In All Things

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 embodi...

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...

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...

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 faithfuln...

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. Ea...

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 confess...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 curio...

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 abou...

“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 ye...

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 w...

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 int...

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...

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...

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 shar...

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...

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...

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 sm...

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...

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 bibli...

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...

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...