The Rev. Dean Weaver (Photo by Scott Thomas Wiest}
The Rev. Dean Weaver was elected yesterday (6/12/17) as the moderator of the 37th General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Weaver, pastor of Memorial Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Allison Park, Pa., is a member of the EPC’s Presbytery of the Alleghenies.
Years ago, Weaver and his church were a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and as that denomination began straying from its Biblical and Reformed foundation, Weaver helped start and became co-moderator or the New Wineskins Association of Churches (NWAC), which eventually became part of the EPC.
Years ago, the EPC created a place for the New Wineskins churches, that “we very desperately needed. As we got to know one another and know this church that was Presbyterian, Reformed and missional, we found that we were parts of the same family,” said Weaver, following his unanimous election. “Over the past 10 years, for many of you who are like me, this has become home and we love it and we cherish it.”
Weaver continued, “God is still reforming and realigning His church, according to the word of God. We stand at this moment, for me, with incredible gratitude not just the business before this assembly but before this church … the bride of Christ in my view has never been more radiant or more beautiful.”
In her seconding speech, prior to the election, Betsy Rumer said she first knew Weaver as a pastor, then a boss, and “now I know him as mentor – most importantly I know him as my friend, my brother in Christ. …I will tell you as a colleague, Dean loves the bride of Christ. He loves the church. He has devoted himself and dedicated himself faithfully to the church for over 30 years. … I think Dean has been raised up for just such a time. He has the mind, the heart and the vision and the skill set to take the EPC into the next season.”
Weaver graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. in 1986; earned his master of divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; and his doctor of ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He currently is pursuing a Master of Theology in homiletics from Gordon-Conwell.
He and his wife, Beth have six children and one granddaughter.
Photo at the top: Past EPC General Assembly Moderators and Stated Clerks Pray for Weaver, and His Wife, Beth. (Photo by Scott Thomas Wiest)