Shows
Watermark Video: Sunday MessagesThe Gospel According to Isaiah | Isaiah 61:1-3Continuing the Year of the Word series, Executive Director of Discipleship Dave Bruskas guides us through Isaiah 61 and poses three reflective questions from Jesus’ revelation in Nazareth: Do we see who he is clearly? Are we free from sin? Are we ready for Christ’s return?2025-07-2728 min
Watermark Sunday MessagesThe Gospel According to Isaiah | Isaiah 61:1-3Continuing the Year of the Word series, Executive Director of Discipleship Dave Bruskas guides us through Isaiah 61 and poses three reflective questions from Jesus’ revelation in Nazareth: Do we see who he is clearly? Are we free from sin? Are we ready for Christ’s return?2025-07-2728 min
Watermark's Church Leadership PodcastThe Real Cost of DiscipleshipIn this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, we’re sharing a talk that Dave Bruskas, Executive Director of Discipleship, gave at Church Leaders Conference 2025. Teaching from Luke 14, Dave reminds us of the true cost of following Jesus, and then challenges us to consider: Are we following Jesus on his terms, or ours? Dave encourages leaders to be disciples who are loyal to Jesus above all people, pursuits, and possessions. This message is an invitation for us all to rediscover the true cost and beauty of discipleship.
If your church is looking for a practical way to...2025-07-0926 min
The PorchWho Jesus is to You | Dave BruskasJesus is the One who gives the world around us meaning and significance — so what we believe to be true about Him matters. This week, guest speaker and executive director of discipleship, Dave Bruskas, leads us through Colossians 1 to remind us that Jesus is not just a representation of God, but God Himself, and that should change everything for us.2025-06-2400 min
The Porch (Video)Who Jesus is to You | Dave BruskasJesus is the One who gives the world around us meaning and significance — so what we believe to be true about Him matters. This week, guest speaker and executive director of discipleship, Dave Bruskas, leads us through Colossians 1 to remind us that Jesus is not just a representation of God, but God Himself, and that should change everything for us.2025-06-2400 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastFinancial Wisdom for Church LeadersMoney can be a sensitive topic for ministry leaders—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, John McGee, Dave Bruskas, and John Cox share personal stories and practical wisdom on stewarding personal finances with integrity, cultivating contentment, and planning for the future. Whether you’re leading a church or just starting in ministry, this honest, grace-filled conversation will challenge and equip you to lead well—both in your budget and your heart.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generati...2025-04-1642 min
Redeemer Network PodcastEpisode 13: Season 1 | Leader-DevelopingBrandon Barker, Jason Hatch, and Dave Bruskas discuss the eighth of ten health metrics for a healthy church: Leader-Developing. In this first season, pastors and leaders from the Redeemer Network will discuss all ten health metrics.Much of the Old Testament is the story of Israel rising and falling with her leaders. Jesus proved to be the Leader God’s people had been waiting for, and the New Testament is full of examples of the importance of faithful leadership. The priority and necessity of leadership are inescapable in the Bible. Healthy churches understand that sharing the leadership lo...2025-03-1757 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastLeading Through Church GrowthChurch growth is exciting—but it also brings leadership challenges. Maybe you’re feeling the weight of too many decisions, struggling to keep up with relationships, or realizing that what worked in the past isn’t working anymore. You’re not alone—every growing church faces these moments. The real question is: How will you lead through it? In the latest episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee, Dave Bruskas, and John Cox share insights on: ✅ Why churches stall—and how to break through ✅ How to delegate without losing control ✅ The leadership shifts ever...2025-03-0539 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastCombating Imposter SyndromeEver feel like you don’t belong in the role you’ve been given? You’re not alone. In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas dive into the realities of imposter syndrome—how it shows up in leadership, why it happens, and how to push through it. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, they remind us that insecurity is a universal challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold us back. Tune in and be encouraged: what’s hard today will become easy tomorrow if you lean in.
If your church is looking for a practic...2025-02-1935 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastKnowing When to StayIn today’s fast-paced culture, it’s easy to feel the pull toward the next big opportunity. As a follow-up to December’s episode, Knowing When to Leave, this episode dives into the topic of knowing when to stay and the value of long-term leadership in ministry. If you’re wrestling with the decision to stay or go, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace the long game in ministry—and experience the joy it brings.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcomin...2025-01-2239 min
Join The JourneyS4:008 Genesis 37-41Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual abuse."If God is good, why does evil exist?" Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Dave Bruskas explore this question through Genesis 37–41, offering a framework for viewing suffering in light of God’s character.Re:Gen Recovery Information: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recoveryMENd: Abuse Recovery for Men: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mendCourageous Hope: Abuse Recovery for Women: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hopeArticle on Effects of the Fall:https://www.gotquestions.org/desire-husband-rule.html2025-01-0918 min
The Older Pastor/Younger Pastor PodcastEpisode 216: 10 Years After Mars Hill with Dave BruskasOn this episode of the Older Pastor/Younger Pastor Podcast, Dave and Ryan continue their series 10 Years After Mars Hill; focusing specifically on Dave's journey.2024-12-2327 minJoin The JourneyS3:247 Luke 2:1-7The holidays can be a time that is lonely and hard. Today, Lauren Atkinson discusses with Dave Bruskas discuss Luke 2:1-7 and how God is present with us all seasons and sovereign over all things. Scriptures Referenced: Philippians 2 Link to Church Equipping Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watermarks-church-leadership-podcast/id1228898530 Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 Re|Gen Resources https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery2024-12-1616 min
Redeemer Midland“Joy” // Advent // Dave BruskasAll our reasons for joy have to do with the person of Jesus. This week, guest preacher Dave Bruskas taught from Luke 2:1-14 on joy.
Stay Connected with Redeemer:
Website: redeemermidland.org
Instagram: instagram.com/redeemermidland
Facebook: facebook.com/RedeemerMidland
At Redeemer, we seek to be a Gospel-Centered, Missional Family. We sing songs to worship our Lord, we preach the Word of God from the Bible, and we love one another.
We would love to see you on a Sunday morning at 9...2024-12-0836 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastKnowing When to LeaveStruggling 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 Unpredict...2024-12-0444 min
The Build Groups PodcastRecovery-Based MinistryDave Bruskas is the Director of Re:generation ministries at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX. Previously, Dave served as campus, campus network, executive, discipleship, and church planting pastor roles at the Village Church, Mars Hill Church, and City on a Hill Church. He served as a Regional Executive Director with Acts 29 Church Planting Network.In this episode, Dave discusses the importance of groups and recovery-based ministry. Re:generation ministry at Watermark Community Church is helping people find freedom from addictions, past hurts, or destructive patterns. People are experiencing the abundant life God desires...2024-09-2039 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastLeading Through Trials and SufferingIn 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.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-centered recovery ministry has helped thousands find fr...2024-09-1838 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastNavigating Faith DeconstructionOn 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.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on Se...2024-09-0454 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThe 6 C's of Crafting CultureCreating 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.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-centered recovery ministry has helped thousands find freedom in Christ from struggles like ad...2024-08-2140 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastHow to Lead Yourself After the Fall of Another LeaderWhen news of a pastor’s moral failure breaks, it’s appropriate to grieve for the pain the sin has caused and the damage God’s reputation has suffered. On this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas wrestle with their own complicated feelings about recent scandals and explore how we can lead ourselves well—avoiding self-righteousness and reorienting ourselves to truth.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. Thi...2024-06-2659 min
Watermark Equipping PodcastWhat is Union with Christ? Part II (feat. Dave Bruskas)In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by Dave Bruskas to finish out our two-part series on union with Christ, including discussions on applying it to our everyday lives, putting off sin, and signs we're getting it wrong. Chapter I: 00:00-07:37How does the concept of being united with Christ apply to our everyday lives? Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 1:15-23, Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians 3:1-17 Chapter II: 07:38-13:00Is it common to think less of putting ON CHRIST than we do of p...2024-06-2433 minWatermark Equipping PodcastWhat is Union with Christ? Part I (feat. Dave Bruskas)In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by Dave Bruskas, Watermark's Director of re:generation to discuss what "union with Christ" means, including how to live out of our identity in Christ. Part I: 04:58-15:20What does it mean to be united with Christ? Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 1:3-4, John 15:5 Extra Resources: On the Incarnation, St. Athanasius Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin Part II: 15:21-19:14 Why is the concept of "union with Chris...2024-06-2432 minWatermark Video: Sunday MessagesJesus and Gender | Colossians 1:15-20Continuing the "A Bible-Revering Church", Dave Bruskas, Director of Re:Generation, talked about the challenge today regarding gender ideology within the church. He began by asking, “Who is Jesus to us?”, then worked towards understanding who we are as gendered people.2024-06-1641 minWatermark Sunday MessagesJesus and Gender | Colossians 1:15-20Continuing the "A Bible-Revering Church", Dave Bruskas, Director of Re:Generation, talked about the challenge today regarding gender ideology within the church. He began by asking, “Who is Jesus to us?”, then worked towards understanding who we are as gendered people.2024-06-1641 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of Leading and Serving Your FamilyWe wrapped up the “Things I Didn’t Learn in Seminary” podcast series this week with an episode on how to lead and serve in your first and most important ministry: your family. Shepherding your family well--listed in 1 Timothy as a leadership qualification--can be challenging. Whether you have a spouse and kids or hope to someday, it’s worth preparing to face these occupational hazards with eyes wide open.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX...2024-04-1758 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of Personal InteractionsEver heard the joke, “I love ministry—it's people I can’t stand”? It’s funny because interacting with people can be difficult, but people are our ministry, and the way we interact with them matters immensely. In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas talk about the nuances of interpersonal exchanges, drawing from years of real-life ministry experience.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcoming Re:generation Training Conference on September 8–9 in Dallas, TX. This Christ-cent...2024-04-0341 minWatermark Video: Sunday MessagesGood Friday 2024In this message Dave Bruskas, Director of Re:generation, asks, “What do we do with Good Friday? What should be our response?” He then focuses our attention on the cross of Christ. When we come to Holy Week, we can often run past the cross to the resurrection. But the death of Christ is crucial for us and our salvation.2024-03-2928 minWatermark Sunday MessagesGood Friday 2024In this message Dave Bruskas, Director of Re:generation, asks, “What do we do with Good Friday? What should be our response?” He then focuses our attention on the cross of Christ. When we come to Holy Week, we can often run past the cross to the resurrection. But the death of Christ is crucial for us and our salvation.2024-03-2928 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of AdministrationIncompetence isn’t always a moral issue, but it will hobble your ministry just as quickly. People are inherently skeptical of churches, and if you don’t keep the trains running on time, you’ll erode their trust. In the fourth installment of this series, John McGee and Dave Bruskas discuss how the X’s and O’s of ministry administration, from complying with government regulations to maintaining excellent facilities, can either support or detract from the message of the Gospel. 2024-03-2051 min
Dad U PodcastModeling RepentanceIn this episode, Chris Sherrod is joined by Dave Bruskas to talk about the importance of incorporating and modeling repentance in your parenting. 2024-03-0730 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of Leading YourselfMinistry has a definite and appropriate outward focus. But you can’t lead others well if you aren’t leading yourself first—spiritually, practically, and physically. In this week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Dave Bruskas and John McGee discuss how stewarding your own time and gifts, from your schedule to your personal spiritual walk, can hugely impact your ministry’s fruitfulness. "The Rule of Life" Reference2024-03-0644 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of Organizational LeadershipA lot of us go into ministry unconsciously believing that we just need to know how to teach and preach well, when in fact, leadership involves a huge amount of team management and goal-setting. In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Watermark Director of re:generation Dave Bruskas return with more things they didn’t learn in seminary that have been invaluable in their pastoring careers.2024-02-2143 minWatermark's Church Leadership PodcastThings I Didn't Learn in Seminary: The Art of PastoringSeminary is invaluable for a pastor, but some aspects of ministry can only be learned through hands-on experience. This week’s episode of the Church Leadership Podcast kicks off a new 6-part series covering things we’ve learned on the job: how to handle a confession, what to say at a hospital visit, and much more. 2024-02-0749 min
Fireside Chats with Johnny BRe:GenerationToday I got to sit down with Dave Bruskas from the Re:Generation ministry and discuss how recovery ministries, such as Re:Generation can help veterans find recovery from past trauma through a relationship with Jesus. Check out this awesome ministry at https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/ 2024-02-0650 minWatermark's Church Leadership Podcast5 Biggest Ministry RegretsAs fallible humans, anyone who serves in ministry for a significant length of time will have some regrets—opportunities they should have taken, relationships they should have invested more in, and words they should have said (or not said). In this week’s Church Leadership Podcast, Watermark Director of re:generation Dave Bruskas reflects on the things he would do differently if he could go back, and how other church leaders can minimize their own regrets.
If your church is looking for a practical way to care for people who are hurting, don’t miss the upcomi...2023-09-2730 minDad U PodcastTeaching Your Children About JesusIn this Dad U session, Dave Bruskas gives some pointers and education on how to teach your children about Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can you help your child/children understand that Jesus gives meaning to everything in our world? What Scriptures would be helpful?
2. What passages come to mind that will call your child/children to believe that righteousness is a gift from God based on the person and work of Jesus?
3. How can you help your child/children grow in obedience to Jesus? How can the bible help them?
4. What can you do to be better equipped to teach...2023-08-3140 min
Through the Bible for Skeptics and SeekersReconstructing My FaithI grew up hearing: "The Bible says it. That settles it. I believe it."
The problem with that is I had lots of questions!
I deconstructed my faith without throwing out baby Jesus with the bath water.
I reconstructed my faith in Seattle with Gary Irby (Northwest Church Planting) , Dave Bruskas (Acts 29), and Norm Finch followed by 12 1/2 years with Erwin McManus in Los Angeles (Mosaic), and the past 12 years with John Burke in Austin (Gateway).
I have a M.Div. from Golden Gate Seminary, and a D.Min. in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Bethel Seminary.
There is beauty in the...2023-08-2801 min
City Church MelissaThe Preeminence of Christ (Col 1:15-17) - Single Sermon MessagesMessage from Dave Bruskas on October 23, 20222022-10-2335 minCity Church Melissa Video SermonsThe Preeminence of Christ (Col 1:15-17) - Single Sermon MessagesMessage from Dave Bruskas on October 23, 20222022-10-2300 min
Northbrook Church | North Fort WorthMatthew 7:24-29 | Dave BruskasListen as guest preacher Dave Bruskas completes a series on the Sermon on the Mount.
Northbrook church is a Gospel-Centered Church in North Fort Worth striving to Enjoy God, Make Disciples, & Plant Churches.
Sermon Date: 08-28-222022-08-3039 min
The Acts 29 PodcastDave Bruskas on New U.S. Regions2022-04-0730 minThe Acts 29 PodcastDave Bruskas on Acts 29's Regional LeadershipActs 29 is a global community of healthy, multiplying churches. In the USA, we have Regional Executive Directors (REDs) that help facilitate and lead Act 29 initiatives in the various regions of the USA. Dave Bruskas joins the show today to tell us about how path to ministry, the role of REDs, and his hopes for Acts 29.2021-10-0734 min
Veterans of Culture Wars033: Driscoll's Spiritual Father Grift: Jolie Monea and Tiffany Eneas from Trinity ChurchJolie Monea and Tiffany Eneas, formerly members of The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, AZ, join the pod to talk about their experiences at Mark Driscoll's desert church, where Mark and Grace Driscoll present themselves as spiritual "father" and "mother" in front of the church while congregants are the "family". Jolie also shares about how her long-term friendship with the Driscolls (one of her daughters is married to one of the Driscoll sons) led to her family being part of a small home group with them after Mark resigned from Mars Hill, then ultimately moving with the Driscolls from Seattle...2021-09-091h 54
Veterans of Culture Wars029: Inside Mark Driscoll's Castle: Former Security Director Chad Freese and Volunteer Ben EneasStories of control and paranoia from The Trinity Church, where at least one leader believes Mark Driscoll is the closest thing to Jesus on earth. Chad and Ben talk about how they ended up there, why they left, and why they feel Mark Driscoll should not be leading a church.
Follow Chad Freese on Twitter: @deardriscoll
Mentioned on the podcast:
-Former security director Chad Freese's website: https://www.deardriscoll.com/
-Tiffany Eneas (Ben's wife) wrote about her experiences on Warren Throckmorton's blog: https://www.wthrockmorton.com...2021-08-101h 50
Citizens Church SermonsThe Preeminance of ChristWhen we spend more time with Jesus, we come to know and love Him more, ultimately finding our meaning, mission and message as we go out into the world and live as people of God under His grace and for His glory. Featuring guest Preacher Dave Bruskas; scripture Colossians 1:15-20. 2021-07-2637 min
The Innovative Church Leaders PodcastThe Post-Christian Podcast - David Bruskas (Acts 29)In this episode, Eric Bryant interviews Dave Bruskas, one of the Regional Executive Directors of Acts 29, a church planting network. Eric and Dave served together planting a church in Seattle. Dave also planted a church in Albuquerque, NM. He was an Executive Pastor at Mars Hill in Seattle with Mark Driscoll and on staff at The Village Church with Matt Chandler.
Recently Dave has been featured in The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a podcast from Christianity Today. Dave is passionate about discipleship, transparency in leadership, and raising up effective church planters and pastors to reach...2021-07-2329 min
Hillside Fellowship PodcastSummer Series - Dave Bruskas - Colossians 1:15-20We end our Summer Series today as we host Dave Bruskas! Dave will walk us through Colossians 1:15-20, sharing about Jesus First and the preeminence of Christ. We will also be taking communion together at the end of service, so be sure to gather your communion elements!Our Summer Series has been introducing us to men who have been on the front lines of church planting. We hope to learn from such friends as we pray to become a fruitful family, launching more works in more places so that more people will be changed by Jesus.2020-08-0344 min
Mars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioConfidence (Part 13)In this message Pastor Dave Bruskas leads us through the final installment of our 1 John: Love One Another series.2014-11-2400 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioFaith, Love, and Victory (Part 11)This message from Pastor Dave Bruskas is part eleven of our 1 John: Love One Another series. In this sermon, entitled “Faith, Love, and Victory" Pastor Dave takes us through 1 John 5:1–5 where we investigate the reality that Jesus is both our liberator and leader, both our messiah and king.2014-11-1000 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioGod is Love (Part 10)This message from Pastor Dave Bruskas is part ten of our 1 John: Love One Another series. In this sermon Pastor Dave takes us through 1 John 4:7–21 where we investigate the truth that God is love.2014-11-0300 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioGod is Greater (Part 8)This message from Pastor Dave Bruskas is entitled “God is Greater” and it is part eight of our 1 John: Love One Another series.2014-10-2000 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioLove, Hate, Life and Death (Part 7)This week Pastor Dave Bruskas leads us through part seven of our 1st John: Love One Another series with a message entitled, “Love, Hate, Life and Death.”2014-10-1300 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioChildren of God (Part 6)This week Pastor Dave Bruskas leads us through week six of our 1 John: Love One Another series with a message entitled, “Children of God.”2014-10-0600 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioLiving in the Last Hour (Part 5)This week Pastor Dave Bruskas leads us through week five of the 1 John: Love One Another series with a message entitled, “Living in the Last Hour.”2014-09-2900 minMars Hill Church | 1 John: Love One Another | AudioThe World God Does Not Love (Part 4)This week Pastor Dave Bruskas leads us through week four of our series, 1 John: Love One Another, with a message entitled, “The World God Does Not Love.”2014-09-2200 min
Stonegate Church PodcastIt's All About JesusMessage by Dave Bruskas from Mars Hill Church, Seattle.2011-10-2300 min
Engage City Church PodcastActs 29 Australasia Coaching April 2011 Part 2 - Pastor Dave BruskasActs 29 Australasia Coaching April 2011 Part 2 - Pastor Dave Bruskas2011-04-1518 minEngage City Church PodcastActs 29 Australasia Coaching April 2011 - Pastor Dave BruskasActs 29 Australasia Coaching April 2011 - Pastor Dave Bruskas2011-04-1418 min