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

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.

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 leadership
• How well-intended teaching can drift into moralism
• Why obedience flows from identity, not effort

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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 in a church.

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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, friendship, and long-term relationships in ministry

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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 faithfulness and the many unseen ways you’ve shown up to serve God’s people this year.

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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.

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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.

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

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.

If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.

1. March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)
2. March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)

Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences