Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

The Church Leadership Podcast is officially on video, and we’re kicking off 2026 with a brand-new series through 1 Timothy. You can now watch on YouTube and Spotify—or listen wherever you stream podcasts—as we step into this next season together. In this first episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas reflect on what faithful leadership looks like when it’s rooted in our identity and the grace of God.  In this episode, they talk about: Knowing who you are and who you’re not as a church leader Why clarity of calling brings confidence without arrogance The importance of spiritual fatherhood, friendship, and long-term relationships in ministry  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

As this year comes to a close, we want to share one final conversation with you—not to give you more to do, but to offer a moment to pause.   In our final episode of the year, John McGee shares five simple ways to finish the year by leading yourself well, creating space for reflection and clarity as you step into what’s next.  Key takeaways from this episode: Attend to the people closest to you End the year in gratitude Simplify your habits and focus Clarify what truly matters Create space for joy and renewed energy More than anything, this episode is our way of saying thank you for your faithfulness and the many unseen ways you’ve shown up to serve God’s people this year.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Tyler Moffett, Director of Discipleship at The Porch, share what they saw on a recent trip to the UK and why it matters for churches here at home. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Ministry can feel a lot like running a marathon—long, demanding, and full of moments when you wonder if you can keep going. In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares what the New York City Marathon taught him about the race of ministry. From finding a sustainable pace to staying faithful in each season, he unpacks how leaders can endure—and even enjoy—the miles ahead. John reminds us that finishing well is about crossing the finish line surrounded by people you love, at peace with your relationships, and full of joy.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why learning to say “no” may be one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop as a church leader. He offers practical wisdom and real-life lessons on creating margin so you can say yes to what matters most and use your unique gifts to build up the body of Christ. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Caitlin Van Wagoner, Executive Director of Communications at Watermark, specializes in crisis communication and media relations for churches. She explains how effective communication can build trust during crises and discusses the importance of preparedness. Key topics include distinguishing between smoke and fire situations, crafting clear messages, and the necessity of sincere apologies. Caitlin also emphasizes the roles of crisis teams and the need for transparency, urging leaders to balance speed with thoughtful responses in high-pressure scenarios.

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas, take listeners on a journey through the life and legacy of John Calvin. Fresh from visiting Geneva, John shares powerful reflections on walking where Calvin once preached and the lessons he carried home. Together they unpack what every church leader can learn today from Calvin’s example. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Last week was sobering. Between heartbreaking acts of violence, the anniversary of 9/11, and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, many pastors and church leaders found themselves asking: How do I shepherd my people in moments like this? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas sit down for a candid, impromptu conversation. They reflect on how leaders can: Lead with a biblical worldview Help their people process and see the hope of Christ Steward when people are walking into church for the first time  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Social media can amplify your ministry—or quietly erode your soul. For church leaders, it raises a critical question: do you really need an online presence to be faithful and effective? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Dave Bruskas and Emma Dotter to explore the opportunities and dangers of social media in ministry. Together they discuss: Why church leaders don’t have to be on social media to lead well How online presence can disciple, encourage, or unintentionally harm others Practical wisdom for guarding your heart and leading your staff teams online The importance of accountability, discernment, and love in every post, like, and comment  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Zeal is more than emotion. It’s an abiding passion for Jesus that sustains us in both fruitful and difficult seasons of ministry. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Dave Bruskas, Emma Dotter, and Kylen Perry to discuss what “zeal” really means, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it. Together they talk through: The difference between “zeal” for results vs. “zeal” for Jesus The subtle threats that cause zeal to fade—burnout, apathy, distraction, and opposition Practical ways to reignite your heart and sustain passion for the long haul of ministry If your fire feels dim or if you want to keep it burning brighter, this episode is for you.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences