Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast
A podcast designed to help church leaders. The conversation each month will focus on issues and topics relevant to church leaders across the country and around the world.
Episodes
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 possess...
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 encourageme...
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 looki...
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 mome...
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 Hi...
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 a practical way to care for people who are hu...
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—bo...
In this episode, John McGee sits down with Emma Dotter (Join the Journey Director) to unpack why Gen Z works differently, how we (often unknowingly) contributed to that shift, and what you can do to build trust, call them up, and help them thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring young leaders, or just trying to understand the next generation in your church, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, a...
Leaders want to make the right decisions, but past mistakes can lead to overcorrection—fixing one problem while creating another. In this episode, John McGee unpacks how this happens in our hiring, theology, and leadership transitions, and how to avoid reactionary decisions. Learn to make thoughtful adjustments that lead to lasting impact.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurtin...
Church growth is exciting—but it also brings leadership challenges. Maybe you’re feeling the weight of too many decisions, struggling to keep up with relationships, or realizing that what worked in the past isn’t working anymore. You’re not alone—every growing church faces these moments. The real question is: How will you lead through it?
In the latest episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee, Dave Bruskas, and Joh...
Ever feel like you don’t belong in the role you’ve been given? You’re not alone. In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas dive into the realities of imposter syndrome—how it shows up in leadership, why it happens, and how to push through it. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, they remind us that insecurity is a universal challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold us back. Tune in and be encou...
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee unpacks the roles of APEST found in Ephesians 4:11-13 —Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers —and how these leadership giftings shape the church. He explores their strengths and challenges, explaining why a balanced team is essential for both growth and sustainability. Whether you’re planting churches or leading teams, this episode will help yo...
In today’s fast-paced culture, it’s easy to feel the pull toward the next big opportunity. As a follow-up to December’s episode, Knowing When to Leave, this episode dives into the topic of knowing when to stay and the value of long-term leadership in ministry. If you’re wrestling with the decision to stay or go, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace the long game in ministry—and experience the j...
Urgency can make or break a leader. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee unpacks the topic of urgency and why it is the secret weapon of great leaders by driving motivation and action. Tune in for encouragement and practical steps to help you lead with urgency, embrace meaningful goals, and move your organization away from complacency.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for p...
In the final episode of the year, host John McGee expresses gratitude to listeners for their selfless service to Christ and others. He acknowledges their impactful work and extends heartfelt thanks for their dedication, both seen and unseen. We will see you all in 2025!
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on Septembe...
Struggling to discern if it’s time to step away from your current role? In the next episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas (Director of Re:generation at Watermark) dive into the challenges of navigating career transitions in ministry. From recognizing the impact on your family and addressing unresolved conflicts to aligning your desires with God’s will, they offer practical wisdom and spiritu...
Join the Church Leadership Podcast as we celebrate Watermark Community Church’s 25th anniversary by exploring the inspiring history of Re|engage. Since its inception in 2006, our marriage enrichment ministry has transformed the lives of over 137,000 couples across 650 churches. Hear powerful personal stories of change and discover how this gospel-centered discipleship program strengthens marriages, fosters community and ac...
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Caitlin Van Wagoner dive into Watermark's Master Calendar system. They chat about how it keeps the church mission-focused and resources in sync, tackling the ups and downs of growing organizations. Tune in to hear about the power of solid planning, the importance of leadership buy-in, and how teamwork makes ministry more impactful.
In this session from Church Leaders Conference, John and Pam McGee share the importance of prioritizing your marriage as your first ministry. He emphasizes evaluating one's ministry, the significance of character and competency in leadership, and the necessity of being content and intentional in your marriage.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t mi...
In this episode, we dive into “Watermarkisms;” the phrases and sayings that help shape the culture at Watermark Community Church. John McGee and Ashley Lawrence unpack the importance of the words we choose, how they influence your team, and create a culture of ownership.
Popular Phrases We Say Around Watermark:
1. Ride Along
2. Think Like an Owner
3. Last 2%/ 24-Hour Rule/ Widen the Circle<...
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