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