Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, J.D. Greear shares one of the most compelling leadership talks from Church Leaders Conference 2025. He challenges us to rethink how we define success in the church.  Drawing from the words of Jesus in John 14 and the explosive growth of the early church, J.D. casts a vision for something better than building big crowds: multiplying disciples and sending leaders. Learn from J.D. what it means to be a sending church.  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 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. 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 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.  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 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.  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 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. 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

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. Link to the printable Young Leader CLC Handout.Here is the link to apply to our Young Leader Cohort. 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

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 History in Plain Language – Bruce Shelley • In the Year of Our Lord: Reflections on Twenty Centuries of Church History – Sinclair Ferguson • The Story of Christianity, Volume 1 – Justo González • The Story of Christianity, Volume 2 – Justo González • Christianity: The Biography – Ian J. Shaw • A Pocket History of the Church – D. Jeffrey Bingham • 50 People Every Christian Should Know – Warren W. WiersbeHelpful Videos and Messages: • Irish Heresies Video (YouTube) – A fun and memorable explanation of early church heresies. • Contending for Our All by John Piper (Desiring God)   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

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.  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

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.  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, 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. 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