Grace and Peace! As we begin the new year, we been able to assess the effectiveness of our communication practices and noticed that we have been sending duplicate notifications for the same content across two different blog spaces. This may explain the influx in emails some of you have received.

In our efforts to streamline future communications, we will be transitioning from EPConnection to utilizing our EPC.org’s News + Events page as of February 1, 2026. If you are subscribed to this blog, your subscription will automatically be moved to our current website’s News + Events page. You do not have to manually do anything further.

Please begin to view our new blog space here, as you will no longer be able to access any of our  articles or content through EPConnection after February 1st. 

As always, our goal is to keep you informed of all things EPC in a way that is convenient to you! We appreciate each of you and your faithfulness in staying connected!

In this final week of Advent, celebrate the heart of the season: love. Dean reflects on the miracle of the Incarnation, where the promise of Matthew 1:22-23 comes true, God becomes “Immanuel, God with us,” and where John 1:14 declares that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Through 1 John 4:9-12 and Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35, we’re reminded that this love is not abstract. It is embodied, sacrificial, and meant to be shared. Christmas proclaims that God didn’t just send love; He stepped into our world to transform it. As the Body of Christ, we are called to love one another deeply, living out the truth that we are truly better together.
Merry Christmas from all of us at In All Things!

This third week of Advent centers on joy, and Dean turns our attention to one of Scripture’s most joyful moments – Mary and Elizabeth’s meeting in Luke 1:39-45, where even the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps at the nearness of Christ. Paired with Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:4-7 to “rejoice in the Lord always,” we’re reminded that joy is not dependent on circumstances but anchored in God’s presence. Advent joy is a shared joy; when we rejoice together, that joy multiplies. As we await Christ’s coming, we celebrate that God is near, God is faithful, and God is at work among His people.

🌲Grace & Peace to our EPC Family! Please join Dean Weaver, our Stated Clerk, as he reflects on some of the many ways the Lord has worked within the EPC this year! As we look back, we are stirred with hope for what God will do in 2026!

❄In this first week of Advent, we turn our hearts toward hope, remembering that God’s people have always been a people who wait together. Drawing from Isaiah 9:2-7, Dean reflects on a world that once walked in darkness and the promise of a great light: Christ, our coming King. And as Romans 15:12-13 reminds us, this hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness. Advent teaches us that hope grows strongest in community; we are “better together” when we lift one another’s eyes toward the Savior who keeps every promise and turns our waiting into worship.

In this special Thanksgiving edition of In All Things, Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis leads a heartfelt devotional on Psalm 100, reflecting on what it truly means to give thanks as the people of God.

Through the psalm’s call to joyful worship, intimate relationship, and corporate gratitude, Michael reminds us that thanksgiving is not merely a feeling but a faithful response to who God is. Each verse offers a glimpse into how we express gratitude: with gladness in song, with intimacy in relationship, with unity in community, and ultimately because of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

As we enter this season of gratitude, may we remember that our thanksgiving is better together as a chorus of praise lifted by the Body of Christ.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at In All Things!

In the concluding episode of our Essentials series, Dean sits down with esteemed church historian Dr. Mark Noll to explore the rich historical and theological context surrounding the Essentials of our Faith. Together, they trace the development of Presbyterianism in America, reflect on the global identity of the EPC, and consider how balancing truth and grace has always been central to our confessional life.

Drawing from centuries of church history, Dr. Noll and Dean discuss how past movements of faith and reform can guide the EPC in navigating present and future challenges. Their conversation reminds us that the Essentials are not only a foundation to preserve but a living testimony of God’s ongoing work in His Church around the world.

This episode offers both historical insight and pastoral encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how the EPC’s theological roots inform its present mission and unity in Christ.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology and its work at https://epconnect.org/committees/

We’d like to share that the approved recommendation from the 45GA to digitize GA minutes 1–26 has been completed! The minutes are now available on the webpage: https://epconnect.org/downloads/

A special shout-out goes to Vanessa Mullendore and Gianna Lazzaro for their commitment and dedication to this project. Completing it on top of all their other responsibilities—and in such a timely manner—is truly commendable!

In this episode, Dean is joined by Don Fortson, one of the EPC’s leading authorities on our denomination’s history and doctrine. Together, they explore the deep relationship between the Essentials of Our Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith, unpacking how these foundational documents work together to shape the theological core of the EPC’s Constitution.

Don and Dean discuss the importance of doctrinal integrity, the role of confessional subscription in the life of the church, and how the EPC’s distinctive approach preserves both unity in the essentials and liberty in non-essentials. Through their conversations, listeners will gain a richer understanding of why what we believe – and how we hold those beliefs – matters deeply for the church’s witness and health today.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology: epconnect.org/committees
📘 Explore Dr. Fortson’s book on the Essentials: https://epcresources.org/collections/books-and-booklets/products/liberty-in-non-essentials-the-story-of-the-evangelical-presbyterian-church

For almost nine months now, a group of teaching and ruling elders from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest have been engaged in a conversation with the National Leadership Team and key staff from the Office of the General Assembly regarding how to improve communication of the EPC’s financial resources.

After an initial letter outlining concerns and ideas for more robust reporting and the NLT’s response, representatives from both groups met initially in person at our 45^th General Assembly at Ward Church in Northville, MI.  More recently, the groups gathered again at Chapel Hill EPC in Gig Harbor, WA on Monday, October 13 in order to continue the conversation and move forward in recommendations that would improve greater financial reporting and accountability.

“The extensive effort to meet face-to-face was well worth it. The team communicated openly and respectfully, collaborating toward comprehensive and transparent financial reporting. I feel we have made great strides in these efforts and look forward to seeing the fruit of our hard work,” said John Carpenter. All of those present brought a good spirit of collegiality with a deep love for the Lord and commitment to the well-being of the EPC.  The conversations were substantive and there was much agreement around increased reporting that would be helpful to understand the mission and vision of the EPC.   “I believe the meeting was productive and affirmed the OGA’s intention to provide more information both to the General Assembly when reviewing and approving the budget as well as providing and making more information available on a quarterly basis,” said CFO Pat Coelho about his thoughts on the meeting.

Some commitments coming out of the meeting are as follows:

• In addition to the Quarterly Financial Report that comes out via email that details overall actual and budgeted revenues and expenditures, the GA Office will also include a link to the EPConnect website with more detailed information on quarterly and year-to-date accounting, equivalent to the report that the National Leadership Team reviews quarterly. Such a report will also include a narrative that will provide appropriate context for the report, with particular attention to reporting actual-to-budget variances over 10%.
• For annual reporting, the GA report will now create a separate set of financial reports for the three corporations within the denomination: the EPC (the General Assembly budget and expenditures), World Outreach, and Benefits Resources Inc. In the past, those financials were grouped together which made them difficult to understand.
• There will be several changes to the budget presentation at General Assembly. In addition to the annual audit report for the General Assembly (GA) commissioners, the GA staff will also include a budget narrative as part of the presentation that will provide the context and explanation for the budget that is being presented for approval. In addition, as a part of the budget presentation, the GA staff will also begin a good-faith effort to include metrics in the budget presentation, with an aim to connect spending and outcomes.
• The NLT agreed to take up questions related to how unrestricted reserves are reported and how they are allocated to fund the work of the OGA and the Gospel Priorities. All present agreed that the NLT needed reasonable flexibility when it came to spending on our Gospel Priorities, coupled with clear accountability. In addition, all present agreed that clearer reporting for the use of unrestricted funds should be provided to GA commissioners, as well as current fiscal year positive/negative budget contingencies. The NLT will discuss potential guidelines for such reporting and offer possible Acts of the Assembly to our 46th General Assembly that would formalize a ‘material’ threshold for such reporting.

“I’m grateful for these fellow presbyters for lovingly pushing us to be better, and for desiring that these conversations take place face-to-face. I came away humbled by the time spent with new friends,” 45th GA Moderator Dave Strunk said.

“I appreciate members of the NLT and OGA staff who took time to address our concerns. I pray that going forward we will all be blessed by the more robust financial reporting,” said Pastor Bill Heming about the meeting.

The conversation was civil and respectful throughout. Though we did disagree in one minor area- the degree of disclosure of individual GA staff compensation- the conversation was constructive and amicable.

In the second episode of our Essentials series, Dean sits down with Dr. Clifton Ward, Associate Professor of Church History and Theology, to explore the enduring theological depth and practical significance of the Essentials of Our Faith.

Together, they unpack the relationship between the Essentials and the Westminster Confession, tracing how both shape our understanding of Reformed theology and the unity of the Church. Their conversation highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in illuminating truth, guiding the Church in charity and conviction, and binding believers together across generations and traditions.
Dean and Clifton also reflect on how the EPC’s Essentials foster unity amid diversity, and how these core affirmations of faith can serve as a spiritual anchor for the next generation of believers seeking a firm foundation in an ever-changing world.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology, the committee that first brought the Essentials to the floor of the General Assembly and continues to guide the EPC in matters of doctrine and faith: epconnect.org/committees

In the first episode of our series on The Essentials of Our Faith, Dean sits down with Bob Stauffer, who was present at the very first General Assembly of the EPC. Together, they look back on the denomination’s formative years, exploring the streams of thought that flowed into the river of the EPC’s development and the theological and cultural moments that gave rise to who we are today.

Bob shares his firsthand perspective on the early vision of the EPC, the conversations that shaped our identity, and the foundation that led to the creation of the Essentials of Our Faith. This episode provides both historical insight and heartfelt reflection on how God’s providence has guided our denomination from the beginning, laying a firm foundation for generations to come.

🔗 Learn more about the Permanent Committee on Theology, the group that first brought the Essentials to the General Assembly and continues to guide our denomination’s theological conversations: epconnect.org/committees

In the final episode of our Gospel Hospitality series, Dean and Brad Strait conclude their conversation by reflecting on Jesus as the ultimate stranger: the one who entered our world to bring us home. Together, they explore the extravagant love and radical acceptance taught throughout Scripture and what it means for the Church to embody that same spirit of welcome today.

Brad and Dean discuss the importance of creating a safe and gracious space within the Church for those who are seeking, questioning, or longing for belonging. Through stories, Scripture, and personal reflection, they remind us that gospel hospitality mirrors the heart of God who invites everyone to the table, not because they’ve earned it, but because they are loved.

🌐 Learn more about Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church: cherrycreekpres.org
📅 Get the latest updates for the 46th General Assembly of the EPC: epconnect.org/ga

🙏 Grace & Peace to our EPC Family! Please join our National Director of Church Planting, Tom Ricks, as he continues sharing how Church Planting works together with the local church.

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In this very special 200^th episode of In All Things, our producer and guest host Gianna Lazzaro sits down with Dean to reflect on the incredible journey of the podcast so far. Dean shares stories about the podcast’s humble beginnings, recording in a closet, and how it has grown into a platform that connects and encourages the EPC family around the world.

Dean also reflects on his nearly five years as Stated Clerk, the joys of serving the denomination, and how he has seen God at work across the EPC. Together, Gianna and Dean look back at the impact of In All Things over its first 200 episodes and reaffirm the importance of the podcast’s core verse from Colossians 1, which continues to shape every conversation.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you!

Follow the EPC on social media to stay connected: https://beacons.ai/epc

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Sean Nemecek, Regional Director for PIR Ministries and the author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout, for a candid and compassionate conversation about the realities pastors face behind the pulpit.

Sean and Dean discuss the misconceptions surrounding pastoral burnout, the isolation many pastors experience, and the unique pressures that come with shepherding a congregation. Sean offers heartfelt encouragement and practical advice for both pastors and congregations on how to foster healthy rhythms of rest, support, and care so that churches can thrive and their leaders can flourish.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or member of a congregation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that pastors are people, too – and that building healthy church communities requires caring for the shepherds who care for us.

📖 Read Sean’s book The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout: https://seannemecek.com/book/
🌱 Learn more about PIR Ministries: https://pirministries.org/
💒 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team: https://epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth/

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Josh Brown, Lead Pastor of Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together, they explore what it means to live out a true partnership in the gospel within the church and beyond.

Their conversation ranges from the theology of place and community engagement, to understanding partnership as more than just pastor-and-congregation dynamics, to the unique role campus ministries can play when they collaborate with local churches. Drawing on both pastoral and presbytery experience, Josh offers practical wisdom and a hopeful vision for how every member of the Body of Christ has a part to play in the Great Commission.

👉 Learn more about resources from the EPC Church Health Team at epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by Bryan Rhodes, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to belong to a church. Together, they reflect on the church’s covenant relationship with God, the promises believers keep to one another, and the responsibilities of a faithful community of disciples.

Bryan also shares from his own pastoral experience about navigating seasons of transition and why covenant community matters now more than ever. His book on the importance of family worship will soon be available on Amazon.

👉 Connect with Bryan Rhodes: bryan.rhodes@gcsla.org
👉 Explore Church Health Resources: https://epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth/

In this episode of In All Things, Dean is joined by filmmaker, church health coordinator, and our own Digital Content Lead Ritchey Cable to explore how creativity and beauty shape the life and worship of the church. Ritchey shares insights from his dual calling as a film director and presbytery leader, reflecting on how storytelling, art, and imagination can enrich discipleship and renew community.
Whether you’re an artist, pastor, or church member, this conversation will inspire you to see creativity not as extra, but as vital to the church’s witness and worship.
👉 Learn more about Ritchey’s films at portalpictures.studio
👉 Explore resources from the EPC Church Health Team.