Hosted by John McGee, Senior Director of Watermark Resources, the Church Leadership Podcast discusses relevant topics for church leaders to encourage and equip them for ministry at their own churches.
Episode: 177Jul 23, 2025
How Godly Leaders Respond to Opportunity
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.
Episode: 176Jul 9, 2025
The Real Cost of Discipleship
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.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 175Jun 25, 2025
The State of Your Heart and Calling
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.
Spiritual Formation
Church Leadership
Episode: 174Jun 11, 2025
How to Invest in Young Leaders
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.
Church Leadership
Next Generation
Episode: 173May 28, 2025
7 Ways to Develop Young Leaders
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.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Next Generation
Episode: 172May 14, 2025
How Athanasius and Nicaea Shape Your Leadership
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 Leadership
Teaching & Theology
Episode: 171Apr 30, 2025
You Have Everything You Need to Glorify 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.
Spiritual Formation
Church Leadership
Episode: 170Apr 16, 2025
Financial Wisdom for Church Leaders
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.
Church Leadership
Church Operations
Financial Stewardship
Episode: 169Apr 2, 2025
Working with Gen Z Leaders
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.
Church Leadership
Next Generation
Episode: 168Mar 19, 2025
Are You Overcorrecting in Leadership?
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 Leadership
Episode: 167Mar 5, 2025
Leading Through Church Growth
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?
Church Leadership
Evangelism & Missions
Episode: 166Feb 19, 2025
Combating Imposter Syndrome
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.
Care & Recovery
Church Leadership
