Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Adam and John discuss the importance and practicality of optimism in the life of the leader. Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Adam and John are in the studio to discuss the 8 things they wish they knew when they were younger and what they younger leaders to keep in mind. Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined in the studio by three young leaders: Emma Dotter, JD Rodgers, and Gabrielle Odom. Together, they discuss what younger leaders want older leaders in the church to know. Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined in the studio by Luke Friesen (Director of Operations) and Todd Wagner to discuss the difficult topic of firing. Together they discuss how to go about firing graciously, and why doing it well is important for leadership. For show notes and more visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8233-how-we-think-about-firing Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

How should a leader engage with social media? What is a practical way to think about your online presence? On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John is joined in the studio by Jonathan Pokluda (Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX) and Todd Wagner (Campus Pastor at Watermark). Together they discuss best practices for leading well online. For show notes and more, visit www.watermarkresouces.com/clp/8202-leaders-and-social-media Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Adam interviews John and Pam McGee about their leadership, marriage, and ministry. Listen in for practical advice about what it takes to be faithful both at home and in the church. For show notes and more, visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8114-a-leaders-marriage Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this special episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John is joined for the first time by an outside guest: Dr. Paul David Tripp. Together, they discuss Paul's new book Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church and what it means to truly have a gospel community. We assure you that listening will leave you both encouraged and convicted. Show notes and more at https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8042-interview-with-paul-tripp Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John is joined in the studio by returning guests Nathan Wagnon and Blake Holmes to discuss prayer. Together, they talk about some misconceptions leaders have about prayer and provide some practical steps for improving your prayer life. For show notes and more, visit www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8027-a-leaders-prayer-life Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

With a global pandemic bringing new challenges, many leaders are facing a whole new set of temptations. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Adam Tarnow and John McGee discuss 5 new temptations characteristic of those in leadership and what leaders can do to remind themselves of truth. For show notes and more, visit www.watermarkresources.org/clp/8004-new-temptations. Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.

At the start of a new year, we are all reconsidering what it looks like to set goals. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John and Adam are joined by John Cox (Director of Staff Development and Special Projects) and Caitlin Van Wagoner (Senior Director of Communications) to discuss 3 different approaches to practical and effective goal setting. For show notes and more, visit www.watermarkresources.com/clp/7984-3-approaches-to-goal-setting Church Leaders Conference is Watermark Resources’ annual event designed to refresh, equip, and inspire church leaders. Whether you’re a senior pastor, small group leader, tech director, or serve in operations, CLC offers two full days of practical training, biblical encouragement, and behind-the-scenes access to real ministry in action. Through main stage sessions, over 50 breakout options, and live ministry showcases, attendees gain tools and insights to strengthen their leadership and better serve their local churches. Join us on April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Learn more and register at CLC26.com.