Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

What’s the real measure of faithful church leadership? In this episode of our 1 Timothy series, John McGee and Dave Bruskas talk through 1 Timothy 1:3–7 and press into a deceptively simple, but deeply challenging question for every church leader: what is the aim of our leadership? Paul tells Timothy that the goal of faithful leadership isn’t programs, platforms, or performance. It’s love—love that flows from a transformed heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. In this episode, John and Dave explore how the gospel—not fear, pressure, or control—is what actually produces that kind of love in a church.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

The Church Leadership Podcast is officially on video, and we’re kicking off 2026 with a brand-new series through 1 Timothy. You can now watch on YouTube and Spotify—or listen wherever you stream podcasts—as we step into this next season together. In this first episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas reflect on what faithful leadership looks like when it’s rooted in our identity and the grace of God.  In this episode, they talk about: Knowing who you are and who you’re not as a church leader Why clarity of calling brings confidence without arrogance The importance of spiritual fatherhood, friendship, and long-term relationships in ministry  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

As this year comes to a close, we want to share one final conversation with you—not to give you more to do, but to offer a moment to pause.   In our final episode of the year, John McGee shares five simple ways to finish the year by leading yourself well, creating space for reflection and clarity as you step into what’s next.  Key takeaways from this episode: Attend to the people closest to you End the year in gratitude Simplify your habits and focus Clarify what truly matters Create space for joy and renewed energy More than anything, this episode is our way of saying thank you for your faithfulness and the many unseen ways you’ve shown up to serve God’s people this year.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Tyler Moffett, Director of Discipleship at The Porch, share what they saw on a recent trip to the UK and why it matters for churches here at home. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Ministry can feel a lot like running a marathon—long, demanding, and full of moments when you wonder if you can keep going. In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares what the New York City Marathon taught him about the race of ministry. From finding a sustainable pace to staying faithful in each season, he unpacks how leaders can endure—and even enjoy—the miles ahead. John reminds us that finishing well is about crossing the finish line surrounded by people you love, at peace with your relationships, and full of joy.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why learning to say “no” may be one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop as a church leader. He offers practical wisdom and real-life lessons on creating margin so you can say yes to what matters most and use your unique gifts to build up the body of Christ. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

When crisis hits your church, how you communicate can build—or break—trust. In this episode, John McGee sits down with Watermark’s Executive Director of Communications, Caitlin Van Wagoner, to talk about what it means to lead with wisdom, calm, and clarity when a crisis hits.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas, take listeners on a journey through the life and legacy of John Calvin. Fresh from visiting Geneva, John shares powerful reflections on walking where Calvin once preached and the lessons he carried home. Together they unpack what every church leader can learn today from Calvin’s example. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Last week was sobering. Between heartbreaking acts of violence, the anniversary of 9/11, and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, many pastors and church leaders found themselves asking: How do I shepherd my people in moments like this? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas sit down for a candid, impromptu conversation. They reflect on how leaders can: Lead with a biblical worldview Help their people process and see the hope of Christ Steward when people are walking into church for the first time  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Social media can amplify your ministry—or quietly erode your soul. For church leaders, it raises a critical question: do you really need an online presence to be faithful and effective? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Dave Bruskas and Emma Dotter to explore the opportunities and dangers of social media in ministry. Together they discuss: Why church leaders don’t have to be on social media to lead well How online presence can disciple, encourage, or unintentionally harm others Practical wisdom for guarding your heart and leading your staff teams online The importance of accountability, discernment, and love in every post, like, and comment  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Zeal is more than emotion. It’s an abiding passion for Jesus that sustains us in both fruitful and difficult seasons of ministry. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Dave Bruskas, Emma Dotter, and Kylen Perry to discuss what “zeal” really means, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it. Together they talk through: The difference between “zeal” for results vs. “zeal” for Jesus The subtle threats that cause zeal to fade—burnout, apathy, distraction, and opposition Practical ways to reignite your heart and sustain passion for the long haul of ministry If your fire feels dim or if you want to keep it burning brighter, this episode is for you.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, J.D. Greear shares one of the most compelling leadership talks from Church Leaders Conference 2025. He challenges us to rethink how we define success in the church.  Drawing from the words of Jesus in John 14 and the explosive growth of the early church, J.D. casts a vision for something better than building big crowds: multiplying disciples and sending leaders. Learn from J.D. what it means to be a sending church.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, we’re sharing a talk that John McGee, Senior Director of Watermark Resources, gave at the Church Leaders Conference 2025. Drawing from John 15:15, where Jesus says, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you,” John lays out a powerful pattern for spiritual leadership: Listen to God. Trust Him. Go.  This episode is a call to spiritual attentiveness and bold obedience—because the time to lead with urgency is now. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, we’re sharing a talk that Dave Bruskas, Executive Director of Discipleship, gave at Church Leaders Conference 2025. Teaching from Luke 14, Dave reminds us of the true cost of following Jesus, and then challenges us to consider: Are we following Jesus on his terms, or ours? Dave encourages leaders to be disciples who are loyal to Jesus above all people, pursuits, and possessions. This message is an invitation for us all to rediscover the true cost and beauty of discipleship.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Timothy Ateek, Lead Pastor of Watermark Community Church, shares his opening talk from the 2025 Church Leaders Conference. In a room full of ministry leaders, TA invites us to pause and reflect on three powerful questions: What’s the state of your heart? What’s the status of your calling? What’s the real win in ministry? Through 1 Chronicles 28, TA offers honest encouragement for leaders who may feel spiritually stuck or stretched thin. Whether you’re running strong or feeling weary, this episode is a timely invitation to return to your first love and reignite your passion for the work God’s called you to.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this follow-up episode to "7 Ways to Develop Young Leaders,” John McGee sits down with Emma Dotter, Director of Join The Journey, and Kylen Perry, Executive Director of The Porch, to unpack practical ways to develop young leaders. In this conversation, Emma and Kylen reflect on pivotal moments from their own leadership journeys and offer wisdom for both young adults navigating their calling and for veteran leaders looking to invest well into the next generation. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

We keep asking why the next generation is leaving the Church, but Grant Skeldon thinks we’re asking the wrong question. Instead, we should be asking, how are we discipling the next generation? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 Church Leaders Conference, Grant calls us to stop handwringing over what is wrong and to start identifying what is working. He explores key discipleship moments for raising up the next generation leaders and what you can do to help develop more young leaders in the church. Link to the printable Young Leader CLC Handout.Here is the link to apply to our Young Leader Cohort. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Seventeen centuries ago, a courageous pastor named Athanasius, and the historic Council of Nicaea defended an important truth of our faith—that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. In this unique episode, John McGee sits down with Rob Barry, Garrett Wikle, and Grant Wilkie to unpack why the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) still matters for your faith, your leadership, and the life of the Church. Recommended Books on Church History: • Church History in Plain Language – Bruce Shelley • In the Year of Our Lord: Reflections on Twenty Centuries of Church History – Sinclair Ferguson • The Story of Christianity, Volume 1 – Justo González • The Story of Christianity, Volume 2 – Justo González • Christianity: The Biography – Ian J. Shaw • A Pocket History of the Church – D. Jeffrey Bingham • 50 People Every Christian Should Know – Warren W. WiersbeHelpful Videos and Messages: • Irish Heresies Video (YouTube) – A fun and memorable explanation of early church heresies. • Contending for Our All by John Piper (Desiring God)   If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Have you ever felt like you needed just one more thing to truly make an impact? In this solo episode, John McGee shares a refreshing reminder from his years in ministry: you already have everything you need to glorify God—and to lead with joy. Whether you’re dealing with tight budgets, limited staff, or facility space, this episode is for you.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Money can be a sensitive topic for ministry leaders—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, John McGee, Dave Bruskas, and John Cox share personal stories and practical wisdom on stewarding personal finances with integrity, cultivating contentment, and planning for the future. Whether you’re leading a church or just starting in ministry, this honest, grace-filled conversation will challenge and equip you to lead well—both in your budget and your heart.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences