In All Things

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.

Episode 163: Deflecting Glory: A Pastor’s Spiritual Formation

In this episode of In All Things, we sit down with Sean Carroll, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Ward Church, to explore the transformative power of spiritual formation in ministry. Sean shares his insights on what spiritual formation truly is and why it’s essential for every believer, especially pastors. From the tools that guide us in deepening our relationship with Christ to the inspirations that have shaped Sean’s own journey, this conversation is both practical and profoundly encouraging.

Sean also delves into the unique challenges pastors face in cultivating their own spiritual health while leading others. With a focus on humility, joy, and dependence on God, he offers wisdom for navigating obstacles and staying rooted in the Gospel. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or simply someone seeking a richer spiritual life, this episode is full of guidance and encouragement.

If you'd like to connect with Sean, you can reach him at sean.carroll@ward.church.

Tune in to this thoughtful discussion and discover how embracing spiritual formation can lead to a life of greater humility, joy, and purpose!

Episode 162: A Journey of Partnership and Purpose

In the second episode of our Family Care series, we’re diving into the unique dynamics of marriage and ministry with Rob and Kim Hock. Rob, the Senior Pastor at Southport Presbyterian Church, and Kim, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a member of the EPC’s Interim Committee on Domestic Abuse, share their heartfelt story of 29 years of marriage intertwined with a life of ministry.

Together, Rob and Kim explore how their journey has shaped them both as individuals and as partners. They offer practical insights into the importance of communication and mutual support in navigating the joys and challenges of ministry life. From balancing personal and professional roles to relying on God’s grace in difficult seasons, this episode is filled with wisdom and encouragement for couples walking a similar path.

Whether you’re in ministry, married to someone who is, or simply seeking ways to strengthen your own relationships, Rob and Kim’s candid conversation will inspire and uplift you!

Episode 161: Blessing the Shepherds Who Guide Us

In this first episode of In All Things for 2025, we kick off a new series on Pastor Care with a conversation between Dean Weaver and Earla Bethel, ruling elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Nassau, Bahamas. Earla, a natural encourager with a deep gift for hospitality, shares her wisdom on how church sessions can care well for their pastors and teaching elders.

Drawing from Scripture, Earla unpacks the biblical foundation for pastoral care, emphasizing the importance of love, encouragement, and practical support. With stories from her own life and leadership, she inspires and equips church leaders to minister to their pastors with intentionality and grace. Earla also offers practical tips for sessions, from fostering open communication to creating environments where pastors feel seen, valued, and spiritually refreshed. Her unique perspective, shaped by decades of service and her deep commitment to God’s Word, is a rich source of encouragement for anyone seeking to bless the shepherds who guide their congregations.

Join us for this insightful and inspiring conversation to discover how hospitality, prayer, and biblical principles can transform the way we care for the pastors God has placed in our midst.

Episode 160: Prayer is Our Priority

In this special New Year’s episode of In All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis reflects on the past year and looks ahead with hope and faith. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, Michael reminds us to “forget the former things” and focus on the new work God is doing in our midst.

Through heartfelt reflections on God’s faithfulness in 2024, Michael explores the transformative power of prayer and offers practical tips to deepen your prayer life in 2025. Whether you're an individual seeking to grow spiritually or a church leader planning for the year ahead, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable insights.

As we step into 2025, Michael calls the denomination to move forward with confidence, trusting in God’s promises and seeking His guidance for what lies ahead. Join us for this uplifting and inspiring conversation to start the year off with renewed hope and purpose. Happy New Year from all of us at In All Things!