Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

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 a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-centered recovery ministry has helped thousands find freedom in Christ from struggles like addiction, anxiety, anger, and more. Whether you're brand new to the ministry or looking to refine how your church offers care and recovery, this event will equip you with hands-on tools from people actively leading Re:generation today. Learn more or register today.

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 a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-centered recovery ministry has helped thousands find freedom in Christ from struggles like addiction, anxiety, anger, and more. Whether you're brand new to the ministry or looking to refine how your church offers care and recovery, this event will equip you with hands-on tools from people actively leading Re:generation

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 a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-centered recovery ministry has helped thousands find freedom in Christ from struggles like addiction, anxiety, anger, and more. Whether you're brand new to the ministry or looking to refine how your church offers care and recovery, this event will equip you with hands-on tools from people actively leading Re:

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.  The Young Leader Cohort is a ministry of Watermark Resources, created to equip the next generation of church leaders with biblical discipleship, practical training, and lasting relationships for a lifetime of faithful ministry. Learn more and apply at https://info.watermarkresources.com/lp/watermark-young-church-leader-cohort  

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.

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.

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)

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. 

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. 

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, and practical steps forward.

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. 

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 John Cox share insights on: ✅ Why churches stall—and how to break through ✅ How to delegate without losing control ✅ The leadership shifts every growing church must make 

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 encouraged: what’s hard today will become easy tomorrow if you lean in. 

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 you recognize, empower, and collaborate with different gifts for maximum impact. 

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 joy it brings.

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. 

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!

Recommended Resources:Eugene Peterson, "Under the Unpredictable Plant"Eugene Peterson, "Working the Angles"Bruce Waltke, "Finding the Will of God"Justin Lester, "Necessary Endings"Gary Thomas, "When to Walk Away"Episode 115 - How to Leave a Job Well

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 accountability, and aims to impact one million marriages. www.reengage.org

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.Designation Service MenuMaster Calendar Process Explained