In All Things

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 w...

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 w...

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 t...

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...

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 ...

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 firs...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 sa...

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 to...

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 j...

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 Rodg...

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 Sum...

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 a...

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....

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-cultur...

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 smal...

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 missio...