Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

When is the last time you thought about strategic plans? For many of us, it's probably been a little while. On this episode, we're joined by Harvard MBA and Executive Pastor of Watermark Community Church, John Cox as we dive into the key elements of crafting a strategic plan and common pitfalls to avoid. 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.

Even competent employees won’t last long if they can’t manage their own emotions. Unfortunately, most of us can't even identify our emotions, much less realize when we’re allowing them to drive our decisions. On this week’s podcast, Jeff Ward, Watermark Director of External Focus, shares six tips for understanding, embracing, and managing the God-given gift of emotions. 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.

In a time of growth and transformation for Watermark, leaders invested extraordinary amounts of time and prayer into identifying, articulating, and reinforcing the church’s four strategic priorities. Elder and senior pastor Blake Holmes shares his takeaways on bringing clarity and focus and securing team buy-in.    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.

The job isn’t done just because you’re moving on. How you leave is how you will be remembered; it starts long before you leave and doesn’t end the day you resign. John Cox draws from his own experience to share insight about building an environment of trust and navigating transitions with godliness.  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.

There’s no shortcut around spending time with God. Theology, visions, and strategies don't matter if you aren’t leading yourself well and personally abiding with Christ. This week, T.A. and John McGee share why our defining characteristic must be that we have been with the Savior.  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 can you develop your own God-given communication style? It's natural to mimic the voices of the leaders who inspire you. In today’s episode, Timothy "T.A." Ateek explains how to go a step farther and develop your own communication style that utilizes the way God has uniquely wired you to lead.    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.

The cultural attitude toward work has shifted—and no, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Join John McGee and Adam Tarnow for a look at how church leaders can help next-generation leaders navigate this season and continue to strive for and inspire excellence (all without compromising their values or selling their souls). 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.

By the end of his story, Joseph testified to the incredible way God had worked through all his trials. But had you caught Joseph at any other point in his life—say, in the pit, in slavery, or in prison—would he have known that things were going to end up that way? This week, John McGee explores how apparent failure can be a matter of temporal vantage point, as well as possible reasons your plan might not yet have come to fruition. 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.

National Director of re|engage, Robert Green, knows a thing or two about running a team. This week’s Church Leaders podcast covers his personal management best practices, how to align your team’s goals with your church’s broader vision, and why it’s worth it to be "extra.”  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.

Every leader wants to help their team be productive—but what is productivity? How can we be good stewards of the time and energy God gives us? How does a Vespa scooter help John Cox keep things moving? All of this and more on today’s Church Leadership Podcast.    Recommendations from this podcast: "Do More Better" by Tim Challies,"At Your Best" by Cary Nieuwhof,"Atomic Habits" by James Clear,"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey,"The Productivity Project" by Chris Bailey,App: Coffitivity (coffee shop background noise),App: Bento (time management),App: Waterminder (water reminders),Website: https://alifeofproductivity.com/ 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.