In All Things

Episode 185: Live from General Assembly

This special episode of In All Things comes to you straight from the 45th General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church! Guest host and podcast producer Gianna Lazzaro sits down with Dean Weaver, the EPC's Stated Clerk, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on all that's been happening this week in Michigan.

Together, we reflect on the worship services, fellowship, and equipping opportunities that are energizing the EPC family, as well as some of the highlights from across the Assembly. From networking lunches to powerful reaching, from late-night laughter to Spirit-filled moments of prayer; this episode captures the heart of what it means to gather as a denomination grounded in our Firm Foundation.

Whether you're here with us or listening from afar, we invite you into the rhythm and beauty of GA week. 

Be sure to catch next week's episode for a full debrief on the business decisions made at this year's Assembly and what's ahead for the EPC. 

Episode 184: World Outreach at GA

In this final episode of our General Assembly series, special guest host Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach, is joined by Nancy Cimprich, Director of Mobilization, for a forward-looking conversation on Engage 2025 and the future of global mission in the EPC.

They discuss the impact of Engage 2025 on local presbyteries, the importance of global partnerships and collaboration, and what lies ahead for the denomination’s missional efforts. Nancy also shares about opportunities to connect with World Outreach at General Assembly this year, including special events, prayer gatherings, and interactive spaces.

If you’re wondering how your church or presbytery can engage in meaningful mission work – or you’re looking to discern your own calling in global ministry – this episode is for you.

🔗 Register for General Assembly (just one week away!)
🌍 Learn more about World Outreach: epcwo.org

Episode 183: Understanding the Courts of the EPC

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 what it means for an overture to “ascend” to GA, what the discernment process looks like at every level, and how the permanent Judicial Commission serves in maintaining our shared commitments.

Whether you’re a first-time commissioner or a long-time attendee, this conversation offers a helpful and accessible look into how polity strengthens our Firm Foundation.

📍 Learn more and register for the 45^th General Assembly at https://epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 182: Clarity, Clarity, Clarity

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 why behind their recommendations, the theological and pastoral considerations that shaped their work, and their hopes for how these changes might serve the long-term health and unity of the EPC. Whether you're a Teaching Elder, Ruling Elder, or someone discerning a call to ministry, this episode offers a helpful and hopeful look at how we affirm and equip those called to serve Christ’s church.

To read more about the committee’s recommendations coming before the General Assembly this June, visit: https://mailchi.mp/513e337c0134/ad-interim-committee-on-the-ordination-standards

Register for GA here: epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 181: Building on the Rock

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 the denomination.

Scott also opens up about his recent health journey and the unexpected diagnosis that has tested his faith—and strengthened it. In a world that often shakes beneath our feet, Scott points us back to the firm foundation of God’s Word and reminds us of the importance of building our lives not on the shifting sands of circumstance, but on the unshakable rock of Christ.

Whether you're heading to GA this year or simply seeking encouragement in your walk with Jesus, this conversation is rich with hope, humility, and a clear call to faithfulness.

Register for GA: epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 180: God’s Building Project

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, and how it ties in with this year’s theme of Firm Foundation. Her reflections point us back to the living hope we have in Christ – and the Word that sustains and anchors us in every season of life and ministry.

📚 You can explore Dr. Jobes’ work and writing here.

📍Register for GA and learn more at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 179: Trusting the Word

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 45^th 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 the Bible in a skeptical age, how the authority of Scripture shapes our identity as a church, and why that foundation is crucial for the EPC.

📚 Learn more about The Bully Pulpit here.
🌐 Connect with Michael and his work: michaeljkruger.com
📍 Register for GA and get all the details: epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 178: The Ethos of the EPC

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 45^th 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 first time or your forty-fifth!

This episode is a great behind-the-scenes look at what happens during business sessions and how these gatherings reflect our theological commitments and shared vision.

📩 Have questions? You can reach Bob directly at bob.garment@epc.org.
🔗 Learn more and register for General Assembly at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 177: Getting Excited for the 45th General Assembly

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 can expect from this year’s experience at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan. From worship services and equipping sessions to networking lunches and registration logistics, Marti gives us a preview of the meaningful moments – and the moving parts – that make GA a rich and welcoming space for commissioners, leaders, and guests across the EPC.

🗓️ Whether it’s your first time attending or your tenth, this conversation will help you walk into GA confident, equipped, and ready for all God will do.

📍 Learn more and register today at epconnect.org/ga2025

Episode 176: Good Friday Special

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 heart toward deeper worship and gratitude for the love poured on our behalf.

Happy Easter from all of us here at In All Things!