Category Archives: People

“In All Things” podcast episode 94 features Rosemary Lukens (Chairman of the NLT) and Victor Jones (Moderator-elect)

 

Rosemary Lukens, Chairman of the National Leadership Team and Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, and Victor Jones, Moderator-elect of the 43rd General Assembly and Ruling Elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church join host Dean Weaver, for this new episode of “In All Things”.

Dean and his guests discuss a variety of topics related to how God is working with the denomination at the National level.

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” podcast episode 93 presents 2nd part of Lisa Brockman’s conversion from Mormonism in this season 1 encore

 

Episode 93 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things,” revisits a season 1 conversation with Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla., and sixth-generation Mormon who came to faith as a college student at the University of Utah.

This week, host Dean Weaver and Brockman conclude their discussion of her path from a devout Mormon childhood to accepting Christ. Brockman relates how her decision to follow Christ affected her relationships with Mormon family members—especially after she wrote her book, Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.

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” podcast episode 92 presents reprise edition of Lisa Brockman discussing her conversion from Mormonism

 

Episode 92 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things,” revisits a season 1 conversation with Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla., and author of Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.

In part one of a two-week conversation, host Dean Weaver and Brockman discuss her path as a sixth-generation Mormon—including her childhood dream of a temple marriage—to accepting Christ as a student at the University of Utah. She recounts how her spiritual journey was influenced by Josh McDowell, Larry Crabb, and James Spencer. She also describes coming to the realization that the biblical God is the only God who will not abuse His authority.

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.

South Carolina chicken farmers hatch EPC church plant

 

Pete Roman (dark shirt with guitar) leads worship and serves as Pastor of The Village Church at St. George, an EPC church plant in rural St. George, S.C.

Which came first—the chicken or the church plant? For Pete and Renee Roman, the two were hatched together.

“Our first official service for The Village Church at St. George was under some oak trees on our farm,” Pete said. “We started at eight in the morning because it was summer, and we needed to meet before it got unbearably hot.”

A shady spot under some oaks trees was the first “Sanctuary” of The Village Church at St. George.

After serving in Bulgaria for seven years, in 2017 the Romans returned to South Carolina with their three daughters. Their plan was to make a go of small-scale farming alongside his parents and to plant a rural church in St. George, a community about 50 miles northwest of Charleston.

“One thing that intrigued us in Bulgaria,” Pete said, “is that while it was hard to make connections in the city, when we’d travel with visiting teams to the villages it was easy to talk to people and build relationships.”

The Romans believe those same principles apply in rural America, and set out to create a warm, relational, community church environment. They started inviting neighbors to join them for a Sunday evening Bible study, but soon realized that small-town traditions are hard to break.

“We discovered that in the South, church happens at 10 o’clock on Sunday mornings,” he said. “Even though we had over 20 people who regularly attended our evening Bible study, they all had other churches they went to on Sunday mornings.”

When COVID hit and everyone pivoted to online church, it soon became evident that their home group had dissolved.

“We had three people attending, and two of us were related,” laughed Renee.

They decided to try hosting an in-person service but hold it outdoors to comply with COVID restrictions. People started coming right away—many of whom had been starved for relationships over the months and were seeking community. The church now has about 32 regular attenders, including several children and youth. Most of the attendees are previously unchurched or travel from other communities in the area.

Pete Roman involves all ages in the life of the church.

Renee says there is one young family with two little boys that has been a highlight on their journey.

“The wife started coming to our home group, but the husband was a paramedic so could not make it on Sundays,” she said. “She was really introverted and quiet, and as time went by she came less and less often.”

The Romans continued to see her around town and would always greet her warmly. Then one morning the entire family showed up. The husband had quit his job as an EMT and opened a tire shop, which freed him to come to church.

By this time, winter had arrived and the outdoor service had moved indoors.

Wood stove worship service

“It was the middle of winter, and was getting cold,” Renee said. “We had started meeting in the room where we process chickens, huddled around a wood stove.”

The setting did not deter the young family.

“Once they started coming again, they were all in,” Renee said. “God had been working the whole time. The husband now invites the customers at his store to come to church—and has become quite the evangelist. We have even held our Sunday service at his tire shop.”

Pete added that “it has been exciting to see the hunger that he and several others have to know more. We have a group of five or six guys who meet regularly together for coffee. God just keeps opening doors.”

As they laid the groundwork for the church, Pete contacted the EPC’s then-Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic and talked to Bucky Hunsicker, who was serving as missional executive director.

“He told us they had been praying for someone to spark a rural church planting movement,” Pete said, noting that Hunsicker’s response mirrored his and Renee’s ministry vision.

Family and community are Pete and Renee Roman’s vision for The Village Church at St. George.

“We want to be a small, intentional church that reflects the community we live in,” he said.

Renee said they have “an amazing group of people” who are hungry for the gospel and to learn the Bible, and who have a heart for the community and serving.

“Yet they are normal, messed-up sinners like the rest of us,” she said.

“The people who are coming are not looking for stellar preaching and amazing music—they are coming because it’s a family and community, and they are getting the truth,” Pete added.

The Romans live by a motto adopted from the life of 18th century Moravian reformer Nikolaus Ludwig, count von Zinzendorf.

“His most famous quote is ‘preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten,’” Pete said. “I’ve heard leaders on the mission field talk about their legacy and how they want to be remembered. But if our church stays the size it is … if no one ever knows the name Pete Roman … that’s fine with me. I just want to be faithful to God, preach the gospel, and let the Holy Spirit do His work.”

by Kiki Schleiff Cherry
EPConnection correspondent

Podcasting as evangelism the topic of “In All Things” podcast episode 87 with Brandon Queen

 

Brandon Queen, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Thibodaux, La., and host of the podcast “E.A.R.: Evangelical and Reformed” is the guest for episode 87 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Queen discuss his involvement in the EPC’s Westminster Society, how he launched his podcast as a tool for evangelism, as well as his desire to use the podcast as a means of racial reconciliation.

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.

Ministry to abused and trafficked women the topic of “In All Things” podcast episode 86 with Bonnie Gatchell

 

Bonnie Gatchell, Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the East and Executive Director of Route One Ministry in Boston, Mass., is the guest for episode 86 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” The mission of Route One Ministry is to serve sexually exploited and trafficked women by entering strip clubs and building relationships with the women who work in the clubs, as well as equipping the local church and community leaders with the tools they need to understand trafficking, identify vulnerable people, and respond in the most healthy ways to those who have experienced sexual abuse.

Host Dean Weaver and Gatchell discuss how God led her to begin a ministry to strip club dancers in Boston, and Route One Ministry’s efforts to train church leaders on how to minister to victims of trafficking, trauma, and abuse.

Gatchell also describes the qualities of a “safe church” and some of the resources on trauma and abuse that Route One Ministry provides.

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.

Don Fortson, noted Presbyterian historian and author, the guest for “In All Things” podcast episode 84

 

Don Fortson is the guest for episode 84 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” Fortson serves as Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at the Charlotte, N.C., campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books on Presbyterian history, including Reformed and Evangelical Across Four Centuries: The Presbyterian Story in America and Liberty in Non-Essentials: The Story of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Host Dean Weaver and Fortson discuss how his most recent book, Reformed and Evangelical, fills a need for a comprehensive, current Presbyterian history, as well as how it traces the symbiotic relationship between Presbyterians and evangelicals. In addition, Fortson describes Presbyterian heritage of evangelistic renewal, and how the EPC may be uniquely positioned to respond to revivals such as what occurred in early 2023 at Asbury University in Kentucky.

Fortson also describes how gifts of the Spirit and the ordination of women are examples of how the EPC lives out its motto of “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty; In All Things, Charity.”

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.

Shelley Kral, GA worship service speaker and Associate Pastor for Longview (Texas) EPC the guest for “In All Things” podcast episode 80

 

Shelley Kral

Shelley Kral, Associate Pastor for Longview Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas, is the guest for episode 80 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” Kral is the preacher for the Tuesday morning worship service at the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit, June 20-22 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Host Dean Weaver and Kral discuss her path to ministry from Southern California to a Lutheran college in the Pacific Northwest to Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando to Longview in East Texas. Kral also describes a vision she and her husband had for a pastoral retreat center eventually resulting in the creation of Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery near Longview. She also explains how the vineyard illustrates the truths of John 15.

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” podcast episode 78 features Rosemary Lukens reflecting on year as EPC Moderator

 

Rosemary Lukens, Moderator of the 42nd General Assembly and Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, Wash., is the guest for episode 78 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Lukens discuss how serving as Moderator has strengthened her faith, as well as served as an encouragement for women across the EPC to be involved in the life of the church.

Lukens also reflects on her enthusiasm for accessible theological education in an ever-changing vocational ministry pipeline landscape, funding for the mission of the larger church, and the importance of building relationships in ministry leadership.

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.

Worship services integral to 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit

 

Worship has held a central role in the EPC General Assembly since the first gathering in 1981. The 43rd Assembly is no exception. Worship services will open and close each day of the meeting, June 20-22 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Shelley Kral, Associate Pastor for Longview EPC in Longview, Texas, will preach in the Assembly’s opening worship service on Tuesday, June 20. Her message, “Love on the Go,” is based on John 17:24-26. The service begins at 9:00 a.m. (Mountain).

Mike Kuhn, Director of the International Theological Education Network of EPC World Outreach, will preach on Tuesday evening, June 20. His message, “To the Nations: A Pursuit of Passion,” is based on Isaiah 49:6, Acts 8:1-8, and Acts 8:26-38. The service will feature the commissioning of the newest World Outreach global workers, and an offering will be received for the EPC’s Global Worker Health Fund. Proceeds will fund projects designed to help restore the emotional and spiritual health of World Outreach global workers. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. (Mountain).

Aaron White, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, Ohio, will deliver the message at the Morning Worship Service on Wednesday, June 21. His message, “Eagerly Desiring Unity,” is based on 1 Corinthians 12. The service begins at 9:00 a.m. (Mountain).

Mark Farrell, Pastor of Tampa Covenant Church in Tampa, Fla., will preach from Psalm 67 on Wednesday evening, June 21. His message is entitled “Blessed to be a Blessing” and the service will feature the annual memorial for EPC Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders who have passed away since the previous Assembly. An offering will be received for the EPC’s Care of Pastors and Spouses Fund. Proceeds will fund projects designed to help restore the emotional and spiritual health of EPC pastors. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. (Mountain).

Rosemary Lukens, Moderator of the 42nd General Assembly, will lead the Moderator’s Communion Service at 9:00 a.m. (Mountain) on Thursday, June 22. Her message, “Our Eyes Are Upon You” focuses on 2 Chronicles 20:12. Lukens is a Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, Wash.

Curt Taylor, Senior Pastor of host church Cherry Hills Community Church will conclude the annual meeting by preaching on the Assembly theme of “Sharpen” from Ephesians 4:12. An offering will be received for the EPC’s Moderator’s Scholarship Fund. Donations provide financial assistance to offset travel costs for ministers and Ruling Elders from smaller EPC churches who otherwise may not be able to attend General Assembly. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. (Mountain).

All worship services will be live streamed on the EPC website and in the GA app. For more information or to register, go to www.epc.org/ga2023.

National Leadership Team prays for outgoing members

 

Members of the National Leadership Team pray for outgoing Chairman Brad Strait (third from right) and outgoing member Patrick King (fourth from right). Not pictured is a third member rotating off the committee, Dave Strunk.

At their final in-person meeting of 2022-2023 on April 19, members of the EPC’s National Leadership Team concluded the gathering by praying for outgoing members Brad Strait, Patrick King, and Dave Strunk. Strait serves as Lead Pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in Englewood, Colo. King serves as Pastor of Covenant Church in San Diego, Calif. Strunk is the Planting Pastor of Church of the Redeemer in Maryville, Tenn.

General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit offers Networking Lunches for connection, equipping

 

Networking Lunches at the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit provide opportunity for attendees to connect with others with similar ministry interests. Networking Lunches are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 20-22, from 12:00-12:50 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo. For more information about each lunch, see www.epc.org/ga2023networkinglunches.

Tuesday, June 20

  • Apologetic Principles for Church Planting, hosted by Tommy Allen, Planting Pastor of EPC Spokane in Spokane, Wash., and Shane Sunn, Executive Director of the Aspen Grove Church Planting Network.
  • Building Retirement Savings and Tax-Exempt Housing Expense Withdrawal, hosted by Bart Francescone, Executive Director of EPC Benefit Resources, Inc.
  • Choosing to Plant a Multi-Ethnic Church, hosted by Sean Boone, Planting Pastor of Woke Bridge Community Church in Ferguson, Mo., and Marcos Ortega, Lead Pastor of Goodwill Church Beacon in Beacon, N.Y.
  • Disability Ministry Story & Support, hosted by Michelle Munger, author of Margins of Grace: Becoming Champions of Faith and Family in the Midst of Disability.
  • How to Revitalize Your Leadership Pipeline, hosted by Scott Manor, President of Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Liturgical Worship, the Regulative Principle, and Presbyterianism, hosted by Zac Hicks, Pastor of Church of the Cross in Birmingham, Ala.
  • Navigating the Letters (LGBTQ+) with a Family Member, hosted by Scott Kingry, Program Director of Where Grace Abounds.
  • World Outreach: Home from the Field, hosted by Shawn Stewart, Coordinator of Field Development and Co-op Support for EPC World Outreach.

Wednesday, June 21

  • An Introduction to Multi-Ethnic Church Planting, hosted by Michael Carrion, Vice President of Church Planting and Leadership Development for Redeemer City to City in New York, N.Y.
  • Come and Ask Your Church Health Questions, hosted by Bob Stauffer, EPC National Director of Church Health.
  • Executive Pastors and Church Administrators, hosted by Patrick Coelho, EPC Chief Financial Officer.
  • Female Pastors, Chaplains, and TE Candidates, hosted by Carolyn Poteet, Lead Pastor of Mt. Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pa.
  • Meet Our Newly Commissioned Global Workers, hosted by Saul and Jesse Huber, Coordinators of Mobilization for EPC World Outreach.
  • Revelation 7:9: How to be a Community-Conscious Congregation, hosted by Rufus Smith, Senior Pastor of Hope Church in Cordova, Tenn.
  • Sharpening Parent Skills Amidst Today’s Adolescent Crisis, hosted by Bill Senyard, President of Gospel App Ministries.
  • Small Church Leadership: Developing the Body in its Call to Hope, hosted by Bill Crawford, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Thibodaux, La., and Suzanne Zampella, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dexter, N.M., and First Presbyterian Church in Hagerman, N.M.
  • The Contemporary Significance of Westminster Divine Edward Reynolds (1599-1676), hosted by Jeff Jeremiah, EPC Stated Clerk Emeritus.
  • What Does Your Personal Well-Being Look Like?, hosted by Bart Francescone, Executive Director of EPC Benefit Resources, Inc.

Thursday, June 22

  • Building Retirement Savings and Tax-Exempt Housing Expense Withdrawal, hosted by Bart Francescone, Executive Director of EPC Benefit Resources, Inc.
  • Discerning and Engaging the Culture Through Film, hosted by Ritchey Cable, Pastor of Gashland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City.
  • Healthy Leadership Development in Church Planting, hosted by Cron Gibson, Executive Director of Hopewell Equipping & Counseling Ministry Center in Virginia Beach, Va.
  • ITEN Partnership and Training Ministries, hosted by Mike Kuhn, Director of the International Theological Education Network (ITEN) of EPC World Outreach.
  • Next Generation Missions, hosted by Saul and Jesse Huber, Coordinators of Mobilization for EPC World Outreach.
  • Pastoral Letter of Racial Lament and Hope, hosted by Gerrit Dawson, Co-chairman of the Interim Committee on Pastoral Letter of Racial Lament and Hope.
  • Pastors’ Wives Lunch, hosted by Ramona Spilman, Adult Ministries & Missions Pastor for Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo.
  • Reaching a Generation Like None Other, hosted by Jen Burkholder, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Coalition for Christian Outreach.
  • Revival and Revivalism in American Presbyterianism, hosted by Don Fortson, Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C.
  • The Awakening Power of a Great Question, hosted by Dave Meserve, Affiliate Coach in the Rocky Mountain Region for PastorServe.
  • The Power of Rest: Embracing Sabbaticals for Ministry Health, hosted by Roy Yanke, Executive Director for PIR Ministries.

For more information about the 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit, including online registration, schedule, and more, see www.epc.org/ga2023.

Col. Russ Ragon, USAF Chaplain and member of Chaplains Work and Care Committee, dies at 58

 

Chaplain Col. Ronald “Russ” Ragon

Chaplain Col. Ronald “Russ” Ragon, 58, went home to his Savior on April 8, 2023. He served 21 years in the United States Air Force and was the former pastor of Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tenn. A Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the West, he was a current member of the EPC Chaplains Work and Care Committee.

Chaplain Ragon was sworn into the United States Air Force as Chaplain in July 2001. Assignments included Chaplain, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.; Staff Chaplain, United States Air Force Academy, Colo.; Senior Protestant Chaplain and Branch Chief, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Deputy Wing Chaplain, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas; AFIT Student, Army Family Life Chaplain Training Center, Fort Hood, Texas; Deputy Wing Chaplain, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Wing Chaplain, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Wing Chaplain, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England; Deputy Division Chief, Chaplain Career Management, Air Force Personnel Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; and Deputy Command Chaplain, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Over the course of his 21-year career, Ragon deployed to multiple locations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Spartan Shield. While deployed to Sather Air Base, Iraq, he made a direct and lasting impact on thousands of coalition personnel by forging spiritual resiliency and reintegration for military families and honoring the lives of 34 fatally wounded warriors. During his most recent deployment to Qatar, Ragon led a 23-member team in the execution of more than 250 faith group services and 900 individual counseling sessions. In addition, his team delivered critical spiritual support to 9,000 personnel during the Operation Allies Refuge evacuation of 57,000 United States and Afghan citizens over a three-week period.

Ragon earned the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Meritorious Unit Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster; Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals; Armed Forces Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Air and Space Campaign Medal; Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Overseas Service Short and Long Tour Ribbons; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border; Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters; and Air Force Training Ribbon.

He is survived by his mother Judy Ragon; sister and brother-in-law Regina and Gustavo Varela; wife Margaret Fletcher Ragon; daughter Samantha Ragon; daughter and son-in-law Madeline and Brandon Atha; son and daughter-in-law Timmy and Morgan Ragon; and four grandchildren.

Click here for a full memorial notice.

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

 

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.

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

 

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.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.”

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

 

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

 

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.

Linda Thompson, wife of former World Outreach Committee Chairman Doug Thompson, dies at 74

 

Linda Thompson

Linda M. Thompson, wife of Doug Thompson, died on December 15. She was 74.

In 1983, the Thompsons were commissioned by EPC World Outreach as the denomination’s first overseas church planters. In the 10 years they lived in Toulouse, France, they successfully planted three churches and helped revitalize a fourth congregation. They returned to the United States in 1993, where they served several churches in the Presbytery of the Midwest. In 2020, the Thompsons retired from Ward Church in Northville, Mich., where he had served on the Care Ministry staff. Doug also is a former Chairman of the World Outreach Committee.

She is survived by her husband, Doug; son and daughter-in-law Paul and Betsy Thompson; son Marc Thompson; daughter and son-in-law Monique and Jordan Guelde; and seven grandchildren: Caden, Belle, Evie, Sam, Will, Weston, and Elliana.

EPC Chaplain Endorser serves local charities through Christmas lights display

 

EPC Teaching Elder and holiday decor enthusiast Mark Ingles spends about three weeks getting his Christmas display ready each year. (Photo by Parker Seibold, the Colorado Springs Gazette.)

For nearly a decade, EPC Chaplain Endorser Mark Ingles has used his home Christmas lights display to benefit the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado. Ingles’ efforts have resulted in nearly six tons of food donations, as well as several thousand dollars in cash for the Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs.

As they have for the past several years, local media outlets in Colorado Springs have helped spread the word. On December 17, the Colorado Springs Gazette published a feature on Ingles’ display, “Colorado Springs Christmas display offers gift of giving.

Local television news stations KKTV 11 News and KOAA News5 also highlighted how Ingles leverages his Christmas spirit to benefit the community:

Ingles estimates he has about 6,000 lights on display. His house is so bright that it can be seen by aircraft approaching Colorado Springs airport.

From suicide attempt to serving Christ: “In All Things” podcast episode 56 features BRI Benefits Administrator Cathy Flores

 

Cathy Flores, Benefits Administrator for EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. (BRI), is the guest for episode 56 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

Host Dean Weaver and Flores discuss her journey from three suicide attempts while growing up with an alcoholic mother to being a teenage unwed mother herself to committing her life to Christ as an adult. Flores also recounts her experiences during a recent mission trip to Cuba in which she led two marriage conferences.

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” podcast episode 55 continues conversion from Mormonism conversation with Lisa Brockman

 

Episode 55 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things,” continues a conversation with Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla., and sixth-generation Mormon who came to faith as a college student at the University of Utah.

This week, host Dean Weaver and Brockman conclude their discussion of her path from a devout Mormon childhood to accepting Christ. Brockman relates how her decision to follow Christ affected her relationships with Mormon family members—especially after she wrote her book, Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.

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” podcast episode 54 features former Mormon Lisa Brockman

 

Lisa Brockman, Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla., and author of Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple, is the guest for episode 54 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.”

In part one of a two-week conversation, host Dean Weaver and Brockman discuss her path as a sixth-generation Mormon—including her childhood dream of a temple marriage—to accepting Christ as a student at the University of Utah. She recounts how her spiritual journey was influenced by Josh McDowell, Larry Crabb, and James Spencer. She also describes coming to the realization that the biblical God is the only God who will not abuse His authority.

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.