Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

Ask any church leader to summarize how they have felt over the past few years, and they will more than likely say “Tired.” Weariness decreases effectiveness and leads to burnout. On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why leaders are so tired and draws strategies for ministry longevity from 1 Kings 19. 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.

Interested in how church cultures shift over time? Want to see your own culture change or improve? On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Jonathan Pokluda (Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church) shares from first-hand experience how cultures change and what strategies leaders need to make that happen. For show notes and more, visit: https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/9338-how-to-change-your-culture 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, enjoy this special talk by Blake Holmes (Lead Pastor of Watermark) from the 2022 Church Leadership Conference. For resources and more, visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/9242-discouragement-and-distance 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 sits down with Timothy "TA" Ateek (Teaching Pastor at Watermark Community Church) to talk about how to measure success. For show notes and more, visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/9203-measuring-success 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, David Penuel and John McGee discuss the importance of saying no and why creating healthy boundaries is crucial in ministry. For show notes and more, visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/9072-saying-no 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 David Penuel (Creative Director), Emma Dotter (Join the Journey Coordinator), and Blake Holmes (Elder and Lead Pastor). Together, they are covering the topic of church membership and discuss why it is both biblical and useful for the local church. For show notes and more info on church membership, please visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/9038-biblical-church-membership 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 Caitlin Van Wagoner to discuss a proven method for solving problems. If you are looking for more resources, please visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8992-solving-problems 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 and Adam discuss what success looks like for young leaders. Listen in to find out how to stand out by showing you are all in. For a downloadable PDF and to find more resources, please visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8894-success-for-young-leaders 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, 100th episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined in the studio by Tod Bolsinger (professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, author of several excellent books, and experienced church leader). Together, they discuss the importance of adaptive leadership and how it can help organizations lead effectively through change. For show notes, resources, Tod's books, and more, visit https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8843-adaptive-leadership 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 mini-episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares an important reminder for everyone in leadership. We pray that you will be encouraged to continue faithfully serving wherever you are at. For show notes and more, visit: https://www.watermarkresources.com/clp/8827-privilege-of-leadership 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.