Role of discipleship and coaching in church health the topic of “In All Things” episode 69 with Brandon Addison

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Brandon Addison

Brandon Addison, Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the West and a ministry coach with Tin Man Ministries, is the guest for episode 69 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

In the conclusion of a six-part series on church health, host Dean Weaver and Addison discuss how a healthy church helps its members have a healthy understanding of discipleship. Addison also describes how a church is a relational system, the value of inter-generational connection, and the value of coaching for both pastors and congregations.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Discipleship culture for the next generation the topic of “In All Things” episode 68 with Andy Koesters

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Andy Koesters

Andy Koesters, Pastor to Churches and Families for FamiliesAlive and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of the New River, is the guest for episode 68 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Koesters discuss how discipling the next generation is critical to church health. Koesters also explains how God’s “Plan A” is for parents to be the primary disciplers of their children, as well as some key steps churches can take to develop a discipleship culture for children, students, and families.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

“In All Things” episode 67 features church revitalization principles, the church in culture with Ritchey Cable

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Ritchey Cable, Pastor of Gashland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo., and Church Health Coordinator for the Presbytery of Mid-America, is the guest for episode 67 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Cable discuss his experience leading revitalization efforts in two churches. Cable also shares three revitalization principles from Revelation 2, and explains how and why he wrote the screenplay for the motion picture “The Author.”

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

January 2023 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support closes FY23 budget gap, above FY22

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Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through January 31 total $1,444,417. January PMA/POI support was $227,465.

The year-to-date total is $22,438 (1.6 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22 and only $16,131 (1.1 percent) less than the $1,460,548 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

“I praise God that our churches are so faithful and our POI contributions have caught up,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I pray that God continues to bless our congregations financially so that they can continue to reach their communities for Christ.”

Of the $1,444,417 received in FY23, $288,883 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $3,733,479 in designated gifts were received through January 31. The total is $93,284 (12.1 percent) lower than the $3,826,763 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $3,517,980 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $215,499 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of undesignated receipts. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

Intersection of church health and church planting the topic of “In All Things” episode 66 with Marc de Jeu

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Marc de Jeu

Marc de Jeu, Church Health Coordinator and Mission Mobilizer for the Presbytery of the Alleghenies., is the guest for episode 66 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and de Jeu discuss a variety of avenues for church health, including the role of a mentor in the life of the pastor, how healthy churches are those that are outward-focused and relational, how mission catalyzes community, and how church health and church planting intersect under the EPC’s goal for churches of “faithfulness in the neighborhood.”

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

World Outreach to use three-prong approach for disaster relief donations following Turkey/Syria earthquake 

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A destroyed building leans on a house in the Turkish seaport city of Samandag, which in New Testament times was the port for Antioch and the place from which the Apostle Paul launched his first voyage to Tarsus. (photo credit: AP/Emrah Gurel)

Following a series of devastating earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria in February, donations to the EPC’s International Disaster Relief Fund will be distributed among global workers in the region and ministry partners in both countries.

Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach, said the three avenues for disbursements are based on long-standing ministry partnerships.

“Our global workers in Turkey have been diligently assessing ways for us to engage,” de Guia said. “God is using the relationships they have built over the years for His glory and for the relief of many, many hurting people.”

Donations also will be sent to World Outreach ministry partners Timothy Two Project International and The Outreach Foundation.

“Timothy Two is an Approved Mission Agency of the EPC, and their international director Steve Curtis also co-chairs the Commission on Evangelism and Missions for the World Reformed Fellowship,” de Guia said. “The Outreach Foundation has a network of churches in Syria and have the relationships to help in areas that are hard for outsiders to get to. Our confidence in these two organizations could not be higher for reaching those affected by the earthquake with both physical needs and with the saving knowledge of the gospel.”

Mike Kuhn, Director of EPC World Outreach’s International Theological Education Network (ITEN), has worked in Syria with The Outreach Foundation.

“I can attest that their relationship with the historic Presbyterian churches of Syria is deep and authentic,” Kuhn said. “I have personally met Pastor Ibrahim Nseir, the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Aleppo, who is overseeing the distribution of these donations. This relationship with Pastor Ibrahim allows the body of Christ to assist believers and others in a place where very little aid is getting through in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.”

Secure online donations can be made at www.epc.org/donate/internationaldisasterrelief, which also includes instructions for donating by check and text-to-give.

As of February 23, government officials have placed the death toll at more than 47,000 with more than 164,000 structures collapsed or damaged to the point that they need to be demolished.

Gospel Priorities Team champions church health, church planting, global movement, effective biblical leadership

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The EPC’s Gospel Priorities Team: (from left) Bob Stauffer, Tom Ricks, Gabriel de Guia, and Michael Davis.

Four members of the Office of the General Assembly staff are collaborating as the EPC’s Gospel Priorities Team to shepherd the denominations four strategic priorities of church planting, church health, global movement, and effective biblical leadership. With the formation of the team, the priorities have been officially renamed “Gospel Priorities.”

The quartet, under the leadership of Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis, includes Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach; Tom Ricks, National Director of Church Planting; and Bob Stauffer, National Director of Church Health.

“The Gospel Priorities Team was developed from the vision of the EPC,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “It is our desire to carry out the mission of God as the people of God. This team will achieve that goal by equipping and resourcing Teaching and Ruling Elders to build the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.”

Davis noted that ongoing collaboration between World Outreach and the Church Planting Team is an example of how the group is fostering teamwork across the various ministry efforts of the EPC.

“The synergy between World Outreach and the Church Planting Team is a growing endeavor to see our global church planters and domestic church planters collaborate on serving immigrant communities,” he said. “And our Church Health and Effective Biblical Leadership teams are collaborating to assess the health, viability, and needs of our churches and pastors through surveys and other assessment tools.”

Ricks agreed that the group’s purpose is to help create a culture that matches the EPC’s mission and vision.

“We are trying to be who we say we are,” he said. “The four Gospel Priorities are how we are going to tackle those opportunities and tell people about Jesus. My heart is that the EPC would habitually be planting churches that become multiplying churches—churches planting churches planting churches.”

Stauffer noted that healthy churches and healthy pastors are closely associated.

“I am really excited about what the Lord is doing in the EPC,” Stauffer said. “Healthy churches lead to healthy pastors, which in turn lead to healthy churches. I look forward to collaborating with Michael, Tom, and Gabriel to develop and implement strategies to reach our communities and the world for Christ.”

“It’s exciting that we are approaching the Gospel Priorities with unprecedented unity,” de Guia said. “We are working together to make each other more effective and stronger as we pursue the Great Commission. It’s motivating to collaborate with my brothers Tom, Bob, and Michael in seeing how we can be of one mind, one spirit, and one purpose.”

Davis added that he is “excited to see the Gospel Priorities Team facilitate a pathway that the family of churches in EPC will flourish to benefit their local context and for generations to come.”

For more information about the EPC’s Gospel Priorities, see www.epc.org/gospelpriorities.

Three-day Gospel Priorities Summit highlights 43rd General Assembly

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The EPC’s 43rd General Assembly/Gospel Priorities Summit in June will be a three-day event with plenary equipping sessions each day. Those are just two of many enhancements for the denomination’s annual business meeting this year. The theme of the Assembly is Sharpen, based on Ephesians 4:12, “… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ …”

“We want to be good stewards of our commissioners’ time and resources, so we have shortened the gathering by a day,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “Also, the business we will address deserves having as many commissioners involved as possible. In previous years, much of our important business fell on Friday when many commissioners had already left. By adjourning on Thursday, people can travel on Friday as they normally would and not miss anything.”

Each day will have training and equipping sessions based on one of the EPC’s four Gospel Priorities of Church Planting, Church Health, Global Movement, and Effective Biblical Leadership.

“The EPC exists to carry out the Great Commission, and those four priorities are the way we do that,” Weaver noted. “In the past, these concluded by noon on Wednesday. So that’s the “Gospel Priorities Summit” part this year—equipping and business will be interspersed with business across each day. Based on feedback from last year’s attendees, GA will have more of a ‘conference’ feel as opposed to primarily a business meeting with some equipping at the front.”

Weaver noted that the plenary and worship service speakers this year are all EPC leaders.

“The feedback following last year’s Assembly asked us to utilize more of our own, so we are!” he said. “Our speakers represent churches of all sizes from all over the country.”

Online registration opens on April 1. Early registration runs until May 15, with a registration fee of $295 per person. New this year is that the registration fee includes lunch each day, while on-campus dinners Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are optional at a cost of $30 per person. The $50 early registration discount ends on May 15, when the fee increases to $345 per person. Late registration begins June 15 with a fee of $395 per person.

“The rising costs with inflation have proven to be a real challenge in planning this year’s meeting,” Weaver said. “While our registration fee is very competitive to similar gatherings of this kind, our staff continues to diligently seek ways to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

For more information, see www.epc.org/ga2023.

World Outreach receiving funds for Turkey/Syria earthquake relief as global workers assess best means of impact

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As rescue operations continue in southern Turkey two weeks after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the region, EPC World Outreach is developing plans to assist with long-term recovery and ministry efforts. More than 46,000 people are reported dead in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, and officials say that number is likely to rise. More than 84,000 buildings are severely damaged, need urgent demolition, or have collapsed.

Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of World Outreach, said a global worker couple in Turkey several hundred miles north of the devastated region is exploring avenues for relief, including setting up relief teams.

“We have World Outreach missionaries on the ground in Turkey who are currently assessing specific ways for us to engage there,” de Guia said. “We have partner contacts in Syria as well and hope to provide details on these efforts soon.”

He added that donations to the EPC’s International Disaster Relief Fund will be directed toward earthquake aid efforts. Secure online donations can be made at www.epc.org/donate/internationaldisasterrelief, which also includes instructions for donating by check and text-to-give.

“I have received many phone calls and emails asking how the EPC was helping with this disaster,” de Guia said. “I am grateful for how God’s love is so evident in our people that they want to help people who are hurting in ways most of cannot imagine.”

“In All Things” episode 65 highlights the 3 Circles personal evangelism tool with Mark Farrell

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Mark Farrell, Pastor of Tampa Covenant Church in Tampa, Fla., is the guest for episode 65 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Farrell discuss the impact of a high school coach on his faith journey, as well as how Farrell’s 22-year Air Force career prepared him to serve both as a pastor and as Church Health Coordinator for Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean.

Farrell also explains how to develop an evangelistic culture in the church; how the 3 Circles method is a fully biblical, effective tool for personal evangelism among all ages; and how to incorporate the 3 Circles in a variety of avenues in the church.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Dean Weaver offers response to current revival at Asbury University

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In response to the ongoing revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky., EPC Stated Clerk Dean Weaver provides insights based on updates from an EPC Teaching Elder who has been on the campus for several days.

The gathering, described by many as a “spontaneous revival,” began on February 8 following the school’s regularly scheduled 10:00 a.m. chapel service.

Home to about 1,600 students, Asbury is a multi-denominational school with roots in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.

“In All Things” podcast hits 10,000 downloads

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“In All Things,” the EPC’s weekly podcast hosted by Stated Clerk Dean Weaver has reached the milestone of 10,000 downloads. As of February 13, 64 episodes have been published.

“All praise to God that so many people listen,” Weaver said. “I am gratified that so many people take time to spend part of their day with us. Our goal is that every episode has something that will inform, equip, and bless them.”

Statistics reveal that in addition to the United States, the podcast has listeners in 39 countries: Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Canada, Latvia, the Bahamas, Germany, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Japan, Romania, Ukraine, Costa Rica, France, Guatemala, Sierra Leone, the Netherlands, Barbados, Italy, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Honduras, Thailand, the Philippines, Norway, Kazakhstan, the Cayman Islands, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, Greece, Ecuador, Denmark, Cuba, Colombia, China, Brazil, and South Africa.

“I hope our listeners will continue to share ‘In All Things’ with their networks and by social media,” Weaver said. “We drop a new episode every Friday.”

“In All Things” is available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

Episodes also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Building an evangelistic church culture the topic of “In All Things” episode 64 with Stefan Bomberger

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Stefan Bomberger, Pastor of Manoa Community Church in Havertown, Pa., and Church Health Coordinator for the EPC’s Presbytery of the East, is the guest for episode 64 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Bomberger discuss three aspects of church health in the EPC—evangelism, revitalization, and transitional pastorates. In addition, Bomberger explains how and why Manoa Community Church went into “growth mode” during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how the denomination’s Church Health Team helps congregations develop an evangelistic culture.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

2022-23 Book of Order now available

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The spiral-bound, printed edition of the 2022-23 Book of Order is now available for purchase through EPC Resources. The cost per book is $15.43 plus shipping.

“This updated edition of our Book of Order includes all the decisions ratified by the 42nd General Assembly at Ward Church last June,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “That Assembly approved three amendments to the Book of Government and two revisions to the Book of Worship, as well as a number of items noted as Acts of the Assembly. In addition, we carefully checked every page reference, footnote, and index for accuracy. This is the first update to our Book of Order in two years, so it should be on every Teaching Elder and Clerk of Session’s shelf.”

The 253-page book is Volume 1 of the EPC Constitution and is comprised of the Book of Government, Book of Discipline (including Forms for Discipline), Book of Worship, Rules for Assembly, Acts of Assembly, and a full index. This year’s edition includes amendments to the Book of Order and Rules for Assembly ratified through the 42nd General Assembly (2022), as well as Acts of the 42nd General Assembly.

The Constitution of the EPC consists of the Book of Order, the Westminster Confession of Faith (including the Larger and Shorter Catechisms), and the document “Essentials of Our Faith.” All these are subordinate to Scripture, which is “the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks.”

EPC a denominational partner of ‘He Gets Us’ campaign

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Jesus is in the Super Bowl.

That’s the plan for the “He Gets Us” campaign, an evangelistic marketing effort sponsored by several major benefactors in cooperation with the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, led by Ed Stetzer. Launched in 2021, He Gets Us invites spiritual seekers to consider the personal nature of Jesus and see Him as someone who not only understands their struggles but also endured many of the same battles they face. The objective is to connect them with local churches for evangelism, counseling, meeting physical needs, or other means of care.

The EPC is one of several denominational partners for the campaign.

Two ads will air during Super Bowl LVII on February 12. The spots invite viewers to visit www.hegetsus.com, where they can learn more, start a Bible study, or connect with someone in their area.

“Ed Stetzer introduced the He Gets Us campaign at our 42nd General Assembly last June at Ward Church,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I hope our churches will participate in this gospel partnership and take advantage of the opportunity for free resources, and to connect with people in their community who are looking for help.”

For more information about He Gets Us, see www.hegetsus.com.

Fire, storm ravage World Outreach ministry partner EduNations schools

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The EPC’s World Outreach partner in Sierra Leone, EduNations, experienced two disasters in the past two weeks. EduNations builds and operates schools in under-resourced communities in the largely impoverished west African nation.

On February 2, a dormitory building in their Senior Secondary School in Rokassa was destroyed by fire. The blaze was contained to one building, and no injuries were reported.

On January 24, a storm in the village of Mayatta tore the roof off a building that housed teacher’s offices, staff room, and classrooms for grades 4, 5, and 6. Books, supplies, and furniture were ruined by wind and rain.

EduNations placed the cost to rebuild the damaged structures and replace the lost contents at $50,833:

  • Rokassa dormitory reconstruction: $34,579
  • Rokassa dormitory furniture: $6,658
  • Rokassa student and teacher clothes and belongings: $4,896
  • Mayatta Primary School reconstruction: $4,700

“Thankfully, nobody was injured in the fire, but the damage was catastrophic and left the building demolished and completely destroyed all of the belongings of the 39 staff and students who lived in that dormitory,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk and Founder of EduNations. “In Mayatta, the principal and teachers did their best to rush as many academic and teaching materials to another building as soon as they could, but many books, school and office supplies, and furniture were gravely affected.”

The EPC’s International Disaster Relief Fund is accepting contributions to help EduNations rebuild. Secure online donations can be made at www.epc.org/donate/internationaldisasterrelief, which also includes instructions for donating by check and text-to-give.

“As we have seen in recent months with Hurricane Ian and the tornado in Selma, Ala., the generosity of the EPC when disaster strikes is one of our hallmarks,” Weaver said. “Now it’s our brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone who find themselves in dire circumstances.”

On January 24, a storm in the village of Mayatta, Sierra Leone, tore the roof off a building that housed teacher’s offices and classrooms for grades 4, 5, and 6 at the EduNations Hope Academy Primary School.

“In All Things” episode 63 features Earla Bethel, NLT Finance Committee Chair

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Earla Bethel, Ruling Elder for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, is the guest for episode 63 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” She is a member of the National Leadership Team and serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Host Dean Weaver and Bethel discuss her faith journey, as well as how St. Andrew’s and Lucaya Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Bahamas, came to the EPC from the Church of Scotland. Bethel also describes how she applies the principle of Luke 12:48 as a business owner. The two also discuss the background behind the EPC funding formula conversion from Per Member Asking (PMA) to Percentage of Income (POI), and how the Office of the General Assembly stewards those resources.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Annie Rose named Director of Ministerial Support and Development

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Rev. Annie Rose

EPC Teaching Elder Annie Rose has been named to a new part-time staff position at the Office of the General Assembly, Director of Ministerial Support and Development. Rose also serves as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes, and previously served as Discipleship Pastor and Executive Pastor at Saddlerock EPC in Wenatchee, Wash.

Her responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies for ministerial health and wholeness in collaboration with the Ministerial Vocation Committee, Presbytery leadership, and others; working with seminaries and other collaborative partners focused on equipping pastors for sustainable ministry; and coordinating resources and support for EPC Teaching Elders. Rose also will aid in crises involving Teaching Elders and their families.

“The EPC has been my church family for 16 years, and I’m thrilled to contribute to a culture of healthy and biblical leadership in our churches,” Rose said. “It is a blessing and an honor to be in a position to support and strengthen our pastors and their families.”

“Annie’s role is tremendously important,” said Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk. “In a time where pastors are unhealthy and on the verge of burnout, Annie will provide proactive care in this critical moment.”

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, said Rose “will help us gain traction on leading in the vital area of pastoral preparation, care, and development—how we think about pipeline, discipleship, ending well, the whole scope of how we care for our pastors. The effects of the pandemic aren’t over—even though many of us have moved on from it—and that reality dramatically affects our pastors.”

World Outreach names three to staff positions

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World Outreach (WO), the international missions arm of the EPC, has named three individuals to staff positions at the Office of the General Assembly in Orlando.

Jordin Greer is the new Assistant Director of World Outreach; Torres Kearney joins the staff as Executive Assistant to Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of World Outreach; and Carla Cora will serve World Outreach as Accounting Analyst.

Jordin Greer

Greer comes to WO from Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kan., where she served as a Pastoral Resident. She also served as an adjunct professor at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., teaching undergraduate students in New Testament and basic Christian doctrine.

Her responsibilities at Eastminster included preaching, pastoral care, and developing and implemented a membership discipleship plan. A Kansas native, she is a graduate of Sterling College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Greer is an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the Great Plains with ministry experience in Guatemala, Albania, Macedonia, the Philippines, Spain, and numerous domestic mission projects.

“Missions has been a part of my life since my call to ministry in 2013,” Greer said. “I believe God is the great initiator of mission and has invited us to partner with Him. I am excited, humbled, and extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve World Outreach in whatever way I can.”

Torres Kearney

Kearney joins the WO staff from First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Fla., where she served as Mission and Discipleship Coordinator. She was a member of FPCO’s Orlando Heart of the City Fellows Program from 2020-2021 and also served at Third Millennium Ministries, an EPC Approved Mission Agency, as an Assistant Project Manager.

A native of Dublin, Ohio, Kearney is a graduate of Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., where she received the prestigious “Senior Woman of the Year” recognition in 2020.

“I am so excited to join the World Outreach team,” Kearney said. “Over the years the Lord has grown my heart for the world and blessed me with different opportunities to pursue this passion. I am grateful for his provision of a position at World Outreach.”

Carla Cora

Cora serves both WO and the EPC Finance Department led by CFO Pat Coelho. She and her family immigrated to the United States from Brazil in 2022, where she was a Managing Partner for D.F.C. Manutenção de Equipamentos Médicos, a medical equipment maintenance company, and served as an Elder at Bola de Neve Church in São Paulo. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Toledo University Center (Unitoledo) in São Paulo.

“I remember once praying and saying, ‘Father, I just want to serve you, please always prepare an opportunity for me. And here I am!’” Cora said. “I love seeing the gospel moving forward and being able to be a part of that in some way cheers up my heart so much!”

“In bringing Carla, Torres, and Jordin onto our team, the Lord has answered a multitude of prayers, and generously provided,” de Guia said. “I’m excited for their passion for the mission and the giftings they each bring to their roles with EPC World Outreach.”

“In All Things” episode 62 features ECO head Dana Allin

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Dana Allin, who serves as Synod Executive with the EPC’s sister denomination, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, is the guest for episode 62 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Allin discuss some of the fundamental principles for how churches flourish, areas of collaboration between ECO and the EPC, how ECO’s Flourish Institute of Theology meshes theological education with practical application, and how ECO is defining itself as a church for its second decade and beyond.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

December 2022 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support trails budget

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Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) contributions received through December 31 by the Office of the General Assembly total $1,216,952. The amount is $78,070 (6.0 percent) less than the $1,295,022 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

The year-to-date total is $23,334 (1.9 percent) less than the amount received in the same period in FY22. December PMA/POI support was $300,628—51,389 less than the budgeted projection. Total operating expenses are $94,296 under budget and $11,900 less than the same period in FY22, offsetting the lower support totals.

“Our numbers are somewhat disappointing, but we know that some are end-of-year timing issues and some reflect the larger reality of our current economy,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I know many of our churches are struggling, and I praise God for their faithful support of our mission and vision during difficult times.”

Of the $1,216,952 received, $243,390 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $3,123,261 in designated gifts were received through December 31. This total was $257,980 (8.3 percent) lower than the $3,381,241 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $2,963,295 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $159,966 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of undesignated receipts. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

 “In All Things” podcast episode 61 features inclusive leadership coach Kim Wells

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Executive leadership consultant and coach Kim Wells is the guest for episode 61 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” This week’s episode continues a series of conversations focused on the denomination’s strategic priority of Effective Biblical Leadership.

Host Dean Weaver and Wells discuss how inclusive leadership does not necessarily mean racial diversity but is the discipline of seeking information from a variety of sources, listening, pausing, and then reflecting.

Wells serves as Executive Director of Executive Education and the Center for Career Excellence at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He was the guest speaker for the EPC’s 2022-2023 Executive Pastor/Church Administrator gatherings held in October and January.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Ann Adamson, wife of 12th General Assembly Moderator John Adamson, dies at 85.

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John and Ann Adamson

Ann Summerford Adamson, beloved wife of 12th General Assembly Moderator John Adamson, passed away on December 29 after a long illness. She was 85.

Born in Birmingham, Ala., on April 7, 1937, she grew up in Shelbyville, Tenn., where she attended Central High School. She then attended The University of Chattanooga and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart, John Cowan Adamson. They soon moved to Memphis, where they established their home and raised their three daughters.

A talented artist with a servant’s heart, Ann served her community in many ways. She was a member of the Jr. League of Memphis and LeBonheur Club and was a docent and volunteer at The Pink Palace Museum where she served on the board that planned and implemented the first Pink Palace Crafts Fair. A long-time member of Second Presbyterian Church, Ann was involved in the children’s ministry, women’s Bible studies, WOC Circles, the flower ministry, and other activities. She also was a member of the Chancel Choir for more than 40 years.

Ann enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, sewing, and painting with oils. However, her greatest joys were found in caring for her family and in extending hospitality, graciously serving family and guests. Whether for a meal or an extended stay, she had a gift for making everyone feel at home. Above all, she quietly lived out her deep and abiding faith. The family is greatly comforted to know she is now at home with the Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John; daughter and son-in-law Cathy and Pete Gross; daughter and son-in-law Mary and Jimmy Edwards; daughter and son-in-law Sallie and Robert Sutton; and brother and sister-in-law Sid and Beth Summerford; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis or The Village at Germantown Foundation.

Mark Ingles and EPC Chaplaincy highlight “In All Things” podcast episode 60

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Mark Ingles, the EPC’s Chaplain Endorser, is the guest for episode 60 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” This week’s episode highlights the denomination’s strategic priority of Effective Biblical Leadership.

Host Dean Weaver and Ingles discuss the various ministry opportunities for chaplains in both the military and civilian institutions, as well as his how his role as Chaplain Endorser helps facilitate those pursuing chaplaincy ministry in the EPC. Ingles also recounts his path as the son of an Army father to his own calling as an Air Force chaplain.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Tornado strikes Selma, Ala.; EPC congregation affected

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A large tornado descends on Selma, Ala., in this still image from a storm chaser video. Photo courtesy of the Selma Sun.

A tornado described by the National Weather Service as “large and dangerous” tracked across Selma, Ala., on January 12. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak across the South.

Steve Burton, Pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Selma, reported minor damage to the church property, but “complete devastation” in residential areas approximately 100 yards away. He added that several members of the congregation have lost their homes, though his house was not damaged.

In an email immediately after the storm to Ken Van Kampen, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Central South, Burton noted that a school with 360 students was near the church. At the time he sent the email, he was not able to access the area but said the school was “an utmost priority” for him and others and he would help in any way he could.

“Pray for the emergency workers in the immediate hours ahead and the clean-up work in the days to come,” Van Kampen said. “Pray that every parent in town will be reunited with their children this afternoon and that all displaced families will find their physical needs met today, as well as their spiritual and emotional needs in the future. Finally, pray for Cornerstone EPC and the churches in Selma as they minister in very practical ways in the name of our Lord.”

The EPC Domestic Emergency Relief Fund is accepting donations to assist in disaster areas with identified needs. To contribute, go to www.epc.org/emergencyrelief.