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: 205Jul 22, 2026
A Conversation with Chuck Swindoll
About the Episode At Church Leaders Conference 2026, John McGee sat down with Chuck Swindoll for a meaningful conversation on ministry, faithfulness, and finishing well. With decades of pastoral leadership behind him, Chuck shares memorable stories, hard-earned wisdom, and honest encouragement for church leaders who want to remain faithful for the long haul. This conversation is a timely reminder to serve with humility, joy, and endurance wherever God has called you. Whether you joined us at CLC 2026 or are hearing it for the first time, we believe this interview will encourage and strengthen your ministry. Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!
Church Leaders Conference
Discipleship
Spiritual Formation
Church Leadership
Teaching & Theology
Episode: 195Mar 4, 2026
1 Timothy 2 | How Should the Church Gather?
ABout this Episode In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 2 and explore what Paul teaches about how the church should gather. From corporate prayer and unity to leadership roles and cultural tension, this passage challenges leaders to think carefully about what pleases God when his people come together. They discuss why prayer should be central—not transitional—why unity is a powerful witness in a divided world.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Teaching & Theology
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: 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: 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: 148May 29, 2024
Cultivating Community
Church leaders are the first to extol the importance of biblical fellowship, but we aren’t always the best at practicing it. This special message from Harris Creek Baptist Church pastor Jonathan “J.P.” Pokluda, first given at CLC 2024, calls leaders to drop any pretenses and embrace the God-given gift of Christian accountability. This isn’t a race you can run well alone.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 128Jul 19, 2023
Every Shepherd Needs a Shepherd
Let’s be real: at times, ministry can leave us feeling stressed-out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Watermark teaching pastor Timothy Ateek has learned that when it's a struggle to shepherd others, it’s more important than ever to find our peace and identity in God’s identity as Shepherd.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 100Apr 5, 2022
Why Membership Matters
On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined in the studio by David Penuel (Associate Pastor), Emma Dotter (Join the Journey Director), and Blake Holmes (Elder and Campus Pastor). Together, they are covering the topic of church membership and discussing why it is both biblical and useful for the local church. For an overview of Membership at Watermark Community Church, please visit our Membership Page. There you will find frequently asked questions, an overview of why membership matters, and a PDF copy of our Membership handbook. For more on Watermark's vision of membership and for other helpful church resources, please consider attending the 2022 Church Leadership Conference. More information and a sign-up can be found on the Watermark Resources site.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 69Jul 20, 2020
How to Care for People in Crisis
On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Blake Holmes joins Adam Tarnow and John McGee to talk about how to care for people in crisis. Note, that while this episode was actually recorded pre-COVID-19, we believe it is more applicable than ever.
Care & Recovery
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Episode: 42May 6, 2019
From First Timer to Fully Deployed
In this episode, Adam and John are joined by Kyle Kaigler (Citybride Community Church Elder and Director of Engagement) and Derek Mathews to discuss what leadership development looks like in the local church.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Evangelism & Missions
Episode: 26Sep 4, 2018
Mobilizing the Church
Every church leader desires to see their members living a life on mission, both inside and outside the church. In this episode, Jeff Ward (former Watermark Director of External Focus) joins John & Adam to discuss ways he and his team have worked hard to mobilize the church.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
Evangelism & Missions
Episode: 24Aug 6, 2018
What We Are Learning About Community
Community Groups are a big deal here at Watermark and a ministry we take very seriously. In this episode, John Elmore (former Watermark Director of Community and former Watermark Director of Re:generation) jumps into the podcast studio to share what we've been learning about leading a healthy Community Group ministry.
Discipleship
Church Leadership
