
Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast
A podcast designed to help church leaders. The conversation each month will focus on issues and topics relevant to church leaders across the country and around the world.
Latest episodes

Nov 13, 2024 • 45min
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

Oct 30, 2024 • 41min
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 MenuMaster Calendar Process Explained

Oct 16, 2024 • 41min
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

Oct 2, 2024 • 31min
Things We Say Around Watermark
Explore the unique sayings that shape the culture of a church community. From 'Think Like an Owner' to the 'Last 2%/24-Hour Rule,' discover how words can influence leadership dynamics and team ownership. Delve into lighthearted moments like a game of farkle that strengthens friendships. Learn the significance of balancing leadership responsibilities with personal connections, while prioritizing effective communication. Get insights on fostering a supportive environment where faithfulness and humor go hand in hand.

Sep 18, 2024 • 38min
Leading Through Trials and Suffering
In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Dave Bruskas (Director of Re:generation) shares his personal journey of working in ministry and the hardships he has faced along the way. Listen to be reminded of God's faithfulness and sustaining presence, and be encouraged of the ways He uses our challenges to shape our faith and leadership.

Sep 4, 2024 • 54min
Navigating Faith Deconstruction
On this week’s episode of the Church Leaders Podcast, explore the reasons behind faith deconstruction and gain insight on supporting those going through it. Key themes include church hurt, justification for sin, politics, intellectual doubts, cultural pressures, and personal experiences, with in-depth discussion on understanding truth, authority, and offering empathy. The discussion highlights the importance of being pastoral, patient, and loving while pointing individuals back to scripture during this process.

Aug 21, 2024 • 41min
The 6 C's of Crafting Culture
Dave Bruskas, a valued friend of John McGee and a seasoned church leader, shares vital insights on cultivating a strong church culture. They discuss the necessity of clearly defining and communicating cultural values while actively correcting misalignments. Bruskas emphasizes the significance of personal accountability, thoughtful hiring practices, and fostering a self-policing environment reminiscent of sports teams. Effective leadership communication emerges as crucial for driving cultural change, ensuring that values are consistently celebrated and reinforced over time.

Aug 7, 2024 • 44min
Leading Your Church in Economic Uncertainty
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Luke Friesen (Senior Director of Operations) and John Cox (Executive Pastor) to discuss strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and decreased giving. Learn how strong communication, building reserves, and finding creative solutions will help you lead confidently through financial uncertainties.

Jul 24, 2024 • 43min
How to Lead Creatives
People who see the world in unique ways and have original problem-solving approaches are a huge asset to any team. But if you want to help your creatives reach their full potential, you need to understand how to best engage with them. John McGee, Caitlin Van Wagoner (Senior Communications Director), and David Penuel (Creative Director) discuss maximizing creative gifting in the church on this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast. Downloads:CLC Breakout Slides - The Creative Process

Jul 10, 2024 • 43min
How Creativity Really Works
Creativity matters because we are called to reflect our Creator God. Many of us, however, think of creativity as being accessible only to the talented few who fit a certain stereotype. This week on the Church Leadership Podcast, we gathered some of our staff’s best creative minds to demystify the creative process and explore how we can harness it for God’s glory. Downloads:Creativity is a Remix by Kirby Ferguson (Ted Talk)A Technique for Producing Ideas by William Young
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