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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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/

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

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.

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

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

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