In All Things

“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

In this episode, Dean sits down with Matt Stinson, Executive Director of Finance and Operations at Colonial Village Presbyterian Church, to explore the heart behind church administration. Matt shares his story of transitioning from the business world into full-time church operations, offering thoughtful reflections on the distinct challenges – and opportunities – of managing the practical life of a congregation. Together, he and Dean discuss how executive pastors and administrative leaders can serve both the mission of the church and the people in the pews. Whether you're in church leadership or simply curious about the unseen work that keeps ministry running, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a glimpse into what faithfulness looks like behind the scenes.

In this first episode of our special two-part miniseries on church administration, Dean sits down with Greg Flagg, Executive Associate Pastor at Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City, California. Greg shares from his experience as an Executive Pastor to discuss the often-unsung role that church administrators play in building healthy, sustainable ministries. From navigating HR challenges in small churches to identifying support structures that help pastors and staff flourish, Greg highlights how executive pastors serve as a backbone for their congregations. He and Dean also explore current trends in church administration, the value of intentional leadership development, and the importance of gatherings and networks for XP Admins across the EPC. Whether you're an executive pastor, a lead pastor, or someone curious about what happens behind the scenes of your church, this episode sheds light on the crucial (and complex) work of church administration.

In the final installment of our Church and Culture series, Dean is joined by pastor and author Luke Johnston for a powerful conversation on what it means to replant a church, and why doing so often requires deep humility, local insight, and faith in the God who brings life out of death. Drawing from Luke’s book, If It Dies: Why Replanting is the Hope for Dying Churches and How You Can Lead It, he and Dean explore Luke’s journey to replanting his church, how to recognize when a church plant needs to be reimagined, and practical wisdom for leaders facing ministry transitions. This episode is a meaningful close to our series and a hopeful word for anyone wrestling with cultural change, church decline, or missional calling. 🔗 Check out Luke’s book here: If It Dies 📘 Explore EPC Ministry Resources: epconnect.org/ministryresources