In the final episode of the year, host John McGee expresses gratitude to listeners for their selfless service to Christ and others. He acknowledges their impactful work and extends heartfelt thanks for their dedication, both seen and unseen. We will see you all in 2025!

Struggling to discern if it’s time to step away from your current role? In the next episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas (Director of Re:generation at Watermark) dive into the challenges of navigating career transitions in ministry. From recognizing the impact on your family and addressing unresolved conflicts to aligning your desires with God’s will, they offer practical wisdom and spiritual guidance for making these tough decisions. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how to leave well—or stay with purpose. 

Recommended Resources:

• Eugene Peterson, "Under the Unpredictable Plant"
• Eugene Peterson, "Working the Angles"
• Bruce Waltke, "Finding the Will of God"
• Justin Lester, "Necessary Endings"
• Gary Thomas, "When to Walk Away"
• Episode 115 - How to Leave a Job Well

Join the Church Leadership Podcast as we celebrate Watermark Community Church’s 25th anniversary by exploring the inspiring history of Re|engage. Since its inception in 2006, our marriage enrichment ministry has transformed the lives of over 137,000 couples across 650 churches. Hear powerful personal stories of change and discover how this gospel-centered discipleship program strengthens marriages, fosters community and accountability, and aims to impact one million marriages.

www.reengage.org

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Caitlin Van Wagoner dive into Watermark's Master Calendar system. They chat about how it keeps the church mission-focused and resources in sync, tackling the ups and downs of growing organizations. Tune in to hear about the power of solid planning, the importance of leadership buy-in, and how teamwork makes ministry more impactful.

Designation Service Menu
Master Calendar Process Explained

In this session from Church Leaders Conference, John and Pam McGee share the importance of prioritizing your marriage as your first ministry. He emphasizes evaluating one's ministry, the significance of character and competency in leadership, and the necessity of being content and intentional in your marriage.

CLC Giveaway Blocks

In this episode, we dive into “Watermarkisms;” the phrases and sayings that help shape the culture at Watermark Community Church. John McGee and Ashley Lawrence unpack the importance of the words we choose, how they influence your team, and create a culture of ownership.

Watermark's Owners Manual

Popular Phrases We Say Around Watermark:
1. Ride Along
2. Think Like an Owner
3. Last 2%/ 24-Hour Rule/ Widen the Circle
4. Preach, Pray, or Die
5. Faithfulness of the Leader, Faithfulness of the Team
6. Farkle/ That's a Way to Lose!/ High-Risk High-Reward
7. Find the One
8. How's Your Ministry?
9. Stay in the Ring With Me
10. All Hands on Deck
11. The Most Important 100 are the Next 100
Bonus: Knock Your Socks Off

In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Dave Bruskas (Director of Re:generation) shares his personal journey of working in ministry and the hardships he has faced along the way. Listen to be reminded of God's faithfulness and sustaining presence, and be encouraged of the ways He uses our challenges to shape our faith and leadership. 

On this week’s episode of the Church Leaders Podcast, explore the reasons behind faith deconstruction and gain insight on supporting those going through it. Key themes include church hurt, justification for sin, politics, intellectual doubts, cultural pressures, and personal experiences, with in-depth discussion on understanding truth, authority, and offering empathy. The discussion highlights the importance of being pastoral, patient, and loving while pointing individuals back to scripture during this process. 

Creating a strong culture is crucial for any organization, including churches. In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas explore how leaders must clearly define and communicate the desired culture, recognize and correct behaviors that align or conflict with it, and consistently reinforce it over time. 

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Luke Friesen (Senior Director of Operations) and John Cox (Executive Pastor) to discuss strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and decreased giving. Learn how strong communication, building reserves, and finding creative solutions will help you lead confidently through financial uncertainties.

People who see the world in unique ways and have original problem-solving approaches are a huge asset to any team. But if you want to help your creatives reach their full potential, you need to understand how to best engage with them. John McGee, Caitlin Van Wagoner (Senior Communications Director), and David Penuel (Creative Director) discuss maximizing creative gifting in the church on this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast. 

Downloads:
CLC Breakout Slides - The Creative Process