Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

After 10 years at Watermark Community Church, Caitlin Sterlacci has learned a few lessons the hard way. In this episode of Church Leadership Podcat, she joins John McGee to reflect on her leadership journey, including: The leadership mistakes that changed how she manages her team. The hard feedback that helped her grow as a leader. The unexpected lessons God taught her through challenging seasons in ministry. From hiring decisions to leading through change, Caitlin shares practical wisdom she wishes she'd known sooner.

AI is changing how people find answers, build relationships, and seek guidance. How can your church prepare? In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares three questions to help church leaders think beyond sermon prep and productivity: What will be scarce? What’s scary? And what’s possible? He explores the growing need for meaningful community and connection with God, the challenges AI could bring to the people you shepherd, and opportunities to free up resources for ministry. Through it all, he offers a reminder: Jesus still holds all things together. Listen in, then bring these three questions to your next team meeting.

In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Scott Kedersha to discuss how people-pleasing affects church leaders. Scott shares how his desire for approval led him to overwork and compromise his convictions, while John reflects on his struggle with criticism of his work. They discuss how to recognize what drives the need for approval, have difficult conversations, and find rest in what Jesus has already done.

Most leaders know they need to give good feedback. But are you intentionally asking for it? In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why healthy leaders seek feedback before a problem or blind spot forces the conversation. He also shares a simple exercise he uses with his leadership team to invite candid feedback, uncover blind spots, and grow in humility. If you want to keep growing as a leader, don’t wait for feedback to find you.

Leadership is stewardship. In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares a simple exercise he recently used with his team to evaluate what God has entrusted to them. It comes down to three questions: What could be excellent? What should be expanded? What needs to end? John shares why leaders can't settle for simply keeping things running, how listening to the people closest to the work can bring clarity, and why good stewardship requires leaders to turn ideas into action.

Pete Hughes, pastor of Kings Cross Church in London, joins the Church Leadership Podcast to talk about what he calls “the shaking of secularism and the search for a savior.” Pete shares how he's seeing a growing of spiritual openness among younger generations, and how church leaders can respond. Tune in to be encouraged at how God is at work in the UK, and how Pete is learning to relinquish control so that the Lord can work in his church and city. Watch the full film on YouTube.

What if the next generation is more open to Jesus than we think? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares an extended interview with Stephen Foster, leader of of St. Aldates Church in Oxford, England. Stephen talks about the shift he’s seeing in the UK, why churches should intentionally invest in younger leaders, how an invitational culture can change a church, and what it looks like to trust the Holy Spirit as people explore Christianity. Watch the full film on YouTube.

Who is the sufficient one in your ministry? In this mainstage session from the Church Leaders Conference 2026, Timothy Ateek, Elder and Lead Pastor of Watermark Community Church, teaches through Matthew 11:28–30 and points weary church leaders to Jesus’ invitation to come to him and find rest. Learn how ministry should always be an overview of our dependence on Christ's sufficiency. Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!

At Church Leaders Conference 2026, John McGee sat down with Chuck Swindoll for a meaningful conversation on ministry, faithfulness, and finishing well. With decades of pastoral leadership behind him, Chuck shares memorable stories, hard-earned wisdom, and honest encouragement for church leaders who want to remain faithful for the long haul. This conversation is a timely reminder to serve with humility, joy, and endurance wherever God has called you. Whether you joined us at CLC 2026 or are hearing it for the first time, we believe this interview will encourage and strengthen your ministry. Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!

We know church leaders have a lot competing for their attention: programs, budgets, staffing, discipleship, and shepherding. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, we share Jonathan Pokluda's mainstage session from the Church Leaders Conference 2026, where he reminds leaders that none of those responsibilities should replace the mission Jesus gave his Church. From this session, you’ll hear: Why evangelism should remain central to your ministry How The Great Commission shapes everyday church leadership Practical encouragement for leading people toward a heart for the lost Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!

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!

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 face Importance of fighting spiritual drift Why godliness with contentment is “great gain"

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 wisely Pursuing restoration when leaders fail Developing future leaders slowly Caring for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health in ministry

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 strategic The danger of harshness in ministry How churches can care well for vulnerable people What this passage teaches about family responsibility If you’re seeking to shepherd people faithfully while building healthy ministry systems, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement grounded in Scripture.

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.

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 freedom Why leaders must be careful not to confuse personal conviction with spiritual maturity What it looks like to train for true godliness instead of performance-based religion

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

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 desire Why elder qualifications are rooted more in character than competency How leadership at home shapes leadership in the church This conversation offers practical wisdom for current elders, aspiring leaders, and anyone who wants to serve the church with humility and integrity.

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.

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