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: 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
Episode: 165Feb 5, 2025
How Leadership Gifts Shape the Church
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.
Church Leadership
Episode: 164Jan 22, 2025
Knowing When to Stay
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.
Church Leadership
Episode: 163Jan 8, 2025
The Power of Urgency
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.
Spiritual Formation
Church Leadership
Episode: 162Dec 18, 2024
If No One Has Told You Yet...Thanks
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!
Spiritual Formation
Church Leadership
Episode: 161Dec 4, 2024
Knowing When to Leave
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 spiritual guidance for making these tough decisions. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how to leave well—or stay with purpose. Recommended Resources:
Church Leadership
Episode: 160Nov 13, 2024
The History of Re|engage
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
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 159Oct 30, 2024
The Power of a Master Calendar
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 Menu Master Calendar Process Explained
Church Leadership
Church Operations
Episode: 158Oct 16, 2024
Prioritize Your Marriage
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. CLC Giveaway Blocks
Marriage
Church Leadership
Episode: 157Oct 2, 2024
Things We Say Around Watermark
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. Watermark's Owners Manual Popular Phrases We Say Around Watermark: Ride Along Think Like an Owner Last 2%/ 24-Hour Rule/ Widen the Circle Preach, Pray, or Die Faithfulness of the Leader, Faithfulness of the Team Farkle/ That's a Way to Lose!/ High-Risk High-Reward Find the One How's Your Ministry? Stay in the Ring With Me All Hands on Deck The Most Important 100 are the Next 100 Bonus: Knock Your Socks Off
Church Leadership
