In All Things

Join podcast producer Gianna Lazzaro as guest host alongside Dave Strunk, Moderator of the 45th General Assembly, for the first episode of a special four-week series exploring God and art. In this conversation, Gianna and Dave dive into foundational questions about the nature of art and beauty, defining art as a gratuitous human creation of beauty and an intrinsic act that flows from being made in God's image.

The discussion explores how art has been present throughout human civilization—from cave paintings to poetry—and examines beauty as a reflection of God's perfection and nature. Future episodes will explore art and the Bible, art in the Christian life, and art for God's glory. See the list below for some of the resources Gianna and Dave mentioned in this episode!

Resources

• Dorothy Sayers, The Mind of the Maker
• Elaine Scarry, On Beauty and Being Just
• Abraham Kuyper, Lectures on Calvinism

Join us for a timely conversation with Holly Lazzaro, chair of the newly formed Ad-Interim Committee on Digital Discipleship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, we explore what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus in an increasingly digital world. Holly shares how the Presbytery of the East brought an overture to the 46th General Assembly that led to the creation of this important committee, tasked with developing a position paper to help the EPC think biblically about discipleship in the digital age.

 

The conversation tackles the polarized reactions people often have to artificial intelligence, and why the church needs a more nuanced, theologically grounded approach. Holly outlines seven ethical categories the church should consider, but also highlights positive ways churches can leverage technology—when it points people toward people, removes administrative friction from ministry, and becomes a subject of discipleship itself.

 

Resources:

 

Holly's Substack: https://formednotfed.substack.com/

Join us for a comprehensive review of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church's 46th General Assembly and a preview of what's coming at the 47th General Assembly!

 

In this special episode, we recap the major decisions and actions from our 46th General Assembly, which took place at Cherry Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church and Cherry Hills Church with about 1,200 attendees and 72 recommendations considered.

 

Looking ahead, we're excited about the 47th General Assembly happening June 22-24, 2026 at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee! The theme "For the Life of the World" is based on John 6, reminding us that Jesus gave His body for the life of the world. Come ready for Memphis barbecue, meaningful worship, and renewed focus on our gospel priorities of church planting, global outreach, church health, and biblical leadership.

 

All General Assembly minutes and documents are available at epconnect.org under the resources tab.

In this episode of the "Christians Beyond the Classroom" series, Dean sits down with Andy Koesters, pastor to churches and families at FamiliesAlive and missional director for New River Presbytery, to discuss discipling the next generation. Andy shares the heart behind his book Let the Children Come, which he wrote primarily for elders and church leaders to equip them with a biblical vision for next-generation discipleship.

 

The discussion highlights practical ways churches can unleash believers into discipleship through common interests rather than traditional program volunteering, the importance of elders truly shepherding and knowing their flock, and how parents can create environments where children feel safe to express doubts and questions from the earliest age. Andy challenges listeners to become students of what it means to be a discipler like Jesus—sharing the gospel and their own selves with affectionate desire for those around them.

 

Resources:

 

Families Alive: https://familiesalive.org/

 

Andy's book Let the Children Come: https://familiesalive.org/product/let-the-children-come/

 

DIY Biblical Parenting podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

 

EPC Church Health: https://epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth/

Join us for this episode of In All Things as we continue our "Christians Beyond the Classroom" series on lifelong learning. Host Dean Weaver sits down with Richard Rieves, Regional Director of Church Planting for the EPC, to discuss how church planters are being equipped through the Incubator Training program.

 

Richard shares how the EPC has developed a comprehensive training system for church planters based on Tim Keller's Center Church, in partnership with Redeemer City to City. The Incubator courses take planters through a 6-8 month journey that emphasizes gospel renewal and contextualization, helping them develop a unique theological vision for their particular time and place.

 

Richard encourages listeners to not be afraid to learn new skills when God calls them into new things, emphasizing that we are all lifelong learners in following Jesus.

 

Resources:

 

Learn more about church planting at epcchurchplanting.com

EPC website: epc.org

"Why Plant Churches" by Tim Keller

Future Church by Will Mancini

In this episode of In All Things, we explore theological education and a partnership between Knox Theological Seminary and the EPC designed to equip commissioned pastors for effective ministry.

Scott Manor, President of Knox Theological Seminary, joins the conversation to discuss what theological education should really accomplish. Scott explains that the goal isn't just accumulating knowledge, but truly knowing God and being equipped for ministry.

The centerpiece of the conversation is the Knox Commissioned Pastor Program, created in collaboration with the EPC to meet a critical need. With 64% of EPC congregations having under 100 members, many smaller churches struggle to afford a full-time seminary-trained pastor. This program offers a pathway for ruling elders, faithful church members, and those approaching retirement to step into commissioned pastor roles without years of full-time seminary study.

Whether you're considering commissioned pastor ministry or simply want to grow as a disciple of Jesus, this training equips you to serve your local church more effectively—as a ruling elder, Sunday school teacher, youth advisor, or church leader.

Resources:

• Knowing God by J.I. Packer: https://www.ivpress.com/knowing-god?srsltid=AfmBOopRbh8hgl9S2pABE5ZJfueTq-jNP7OaoeS3nwkCcjAKfVmh4GiJ
• Knox Commissioned Pastor Program: discipleship.knoxseminary.edu
• Knox Theological Seminary: knoxseminary.edu
• EPC's Effective Biblical Leadership team: epconnect.org

This episode of In All Things is brought to you by World Outreach, one of the EPC’s four Gospel Priorities. World Outreach reflects our commitment to the Great Commission and to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ across cultures and around the world. Through missionaries, global partnerships, and opportunities like the Kairos course, the EPC is equipping every believer to discover their place in God’s mission.

Learn more about how you and your church can participate in God’s work around the world at epcwo.org  

In this episode of In All Things, Michael Davis wraps up our fall updates with an overview of the upcoming committee meetings within the EPC, highlighting their roles, key decisions, and future initiatives. This episode is perfect for church leaders and members interested in understanding how these committees support EPC church ministry and governance.

To learn more about the various committees of the General Assembly, visit epconnect.org/committees

In this episode of In All Things, Michael Davis returns as a guest host and sits down with Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of World Outreach. Michael and Gabriel discuss the exciting developments and strategic initiatives within the EPC’s global outreach efforts, and explore recent achievements, upcoming events, and the importance of prayer and collaboration in advancing the gospel worldwide.

To donate to the matching grant fund, click here.

To learn more about how you can pray and get involved, click here.

In this episode of I All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis sits down and walks us through the recent initiatives of the EPC’s gospel priorities, as well as upcoming events that aim to strengthen church leadership, health, and planting efforts across the denomination.

To learn more about the EPC’s gospel priorities and how you can get involved, visit www.epconnect.org