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.
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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. Chu
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 ministryHow The Great Commission shapes everyday church leadershipPractical encouragement for leading people toward a heart for the lostChurch Leaders
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 transform
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"
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
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.
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 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
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 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.
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
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas continue through 1 Timothy, unpacking verses 8–11. They discuss how this passage shows that misusing the law leads to confusion and, ultimately, to moralism. Listen in to learn more about: Why clarity on the gospel always matters—especially in leadershipHow well-intended teaching can drift into moralismWhy obedience flows from identity, not effort
What’s the real measure of faithful church leadership? In this episode of our 1 Timothy series, John McGee and Dave Bruskas talk through 1 Timothy 1:3–7 and press into a deceptively simple, but deeply challenging question for every church leader: what is the aim of our leadership? Paul tells Timothy that the goal of faithful leadership isn’t programs, platforms, or performance. It’s love—love that flows from a transformed heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. In this episode, John and Dave explore how the gospel—not fear, pressure, or control—is what actually produces that kind of love
The Church Leadership Podcast is officially on video, and we’re kicking off 2026 with a brand-new series through 1 Timothy. You can now watch on YouTube and Spotify—or listen wherever you stream podcasts—as we step into this next season together. In this first episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas reflect on what faithful leadership looks like when it’s rooted in our identity and the grace of God. In this episode, they talk about: Knowing who you are and who you’re not as a church leader Why clarity of calling brings confidence without arrogance The importance of spiritual fatherhood, friendshi
As this year comes to a close, we want to share one final conversation with you—not to give you more to do, but to offer a moment to pause. In our final episode of the year, John McGee shares five simple ways to finish the year by leading yourself well, creating space for reflection and clarity as you step into what’s next. Key takeaways from this episode: Attend to the people closest to you End the year in gratitude Simplify your habits and focus Clarify what truly matters Create space for joy and renewed energy More than anything, this episode is our way of saying thank you for your faithful
In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Tyler Moffett, Director of Discipleship at The Porch, share what they saw on a recent trip to the UK and why it matters for churches here at home.
Ministry can feel a lot like running a marathon—long, demanding, and full of moments when you wonder if you can keep going. In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares what the New York City Marathon taught him about the race of ministry. From finding a sustainable pace to staying faithful in each season, he unpacks how leaders can endure—and even enjoy—the miles ahead. John reminds us that finishing well is about crossing the finish line surrounded by people you love, at peace with your relationships, and full of joy.
In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why learning to say “no” may be one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop as a church leader. He offers practical wisdom and real-life lessons on creating margin so you can say yes to what matters most and use your unique gifts to build up the body of Christ.
When crisis hits your church, how you communicate can build—or break—trust. In this episode, John McGee sits down with Watermark’s Executive Director of Communications, Caitlin Van Wagoner, to talk about what it means to lead with wisdom, calm, and clarity when a crisis hits.
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas, take listeners on a journey through the life and legacy of John Calvin. Fresh from visiting Geneva, John shares powerful reflections on walking where Calvin once preached and the lessons he carried home. Together they unpack what every church leader can learn today from Calvin’s example.
Last week was sobering. Between heartbreaking acts of violence, the anniversary of 9/11, and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, many pastors and church leaders found themselves asking: How do I shepherd my people in moments like this? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas sit down for a candid, impromptu conversation. They reflect on how leaders can: Lead with a biblical worldview Help their people process and see the hope of Christ Steward when people are walking into church for the first time
Social media can amplify your ministry—or quietly erode your soul. For church leaders, it raises a critical question: do you really need an online presence to be faithful and effective? In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Dave Bruskas and Emma Dotter to explore the opportunities and dangers of social media in ministry. Together they discuss: Why church leaders don’t have to be on social media to lead well How online presence can disciple, encourage, or unintentionally harm others Practical wisdom for guarding your heart and leading your staff teams online
