In All Things

Episode 173: The Seamless Life: Making Sense of Life (Part I)

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 together the tension between the way things are and the way they ought to be? What does it mean to live with coherence in a fragmented world? Join us for this deep and thoughtful conversation on faith, calling, and what it takes to remain faithful in the face of brokenness.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 172: The Seamless Life Part 2: Vocation and Occupation

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 job and our vocation? Together, our guests reflect on Garber’s insights, sharing their own experiences of living faithfully in their professions while holding onto a broader vision of calling.

From wrestling with fragmentation in our daily lives to embracing the responsibilities that come with knowing and loving the world, this conversation challenges us to think deeply about what it means to integrate faith and work. Whether you’re in ministry, business, education, or any other field, this episode will encourage you to consider how your occupation is part of something much bigger—an invitation to live with coherence, purpose, and love.

Tune in for a rich discussion on calling, responsibility, and the beauty of a life well-lived.

📖 Interested in reading along? Get your copy of The Seamless Life here!

Episode 171: The Seamless Life: At Work in the World (Part I)

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 Rodger Woodworth to discuss the opening of the book. Together, they explore the idea of seeing “seamlessly” – living with integrity and purpose in both our occupation and vocation. What does it look like to follow Jesus not only in our worship, but in our work, relationships, and everyday activities?

Join the conversation and read along with us as we reflect on the habits, hopes, and heart of a seamless life.

📖 Get your copy of The Seamless Life here! 

Episode 170: Serving The Next Generation of Leaders

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 Summit is designed to equip, encourage, and strengthen ministry leaders across the EPC.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into Next Gen ministry, this episode is full of insights and encouragement. You can sign up for the Next Gen Leadership Summit [here], and learn more or connect with Joe Stroup at https://graystonepc.org/.

Episode 169: The Gift and Time and Space

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 and the presbytery can create a greater impact.

Whether you’re part of a small church looking for new ways to serve or simply passionate about the power of local outreach, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for being the hands and feet of Christ in your community.

Episode 168: Exegeting the Community

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. He and Dean explore the importance of flexibility in small church ministry, the power of focusing on just a few things and doing them well, and how small congregations can play a vital role in community revitalization and outreach.

Additionally, they discuss the significance of disability ministries within the church. If you’re interested in learning more about disability ministry, check out these EPC-endorsed organizations:

Key Ministry

King's Table Ministries

Whether you're a small church pastor, a leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of small churches, this episode will encourage and inspire you to lean into the strengths God has given your congregation.

Episode 167: Incorporating Revelation 7:9 in a Small Church Context Series – Small Churches

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-cultural ministry, the importance of truly listening to a community’s needs, and how small churches can make a lasting impact by embracing where God has placed them. Steve’s story is one of faithfulness, humility, and a deep commitment to the gospel in action.

Tune in for a conversation that will encourage and challenge you to see your community with fresh eyes and to consider how your church can be a light in the place God has called you to serve. To learn more about Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, click here.

Episode 166: God’s Definition of Success

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 smaller congregations – this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on faithful ministry.

Learn more about Bill and Julia’s church here.

Episode 165: Small and Mighty: The Unique Perspective of a Small Church

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 mission in the life of a small church, emphasizing how these congregations can make a significant impact despite their size. Suzanne also unpacks the concept of transitional ministry, explaining how it serves as a crucial tool for churches navigating periods of change.

For more information or to connect with Suzanne, you can reach her through her church’s website: http://fpcdexter.org/

Tune in to this inspiring conversation and discover how God is at work in small but mighty ways through His church!

Episode 164: Putting Shabbat in Sabbatical

In the final episode of our Pastor Care series, Dean Weaver sits down with Rev. David Henderson to explore the transformative power of sabbaticals in the life of a pastor and their congregation. Together, they unpack the biblical foundation for sabbaticals, rooted in the concept of Shabbat, emphasizing that a sabbatical is far more than just an extended vacation—it's a sacred time to cease, listen, and engage deeply with the Lord.

David shares insights on how a well-planned sabbatical can revitalize a pastor's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, creating space for renewal and vision. He also discusses the ripple effects sabbaticals can have on a congregation, fostering growth, resilience, and an opportunity for shared leadership.

Whether you’re a church leader, a member of a congregation, or simply curious about how rest and renewal impact ministry, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the importance of creating rhythms of rest in the life of the Church.

Resources Mentioned:
Tranquility: Cultivating a Quiet Soul in a Busy World by David Henderson

Connect with David at covenantepc.org to listen to his sermon archives or to find contact information.