Podcast
Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast
Hosted by Watermark Community Church · EN
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.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Spiritual Awakening in the UK | Sarah Jackson on Reaching the Next Generation
2w ago00:37:51Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.Checkout the Awakening in the UK documentary our team put together and hear church leaders in the UK speak on how God is on the move especially with the younger generations in miraculous ways.In this mainstage interview from the Church Leaders Conference (CLC) 2026, Sarah Jackson along with John McGee speak on the Awakening in the UK, miraculous God stories in the younger generation, church planting, and encouragement for church leaders. Sarah Jackson is the CEO of Revitalise Trust an organization with a vision of evangelizing to the nations, the revitalisation of the Church and the transformation of society. Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!
Transcribe →1 Timothy 6 | Finishing Ministry Well
4w ago00:35:36Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In the final episode of the 1 Timothy series, John McGee and Dave Bruskas unpack 1 Timothy 6 and reflect on leadership, contentment, money, perseverance, and grace. They discuss:The subtle temptations leaders faceImportance of fighting spiritual driftWhy godliness with contentment is “great gain"
Transcribe →1 Timothy 5:17-25 | Care and Accountability for Church Leaders
May 2700:40:14Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.What happens when a church leader falls into sin? How should churches honor and care for their pastors? And what does it look like for leaders to stay healthy for the long haul? In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 5:17–25.They discuss:Honoring elders and handling accusations wiselyPursuing restoration when leaders fail Developing future leaders slowly Caring for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health in ministry
Transcribe →1 Timothy 5:1–16 | How to Care for People Well
May 1300:41:54Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 5:1–16 and unpack Paul’s vision for relationships inside the church. They discuss: Why leadership must be relational, not just strategicThe danger of harshness in ministryHow churches can care well for vulnerable peopleWhat this passage teaches about family responsibilityIf you’re seeking to shepherd people faithfully while building healthy ministry systems, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement grounded in Scripture.
Transcribe →1 Timothy 4:11–16 | A Church Leader's Life and Doctrine
Apr 2200:33:11Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.What does it look like for a church leader to faithfully watch their life and doctrine? In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 4:11–16 and talk about the type of church leadership that lasts. They discuss: What Paul’s charge to Timothy means for young leaders Why a leader’s example matters as much as their teaching How to steward the gifts God has given you Why faithful progress matters more than perfection This conversation is a clear reminder that lasting ministry is built on sound doctrine, godly character, and a life rooted in Christ.
Transcribe →1 Timothy 4:1–10 | Guarding Against Legalism
Apr 1500:37:42Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 4:1–10 and unpack Paul’s warning against legalism in the church. They discuss:How false teaching often adds rules where God gives freedomWhy leaders must be careful not to confuse personal conviction with spiritual maturityWhat it looks like to train for true godliness instead of performance-based religion
Transcribe →1 Timothy 3:8–13 | Qualifications for Deacons
Apr 100:46:23Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.What does a healthy church look like from the inside out? In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas dive into 1 Timothy 3:8–13 to unpack the role of a deacon—who they are, what they do, and why the church needs them. This episode unpacks: The difference between elders and deacons The role of women in the church Practical tips for assessing deacon candidates
Transcribe →1 Timothy 3:1–7 | Qualifications for Elders
Mar 1800:46:05Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and reflect on the calling, character, and responsibility of elders in the church. They discuss:Why aspiring to church leadership can be a good and godly desireWhy elder qualifications are rooted more in character than competencyHow leadership at home shapes leadership in the churchThis conversation offers practical wisdom for current elders, aspiring leaders, and anyone who wants to serve the church with humility and integrity.
Transcribe →1 Timothy 2 | How Should the Church Gather?
Mar 400:35:00Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 2 and explore what Paul teaches about how the church should gather. From corporate prayer and unity to leadership roles and cultural tension, this passage challenges leaders to think carefully about what pleases God when His people come together. They discuss why prayer should be central—not transitional—why unity is a powerful witness in a divided world.
Transcribe →1 Timothy 1:12–20 | How to Lead with a Clear Conscience
Feb 1800:34:08Tap to summarizeYoung Leader Cohort: Go to Watermark Community Church - Young Church Leaders Cohort to apply for 2026-2027 cohort. Registration closes August 3, 2026.In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 1:12–20 and unpack what it means to lead from grace—not performance. The Apostle Paul calls himself the worst of sinners, and then says Jesus considered him trustworthy. What does that mean for church leaders today? Together, John and Dave explore: Why ministry is a gift to be received—not a goal to be achieved The danger of becoming a “practical legalist” in ministry Why alignment between your doctrine and your life matters
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