte, N.C., campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. He 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.

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EPISODE 83: 43RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY REFLECTIONS

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

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EPISODE 82: TRAINING LEADERS AMONG THE LEAST-REACHED

Dean Weaver concludes a four-week series with the worship service speakers for the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit. He and Mike Kuhn 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.

Kuhn serves Director of the International Theological Education Network (ITEN) of EPC World Outreach.

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EPISODE 81: PASTORING A GROWING RURAL CHURCH

Dean Weaver continues a four-week series with the worship service speakers for the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit. He and Aaron White 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.

White serves as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, Ohio.

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EPISODE 80: AN EAST TEXAS VINEYARD MODELS JOHN 15

Dean Weaver continues a four-week series with the worship service speakers for the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit. He and Shelley Kral 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.

Kral serves as Associate Pastor for Longview Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas.

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EPISODE 79: SHARING THE GOSPEL IN DISSIMILAR CONTEXTS

Dean Weaver begins a four-week series with the worship service speakers for the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit. 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.

Taylor serves as Senior Pastor of Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado—host church for the 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit.

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EPISODE 78: LEARNINGS FROM SERVING AS MODERATOR

Dean Weaver and Rosemary Lukens discuss how serving as Moderator has strengthened her faith, as well as served as an encouragement for 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.

Lukens, served as Moderator of the 42nd General Assembly and is a Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, Washington.

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EPISODE 77: CHURCH PLANTING AS EVANGELISM STRATEGY

Dean Weaver and Dave Strunk 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.

Strunk is the planting pastor of Church of the Redeemer in suburban Knoxville, Tennessee, and served on the EPC National Leadership Team from 2019-2023.

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EPISODE 76: INFAITH SERVING THE UNDERREACHED

Dean Weaver and Jerry Iamurri 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 serves as Executive Director and CEO of inFaith, a missions agency ministering among the underserved and underreached in the United States. He served as EPC Assistant Stated Clerk from 2017-2022.

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EPISODE 75: GOD’S GLORY, GENEROSITY, AND JOY IN CHURCH PLANTING

Dean Weaver and Abe Radmanesh discuss 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.

Radmanesh is a member of the EPC Church Planting Team.

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EPISODE 74: CHURCH PLANTING “PARENT, PATRON, PARTNER”

Dean Weaver and Shawn Robinson discuss how Robinson planted Clayton Community Church near Oakland, California, 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.

Robinson serves as Pastor of Clayton Community Church in Clayton, California.

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EPISODE 73: TRAJECTORY OF EPC CHURCH PLANTING

Dean Weaver welcomes Jack Cathey and Tom Ricks, founding members of the EPC’s National Church Planting Team, who recount 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.

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.

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EPISODE 72: EASTER WEEKEND MESSAGE

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

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EPISODE 71: PALM SUNDAY/HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL

EPC Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis shares a Palm Sunday/Holy Week devotional from John 12:12-18.

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EPISODE 70: WORLD OUTREACH SERVING EPC CHURCHES

Dean Weaver and Jordin Greer 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. Greer serves as Assistant Director of EPC World Outreach.

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EPISODE 69: DISCIPLESHIP AND COACHING FOR CHURCH HEALTH

Dean Weaver and Brandon Addison 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. Addison serves as Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the West and ministry coach with Tin Man Ministries.

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EPISODE 68: DISCIPLESHIP CULTURE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Dean Weaver and Andy Koesters 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. Koesters serves as Pastor to Churches and Families for FamiliesAlive and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the New River. 

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EPISODE 67: CHURCH REVITALIZATION PRINCIPLES

Dean Weaver and Ritchey Cable 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.” Cable serves as Pastor of Gashland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri, and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of Mid-America.

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EPISODE 66: INTERSECTION OF CHURCH HEALTH AND CHURCH PLANTING

Dean Weaver and Marc de Jeu 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.” Marc de Jeu serves as Church Health Coordinator and Mission Mobilizer for the Presbytery of the Alleghenies.

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EPISODE 65: PERSONAL EVANGELISM’S ROLE IN CHURCH HEALTH

Dean Weaver and Mark Farrell 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. Farrell serves as Pastor of Tampa Covenant Church in Tampa, Florida.

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EPISODE 64: BUILDING AN EVANGELISTIC CHURCH CULTURE

Dean Weaver and Stefan Bomberger, Pastor of Manoa Community Church in Havertown, Pennsylvania, 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. In addition to serving Manoa Community Church, Bomberger is the Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the East.

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EPISODE 63: BUSINESS OWNERSHIP, STEWARDSHIP OF EPC RESOURCES

Dean Weaver and Earla Bethel, Ruling Elder for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, 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. Bethel serves on the EPC National Leadership Team as Chair of the Finance Committee.

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EPISODE 62: DEVELOPING FLOURISHING CHURCHES AND PASTORS

Dean Weaver and Dana Allin, Synod Executive with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, discuss some of the fundamental principles for how churches flourish, area 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.

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EPISODE 61: INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

Dean Weaver and Kim Wells 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. Wells serves as Executive Director of Executive Education and the Center for Career Excellence at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

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EPISODE 60: EPC CHAPLAINCY

In the second episode of season 2, Dean Weaver and Mark Ingles discuss the various ministry opportunities for chaplains in both the military and civilian institutions, as well as his how his role 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.

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EPISODE 59: DISCIPLESHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP CULTURE

In the first episode of season 2, Dean Weaver and Nate Dreesmann 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. Dreesmann serves as Executive Director of Ecclesiastical Support with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

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EPISODE 58: NEW YEAR’S CHALLENGE

Brad Strait offers a challenge for 2023 from Psalm 46. Strait serves as Senior Pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in Englewood, Colorado, and is the current Chairman of the EPC National Leadership Team.

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EPISODE 57: CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL

Dean Weaver shares a brief Christmas devotional from chapters 1 and 15 of John’s gospel.

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EPISODE 56: FROM THREE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS TO SERVING CHRIST

Dean Weaver and Cathy Flores discuss her journey from three suicide attempts while growing up with an alcoholic mother to being a teenage 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. Flores serves as Benefits Administrator for EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. (BRI). 

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EPISODE 55: SIXTH-GENERATION MORMON NOW EPC RULING ELDER

In the conclusion of a 2-part conversation, Dean Weaver and Lisa Brockman discusses her path as a sixth-generation Mormon to accepting Christ as a student at the University of Utah. She relates how her decision to follow 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. Brockman serves with Cru and is a Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida.

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EPISODE 54: DEVOUT MORMON TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN

In part 1 of a 2-part conversation, Dean Weaver and Lisa Brockman discusses 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. Brockman serves with Cru and is a Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. She is the author of Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.

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EPISODE 53: 1 THESSALONIANS 5 THANKSGIVING DEVOTIONAL

Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk, shares a brief Thanksgiving devotional from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.

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EPISODE 52: FROM PRISON TO PLANTING CHURCHES

Dean Weaver and Sean Boone, Pastor of Woke Bridge Community Church in Ferguson, Missouri, 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.

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EPISODE 51: ETHNIC IDENTITY, BELONGING, THE ANTIOCH ROOM

Dean Weaver and Marcos Ortega discuss his 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. Ortega serves as Lead Pastor of Goodwill Church’s Beacon campus in Beacon, New York. 

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EPISODE 50: GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT, CHURCH REVITALIZATION

Dean Weaver and Doug Resler 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. Doug Resler serves as Senior Pastor of Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colorado.

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EPISODE 49: HURRICANE RELIEF, SMALLER CHURCH MINISTRY

Dean Weaver and Bill Crawford, Pastor of the First Presbyterian churches in Thibodaux and Houma, Louisiana, 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 discusses his experience with disaster relief beginning with back-to-back hurricanes his first year in Thibodaux 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.

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EPISODE 48: SMALLER CHURCH, TRANSITIONAL PASTOR MINISTRY

Dean Weaver and Suzanne Zampella 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. She 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. Suzanne Zampella is an EPC Teaching Elder serving as the Transitional Pastor for First Presbyterian Church in Monett, Missouri.

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EPISODE 47: PASTORAL STRESS POINTS

Dean Weaver and Annie Rose 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. Rose provides counsel for both pastors and elders based on those observations, and also talks about her involvement on the Pastoral Letter interim committee and how the group understands that love has to be the basis for biblical lament. Rose serves as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes and is a member on the interim committee writing a Pastoral Letter of Racial Lament and Hope.

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EPISODE 46: RURAL CHURCH MINISTRY, MDIV-LESS ORDINATION OPTIONS

Dean Weaver and Kent Mathews 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 a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. Mathews serves as President and Academic Dean of Heartland Theological Seminary in Kansas City and Director of the EPC’s Mentored Apprenticeship Program for seminary students.

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EPISODE 45: THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION, RURAL CHURCH PASTOR PIPELINE

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

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EPISODE 44: REFLECTIONS ON MEMPHIS TRAGEDIES

Dean Weaver and Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis discuss a week of tragedy and grief in Davis’s home city of Memphis, Tennesee, 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.

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EPISODE 43: HOW POLITY SERVES THE CHURCH

Dean Weaver and Bob Garment discuss his 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 the late 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. Garment is the EPC’s Chief Parliamentarian.

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EPISODE 42: MULTICULTURAL SPANISH MINISTRY

Dean Weaver and Luis Quiñones discuss his 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 the challenges of sharing a facility with another congregation, as well as how Nación Santa lives out Revelation 7:9 as a Spanish-language congregation but with multiple Latin nationalities and cultures in its membership. Quiñones serves as pastor of Iglesia Presbiteriana Evangélica Nación Santa (Holy Nation Evangelical Presbyterian Church) in Haines City, Florida.

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EPISODE 41: REGIONAL CHURCH MINISTRY, INTEGRATING FAITH AND WORK

Dean Weaver and Case Thorp discuss his spiritual roots in evangelistic camp meetings in Georgia, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando’s church planting efforts and commitment to urban community outreach, 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. Thorp serves as Senior Associate Pastor of Evangelism for First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Florida.

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EPISODE 40: CHURCH PLANTING DNA IN THE EPC

Dean Weaver and Michael Flake discuss his church planting DNA in the EPC. Flake recounts his childhood at then-church-plant Hope Church in Memphis, followed by involvement with 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. He 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. Flake is the planting pastor of Storyhill Church in Davidson, North Carolina.

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EPISODE 39: DENOMINATIONAL LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT

EPISODE 38: EPC FINANCES, FISCAL YEAR, FUNDING FORMULA

EPISODE 37: EPC AFRICAN MINISTRY PARTNER SAMUEL SESAY

EPISODE 36: PAIN AND SUFFERING HAS A PURPOSE

EPISODE 35: FORMER IMAM’S JOURNEY TO CHRIST

EPISODE 34: PASTOR AND SPOUSE CARE

EPISODE 33: INNOVATION IN MINISTRY

EPISODE 32: CHRISTIAN FANTASY LITERATURE

EPISODE 31: 42ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

EPISODE 30: 42ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PREVIEW

EPISODE 29: MARKETPLACE MINISTRY AND EVANGELISM

EPISODE 28: SERVING AS MODERATOR, NLT CHAIRMAN

EPISODE 27: TRAGEDY, SUFFERING, GRIEF IN LIGHT OF UVALDE (TEXAS) SHOOTING

EPISODE 26: MISSIONS MOBILIZATION AND STUDENT MINISTRY

EPISODE 25: NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM REFLECTIONS

EPISODE 24: EVANGELISM, AFRICA BAPTISMS

EPISODE 23: CHURCH PLANTING THROUGH COMMUNITY BUILDING

EPISODE 22: EPC UKRAINE RELIEF EFFORTS

EPISODE 21: GOOD FRIDAY MESSAGE FROM PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11

EPISODE 20: EPC FRATERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

EPISODE 19: PIR MINISTRIES

EPISODE 18: TEACHING ELDER ORDINATION PROCESS, PASTOR HEALTH

EPISODE 17: GENEROSITY, CHURCH PLANTING, FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

EPISODE 16: LOVING MUSLIM PEOPLE

EPISODE 15: EPC CHURCH PLANTING

EPISODE 14: SHORTER CATECHISM BILINGUAL FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

EPISODE 13: RAISING ADAM: WHY JESUS DESCENDED INTO HELL

EPISODE 12: CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY

EPISODE 11: CHURCH HEALTH AND EVANGELISM

EPISODE 10: EPC WORLD OUTREACH OPERATIONS

EPISODE 9: EVANGELISM AND MINISTRY IN THE INNER CITY

EPISODE 8: HUMAN RESOURCES AT THE OGA AND IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

EPISODE 7: EPC COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL STRATEGIES

EPISODE 6: EPC CHIEF COLLABORATIVE OFFICER

EPISODE 5: EPC ASSISTANT STATED CLERK

EPISODE 4: THEOLOGY COMMITTEE

EPISODE 3: EPC WORLD OUTREACH

EPISODE 2: EPC BENEFIT PROGRAMS

EPISODE 1: EPC NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

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